Some secrets refuse to stay buried, and the moment they surface, everything can explode.
"Kaira, I'm talking to you," Alisha called, but Kaira quickly ran to the toilet.
"I just hope you're okay," Alisha muttered, dragging herself back to the bed.
The next day, Kaira began work. Her first day was exhausting, but she had Jerome by her side, cheerful and talkative. She wore a nose mask with a handkerchief inside. Breathing through it was hard, so she sometimes removed it, only to put it back when the coughing worsened.
Time with Alisha had grown scarce, and Kaira knew her friend might be wondering, but she owed everything to the girl who had pushed her to make new connections.
A month and few weeks had passed since Kaira started working. She had pleaded with Jerome not to tell Alisha about her health. But that day, as she labored, Jerome noticed how weak she was. When he offered to help carry some things, she first refused, but he insisted.
He gave her a chair to sit while he took over. Kaira felt her chest tighten, her heartbeat quicken, and her strength drain. She was unusually weak.
Her phone rang. It was her mother. Since it was Friday, the workplace was quiet, so she answered softly.
"Good afternoon, ma," she said.
"Where are you?" her mother's voice was firm.
"I… I'm on my way back to school," she stammered.
"But Alisha has been back," her mother said, expecting more.
"I went to submit my assignment, so I…" Kaira trailed off.
"You better not make me come there. If I do, that will be the end of your education. Don't let me find out you're doing nonsense," her mother warned before hanging up.
Kaira's hands trembled as she pocketed the phone. Anxiety tightened her chest, and her throat burned. She coughed violently, trying to hide it with the handkerchief.
Jerome noticed immediately and hurried to her side.
"Hey! Are you okay?" he asked, concern etched on his face.
Kaira could only nod, tears spilling down. Jerome ran to fetch a bottle of water.
"Here, have some," he said. But as she brought it to her lips, she coughed again, and the clear water turned red. Jerome froze, staring in shock. Kaira, confused, dropped the bottle.
The cough returned, stronger. The handkerchief was soaked. Jerome covered his mouth, then steadied himself.
"Stand up," he urged.
"Jay, I'm fine," Kaira whispered, clutching the wet cloth.
"Fine? You're coughing up blood!" Jerome's voice shook. "You need a doctor now!"
"No, Jay. I'll be okay. Just don't tell anyone," she wheezed, holding onto him.
"Are you hearing yourself? You're really sick! Look at you,you've lost so much weight," he said urgently. "Please, Kaira."
"I can't… aff…ord it," she murmured, vision blurring, collapsing into his arms.
"I'll pay!" Jerome insisted, steadying her trembling body as sweat and blood soaked her clothes.
"No. I'll be fine. Don't tell Alisha," she said, voice regaining strength. She staggered to her feet and walked away, leaving Jerome frozen.
Her phone rang again by the roadside under a nearby tree. She answered, voice weak.
"Yes, Mum."
"Do you know you're not serious? Alisha said you haven't been going to class," her mother scolded.
"Mum… I haven't been feeling well," Kaira whispered, clutching her chest.
"Every time you fall sick? What about Alisha? She's been living with you all this while!"
"I'm sorry, Mum," Kaira managed.
"I think it's time I report you to your father," her mother said, hanging up.
For the first time in weeks, rage surged through Kaira. Her body felt ablaze with fury, so intense even the cool breeze stung. She stormed into the hostel and found Alisha cooking.
"You're home? I'm preparing lunch for us," Alisha said, suddenly kind.
"You're a devil. Alisha, what on earth have I done to deserve this from you?" Kaira barked, chest heaving.
"Why is there blood on your blouse?" Alisha asked, voice trembling as she reached out. Kaira stepped back, the tension thick.
"Kaira, speak up! What are you hiding?" Alisha shouted.
Kaira opened her mouth but coughed violently, blood spilling again. Alisha froze, wide-eyed, unable to move.
Some battles aren't fought in front of anyone. And some truths will ignite a fire too strong to contain. Kaira had just reached the point where nothing,fear, illness, or even friendship could hold her back.