KAAKAA MEDIA: THE RED RIBBON IV

Sunday, May 10, 2020

THE RED RIBBON IV

AT THE HOSPITAL

“So, in any case you find yourself positive of the virus, you should know there are treatments that can be facilitated to help you get better. If you are negative of the virus, you should have yourself tested after three months and engage in protected sex by use of a condom.” Said Doctor Halima calmly.

In my thoughts, I kept thinking of what would happen if my results comes out positive. I almost refused taking the test, but my friends were boldly determined after having a rough month. Sandy, who had made us come to this point, had been falling sick time to time, he suggested for the test to confirm his doubts. Tony, on the other hand had his gravely fears about the matter while John just seemed confused.

Blood tests were done, we waited for the results. ‘Terrified!’ was the only verb in our minds as our hearts thumped to the rhythmic beats of the “Wamlambez” song playing in the background. Clouds of nervousness had formed inside us. No one whispered a word to another. We seemed total strangers at that moment. After ten minutes waiting, we were ushered in as we had promised ourselves to do it as a group and needed the results revealed to us at ago.

“Am sorry to say this..." she posed. We made eye contact to each other in disbelief. "Sandy, you are HIV positive...” She revealed. At that moment I just knew all of us were bound to be positive. I could see melancholic tears rolling down his cheeks, lost in himself but we had to show him that we were strong though the world was shattering for us. “The rest of you are safe for now, you tested negative.” She finished and left us. Light and ray of hope surfaced again for the three of us. Sandy by now couldn't even face us. He felt like an outsider but we were determined to help him through this. We checked out of the hospital after sorting his medication. No one uttered a single word through the journey till upon reaching his home. Sandy was in a sorry state, looking devastated. His life-everything about him seemed to be crumbling.

“How can I live with such a terrifying disease?” He asked between sobs. “Sandy this is not the end of life, we have you.” I replied. “Just let me think about it, you guys just go home.” He said as we reached at the door step of his apartment. We didn’t want to upset him-we left. That was the moment I realized why life has so many complains. That night, I received a message from Sandy...

From Sandy OG

Thanks for being a great friend to me, our friendship has been amazing, like family. I consider you guys as my brothers. This is the end of my life and I can’t let you guys live with me as a burden. Take care of each other. Brother, goodbye.