Chord LIMITLESS : Episode 8

“Are you sure about this?” Bana Mapalo asked as she stared at me intently.
It was a Sunday and I had decided to visit her. She was after all one of my biggest cheerleaders. She had been the first person I had called when my results came out. I had gotten seven points. All those hours of studying and pushing myself to the limit had finally paid off. I nodded.
“Very sure. I know quitting my job will not be easy but I have been granted a 100% bursary by the Bursary’s committee and where better to learn than this place?” I asked as I handed her the brochure of the university I had picked in Germany.
I could see that she was sad and it saddened me too but honestly at this point I had decided that there was no turning back. I had spent nights praying over getting a bursary and the day I was called by the committee was to be told that I was going to Germany. I had been excited but then again thinking of leaving Lumuno behind was something I couldn’t do.


I had explained to the committee that I had no one to leave my child with and they had told me to go home and think about it. I had gone home and cried my eyes out; begging the Lord to come through for me. The committee had given me a week to think through and decide on what I wanted to do. I remember sitting up at night and staring at Lumuno as he slept beside me. There was no way I was going to leave him. I had made up my mind. On the very last day something unexpected happened.
I had just gone into town to get Lumuno diapers from the Indian shops in Freedom way and as I was crossing cairo road I witnessed a small white boy toss his ball into the road and then run after it. It all happened so fast, he had just bent over to pick the ball and a truck was coming full force from the Kafue roundabout. My only thought was the boy was going to be hit and the impact would kill him.


 Without much thought I dashed into the road and pulled the boy with me. I recall following into the next lane as horns blared at us and I heard tires screeching then screams. I was lying on top of the boy, my heart pounding underneath me as people pulled me off him. I was confused as people helped me up and those in the cars came out. I saw the boy being whisked into his mother’s waiting arms. She sobbed as she held her son.
“I looked away just for a minute,” she kept muttering in a strong accent.
“Thank this lady here,” I heard someone shout over the noise.
“Mupaseni Ndalama!”
I was certain it was a kaponya. The woman looked up and our eyes met.
“I don’t know how to thank you,” she said whilst still crying.
I shook my head. “No need to thank me. I am certain someone would have done the same for my son if it happened.”


She walked over to me and pulled me into a hug. I held her as she wept. After some time we were asked to leave and the crowd dispersed. She insisted I join her for a drink so we headed to debonairs. I was actually shaken by the whole thing but I didn’t want to tell her; she was too distraught over her son almost being run over by a truck. We sat quietly as she gazed at her son who was now asleep in her arms. I had told her he needed to get checked but she insisted that he was fine and if he showed any signs of not feeling well she would take him to the hospital.
“I am sure he is shaken up and him sleeping is good,”she said.
I nodded and then kept silent. I too was shaken up. Images kept flashing in my head. How could I have just jumped onto the road to save a total stranger whilst not taking regard for my own life. I thought of Lumuno and how I almost made him homeless. Tears almost streamed out but the woman watching me made me self conscious.


“I am Marta,” she said extending her hand.
“Rosemary although everyone calls me Rose,” I said taking her hand.
She then informed me that she was a German who worked for the embassy. She told me that she was a widow and had taken the job here to try to forget. She told me that she was from Humboldt. I smiled at that. My Bursary was to study at the University of Heidelberg. I asked her about Heidelberg and she told me. She said Heidelberg is a town on the Neckar River in south-western Germany. It’s known for venerable Heidelberg University, founded in the 14th century. Gothic Heiliggeistkirche church towers over the cafe-lined Marktplatz, a town square in the Altstadt (Old Town). The red-sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle. I watched as she told me of her childhood in the small town and how when she came of age she went to Berlin and studied at the University of Humboldt.
“My mother was disappointed because she expected me to be at the local uni; but I honestly think that it was fate. If I hadn’t gone I wouldn’t have met my wonderful husband.”
I asked her what happened to her husband and she told me that he died in an accident on the Himalayas.


“He was an explorer and the climb went wrong,” she said and I could see the sadness in her eyes.
I felt for her. She then asked about my life. For no reason I felt really comfortable with her so I told her everything to a point where I had to decide on what to do with Lumuno. She stared at me for a minute before a smile formed on her face.
“I have the perfect solution for you and I think it will be my way of repaying you for saving my son’s life.”
I shook my head. “No need to pay me,” I said protesting.
She reached out and touched my hand. “I think this is the Lord’s answer to your prayers.” She leaned back in her seat and then stared at her son for a moment. “His name is Friedrich, he looks so much like his father. I don’t know what I would have done had I lost him too so yes, I owe you more than you know.”
She reached for my hand. “I am leaving for Germany in a year or so. I know leaving your son with a stranger is not easy but I am willing to look after him the year I am still here and then process papers for him and we shall come with him.”


I had stared at her like she was crazy. I wanted to say no but before I could she told me how it would make settling easier for me. She also told me about the house she had rented out for a year, the house she was planning to come back to live in while she started her job at the University. After much convincing I finally gave in. She told me to trust in the will of God.
“This happened because he wanted this for you. Go home and read the letter your mother wrote in her final good bye to you.”
I had gone home feeling so emotional and I had held Lumuno without wanting to let him go. When he finally slept I lay him on the bed and then pulled out the little box where I had kept mother’s letter and a Chitenge she had left me. A chitenge that she only wore on special occasions and one that I had wanted to steal over the years.
My dearest daughter
I know by the time you get this I will be long gone; resting after all the pain I have endured. Do not look at my death as loss but be happy as I will no longer be in pain. I just have one regret, that I was not there when your innocence was taken away. That I could not hold and comfort you but all I ask is that you love the child. He is innocent. There is nothing he has done to you. He was born because God wills it.


Everything that had happened in your life take and learn from it. Praise the Lord even when it seems things are going bad. I have always told you that the storms in our lives happen to make us stronger. You have always been a strong girl, one I have always been proud of. I know that you are deemed for greatness. When you finally make it please do not forget your roots or where you come from. There are people God will send to you to help you; these will be genuine, accept their help. Then there will be those who will pretend but will want to see you fail. Nothing will make you fail or lose your way as long as you learn on God. If you have faith and you lean on him nothing is impossible.
Remember always that for you the possibilities in life are limitless. You have so much to live for. So much awaits you. Your future is bright. Work hard, smile always and always look to God. I love you.
I shed tears as I re-read the letter. I knelt down and poured out my heart to the Lord. I cried as I prayed. When I was done I felt such peace. I sat on the bed as I wiped my tears then took out my phone and dialled Marta’s number. I told her without hesitation that I would take her up on her offer.


“He will join me in a year.”
“Are you sure?” Bana Mapalo asked.
“God has shown me that he will be fine. In that year I will have settled and Marta has even helped me find a job in a cafe to help me sort out my expenses.”
“Then if you have prayed about it and feel this is what God wants you to do then go ahead my child,” Bana Mapalo said.
I walked to where she sat and knelt. “I also came to thank you for being a constant in my life. You have never shied away from correcting me when I am wrong. You are my second mother and I will never forget you. I promise when I make it in life I will not forget you.”
She put her arms round me. “You my dear are a rare gem. You will surely shine. I have faith in you and your mother’s blessings are with you.You have grown into a beautiful and strong woman and nothing will ever tear you down. I love you my child. God be with you always.”
Older rose.


Leaving Lumuno had been the hardest thing I had ever had to do. I had cried as I walked away from the terminal towards the plane. It felt like my heart was being ripped out of my heart. I wished I could go with him but Marta had promised that in a year he would be with me. I cried as the plane took off. Bana Mapalo had come to see me off. She had promised to keep an eye on y son. Whatever little money I had saved up I sent to Moses to help with the kids just in case it took longer for me to settle. The flight took about twelve hours. We landed in Dusseldorf and I was met my Sasha. She was an administrative assistant and had been sent to pick me. We got on the train and unfortunately I was so tired that I dosed off and only woke when she shook me. I was embarrassed. It seemed we had reached our destination and I had slept through it all. She led me to a small red Renault car parked in the train parking lot and we put my stuff there before we drove off.
Marta had told me that the climate here was oceanic and could get cold. She had helped me get clothing conducive for the weather. I watched as we drove along the little town. Marta had told me all about it.


 She had said Heidelberg was planned and built, together with the castle, in the 13th century. It was one of the only cities that were spared the destruction from the Second World War. I looked out at the lush greenery and the Neckar River. I could see the romanticism of the whole place and knew my stay would be wonderful. I glanced at the brochure Sasha had given me and smiled knowing that I had chosen a good school. It held one of the best medical programs in the country and probably in Europe.
I was excited to learn in an institute that had produce 56 Nobel Prize winners and it emphasized on research. I was certain I was going to learn a lot. Marta had suggested I study Neurology although I was determined to study Obs/Gynae as a specialty once I completed my years of medical training. I continued to look at the pamphlet before looking up and Thanking God for the safe passage and for the opportunity to start my life afresh in a new country. I hoped that I wouldn’t let anyone down and everything would work out just fine.


EIGHT YEARS LATER
“This came in the mail for you,” Marta said as she walked into the house.
She had returned to Germany a year after I did with Lumuno. Seeing my son again had been wonderful. I had shed tears of joy and that night I had spent my night thanking God. At first he had wanted to refuse me but after begging him and some encouragement from Marta he finally came to. Luckily they had come on a Friday meaning I could spend the weekend with them. Having him so close was just right. I had settled well in school and I loved the town. Usually on days when I wanted quiet time I would seat by the river with a book. I had also taken time to explore the town and I loved everything about it. The people were friendly and very helpful. I had also managed to get myself a job in one of the cafes. Working and studying especially medicine wasn’t easy but I was determined to make it. I kept pushing myself as I needed to provide for my siblings and son.
I put the mug of coffee I was sipping on and then took the letter from her. Seeing the logo on the envelope made my hands shake. I looked at Marta who was eyeing me. I looked at her mother Francina.


“Open it,” Francina said.
I shook my head and handed it to Marta. I had applied to do my residency at the famous John Hopkins hospital. I had read gifted hands by Ben Carson and had wanted to follow in his footsteps. I had long fallen in love with neurology and wanted to pursue that path but in a different country. I had graduated from medical school and was doing my internship at one of the hospitals in Frankfurt. I was due to end my internship in a few weeks then I could do my residency.
“Please open it,” I said in a whisper as I said a silent prayer to God. “Please don’t let this be a letter of rejection.”
I watched as Marta tore open the letter then skimmed through it before looking at me.
“You made it,” she said with a slow smile.
“What?” I jumped up.


“You made it,” she said again as tears streamed from her eyes.
I hugged her as I also started crying. My Lord had been faithful. He hadn’t let me down. I had spent nights and nights studying and learning everything I could. The Doctors at the university had been wonderful. Offering me good recommendations. I had even been picked as one of the most promising young doctors.
“I told you that you would make it,” Francina said as she rubbed my back.
I turned to look at her. Her eyes were glistened with tears. She had become another mother to me. I remember how she had sought me out on my second day at school. She had come laden with a basket full of baked goodies.
“I came to look for the girl who saved my Grandson’s life. I also came to say you are welcome in my home any time. What you did has made you one of us,” she had said as she had hugged me.


She had been true to her word. Weekends were spent with her when I was free. She took it upon herself to help me with my German and whatever help I needed. She had also taken in Lumuno and had appointed herself his German granny.
“Come now, let us stop crying and instead start celebrating,” Marta said laughingly.
She took my hand then walked to a cabinet and pulled out a bottle of wine.
“I have been saving this for a special occasion and this is a special occasion,” she said as she opened the drawers searching for a cork screw.
I looked at Francina who had her hands clasped. She winked at me then watched as Marta popped open the wine.
“The glasses,” she called out and I rushed to get some.
I laughed as Marta poured the wine into the glasses then she made a toast. “To Rose. A woman who has not allowed anything to stand in her way of achieving her dreams. May the Lord continue guiding and blessing you. And I hope that with this new road you are taking you will thrive.”


“Cheers!” cried Francina as she gulped the wine causing me to laugh. She loved her wine and had taught me to appreciate it. “I am after all half French and we the French love our wine,” she would always say.
“Come on Rose Hachitema, you are twenty seven and have never found time to date,” Marta said as we went through dresses in H&M.
We were in Frankfurt and I was looking for a dress to wear to the end of year party at the hospital. I made a face. She had been bugging me to accept an invitation from one of the other African students. He was originally from Uganda. He was tall and good looking in his own way but romance was the last thing on my mind. I was already preparing mentally to leave for the US. I shrugged.
“I have enough men in my life,” I said.
“Lulu and Freidrich don’t count,” she said causing me to laugh.
“Marta, I am not looking for any romance. I have a tough residency program to think about now. And honestly right now I am also thinking of my trip home.”


I hadn’t been to Zambia from the time I left. Francina had suggested I go there over Christmas before embarking on my new adventure. Lulu was staying back with Marta till I was done with my program. I knew he was in good hands. And besides he was practically German. He spoke the language well and had adapted well.
“I am certain that your family will be happy to see you,” she said as she pulled out a cream dress with a full skirt.
I made a face and she laughed before quickly replacing it. “Yes. I am excited to see them. Nine years is a long time. Beside maybe we can all celebrate Christmas together.”
She nodded then pulled out a blue turquoise wrap dress that had me smile. “Not yours, but mine,” she said before I could grab it from her. “I am picking you a dress that will accentuate those curves. While some of us are crying for curves you are hiding them in loose clothing or doctor scrubs. Stop living like an old woman and start living,” she said walking away.
I shook my head. I had been putting Marta off for years. She had wanted for me to have a make-over. Some into my own she would always say. I watched as she picked clothes from the racks and then pushed me into a fitting room. She told me not to come out till she saw everything on me.


She had her own little fashion show as I showed her outfit after outfit. I had to say I had fun and for the first time I saw the body she was talking about. I looked good in the pencil skirts and the dresses she picked.
“These I am paying for,” she said before I could protest. “My gift to you,” she added as she removed her credit card.
“From here we are going to the salon. Time to get rid of those locks and try something new,” she said.
I groaned. Not my locks. I had settled for them especially that they were easy to care for especially with my busy schedule. She dragged me to a salon and told the lady to trim off the locks. I tried to argue but Marta wouldn’t have it.
“A girl as pretty as you shouldn’t let herself go. You are brilliant but you are clueless about many other things. Forget the past. Live for today. Have some fun and this night you will have fun,” she said.
I watched as the lady cut off my braids and then Marta chose an off black weave to put in my head.


“Do a pixie cut but make her look like Halle Berry,” she said as she settled in a seat next to mine and crossed her legs.
The person who looked back at me was unrecognisable once I was done. Marta smiled and gave me a knowing look. She then dragged me to my little apartment that I was renting in town and told me to call Benson the guy from Uganda to accept the invitation. I did then she told me to shower before she did my makeup and then pulled out a black bodycon dress.
“ You look amazing,” she said softly. “ Sexy but not slutty. More sophisticated,” she said as she sat on my bed.
I looked at myself in the mirror. I had curves in all the right places. I honestly wasn’t comfy in the dress and hoped that Benson would take my dressing wrongly.

Watch out for episode 9