bookpub Chapter 51 - 51: Specialist
Chapter 51 - 51: Specialist
Matilda froze, her eyes fixed on the lifeless form of Zafron lying in a pool of blood. Her lips parted in shock, unable to process the scene before her. Thoughts raced through her mind: 'This can't be Zafron. He's not supposed to be lying there, so still, so... lifeless.'
Suddenly, Mara's voice cut through the air, shattering the eerie silence. "No! Zafron?" she called out, her tone laced with panic as she approached and saw him on the ground.
Without hesitation, she dropped to her knees, grabbing him and pulling him up, shaking him desperately. "Wake up, Zafron! Please, wake up!" Tears began to stream down Mara's face as she pleaded with his unresponsive form.
Matilda's internal turmoil continued as she began to walk closer, her movements slow and hesitant. 'He's not responding to Mara's calls. Oh God, please don't let him be dead.' The thought sent a chill through her body, and a single tear escaped, rolling down her cheek.
Kneeling beside Zafron, Matilda reached out with trembling hands. Her fingers traced a path from his hand to his damaged face, her touch gentle as if afraid he might shatter. Her voice quavered as she finally spoke, "Mara... what happened?"
Mara couldn't contain herself, her body wracked with sobs. Between gasps and tears, she managed to choke out, "G-Gustavo... he attacked us. He... he almost killed me too, but I..." Her words dissolved into more crying as the horror of the situation overwhelmed her once again.
Matilda's gaze shifted between Mara's distraught form and Zafron's motionless body, the gravity of the situation sinking in with each passing second.
She pressed her fingers against Zafron's neck,
Matilda's hand instinctively went to her pocket, feeling the wad of cash she had with her. "I'll pay whatever it takes," she said firmly, her eyes never leaving Zafron's still form. "As long as he can help Zafron, I'm ready to pay."
The old man nodded, seemingly satisfied with her determination. He turned to a younger man in the group. "Kojo, go fetch Dr. Mensah. Tell him it's an emergency."
Without a word, Kojo darted out of the room, his footsteps fading as he ran towards the doctor's house.
Matilda let out a shaky breath, her shoulders sagging slightly with relief that help was on the way. She moved closer to Zafron, her hand gently brushing his forehead. Mara stood nearby, her arms wrapped around herself, still visibly shaken.
The room fell into an uneasy silence as they waited for Kojo to return with the doctor. The old man kept a watchful eye on Zafron, occasionally adjusting the leaves on his wounds. The other villagers hovered nearby, ready to help but unsure what more they could do.