Madiaw Thiam, returning from the hospital, was so furious that he smashed everything in his path. He shouted and even threw his cap to the ground.
As for Tierno Dal, he felt more moral pain than physical pain. He had the feeling he had fallen in love with Soukeyna and could not bear to imagine the cruelty Neub and Mong Dal might have inflicted upon her.
Suddenly, voices were heard.
“What have I done to God?” cried a woman’s voice.
Tierno rushed to the window and saw Soukeyna in terrible condition, accompanied by a woman who would not stop screaming. The doctor, entering Tierno’s room at that very moment, looked shocked.
“Are you crazy, or do you want to die?” the doctor demanded. “Lie down and rest!”
“But I just wanted—” Tierno began.
“No ‘but,’” the doctor interrupted. “You’re lucky to still be alive. I thought you were dead!”
“You don’t understand,” Tierno said.
“I’ve been told you have two names in the police report,” the doctor added, staring at him strangely. “I should arrange a psychiatrist for you once you’re discharged.”
“One, I am not crazy,” Tierno said firmly, locking eyes with him.
“I know,” the doctor replied.
“And two, thank you for treating me. But show some respect.”
“First of all, the police are not after you. According to witnesses, you did not have bad intentions. Secondly, your body is weak and you need proper rest,” the doctor continued, still staring at him. “So lie down and keep quiet. And how can someone have two names?”
“I joined a gang because I lacked friends, money, companionship. I accepted their pseudonym—Dal,” Tierno admitted.
“Who?” the doctor asked, surprised.
“Don’t even try to find out,” Tierno replied. “My real name is Tierno Diagne. I’m taking back my real name.”
“Very well. That unfortunate girl must be Soukeyna?” the doctor asked.
“Soukeyna?” Tierno repeated, his face pale. “The woman screaming must be her mother.”
“She doesn’t look like she’ll calm down anytime soon,” the doctor answered.
The people who had rescued Soukeyna had returned her merchandise to her father, whom they found in a pitiful state. One of them tried to comfort him.
“It’s painful—very painful—but you must pull yourself together. You are the head of the family. What will the others do if they see you like this?” said Assane Diouf.
“Is God not pleased with my prayers?” Madiaw Thiam asked.
“Are you losing faith?” Souleymane Ngom replied, astonished. “It’s hard, yes—but you’re going too far.”
“I never thought something like this could happen to me!” Madiaw cried.
“Don’t be arrogant,” Souleymane said bluntly. “You seem to think you are different from others who have endured worse.”
“And what could be worse than this?” Madiaw demanded.
“Forgive me,” Souleymane replied. “Our family is waiting for us. They must be worried.”
“Thank you for everything,” Madiaw said. “Let me walk you out.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Assane answered. “Stay strong. Goodbye.”
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
“Goodbye,” Madiaw said.
They left him alone with his beloved daughter’s little sister.
That evening, the health district was crowded because of the “Soxna FM”—people who loved to talk, spread information, and gossip endlessly.
Among the crowd were Salif, his sister Nogaye, his father Abdoulaye, and his friend Ibra. Mistaking the rooms, they entered Tierno Diagne’s.
“Good evening, where is Soukeyna’s room?” Modou asked.
“Who are you?” the doctor inquired.
“Her relatives,” Modou answered.
“She is not in a condition to receive visitors,” the doctor said.
Tierno, having overheard the conversation, spoke up.
“Which one of you is Salif?”
“That’s me,” Salif replied, puzzled. “Do you know me?”
“She spoke about you,” Tierno said.
“Be clearer,” Salif insisted.
“He’s not a bad young man,” the doctor intervened. “I’ll tell you what he told me about himself.”
After the explanation, everything became clear. To his great surprise, Tierno Diagne was thanked for trying to save Soukeyna.
“Thank you, Tierno,” Maguette said. “We all owe you.”
“That’s too easy,” Nogaye interrupted.
“You dare interrupt me? I’m old enough to be your father,” Maguette snapped.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt you,” Nogaye replied. “My anger made me react.”
“At least let me finish speaking.”
“Yes… I’m sorry,” Nogaye said quietly.
Salif seemed absent-minded as he prepared to enter Soukeyna’s room, barely listening after leaving Tierno’s.
Knock, knock, knock.
It was Modou at the door.
“Come in,” ordered Amina, Soukeyna’s mother. “It’s good to see you.”
Inside, Soukeyna’s condition and the despair in her mother’s eyes created an unbearable atmosphere. Salif tilted his head upward, refusing to show weakness. But Ibra, too sensitive to hide his feelings, burst into tears and left the room. Salif followed him.
“Why are you crying?” Salif asked. “Stop it. Even her own brother isn’t crying.”
“It’s hard to see her like this,” Ibra said.
“It’s hard for all of us,” Salif replied. “You’re crying like a child.”
“Are you serious right now?” Ibra snapped. “Leave me alone.”
“Fine then—flood the place!” Salif said angrily. “Cry as much as you want.”
Returning inside, Salif saw Modou about to leave as well and stopped him.
“You too? Don’t do this,” Salif said.
“Don’t worry. I heard your conversation,” Modou replied. “I must look ridiculous. I’m going home—I think my mother needs me.”
“Wait for me,” Maguette said. “I have a meeting.”
Modou and Maguette left together, leaving the others in heavy silence.
Eventually, all the visitors departed with Amina’s thanks. Meanwhile, Tierno Diagne slept.
When he awoke, the doctor informed him that Madiaw Thiam wished to see him as soon as possible.
Tierno feared it might be a bad idea to accept the invitation. Yet he agreed, believing it was the only way to know whether he would be accepted—or rejected—since he now had nowhere else to go.
Barely able to walk, he set out without hesitation, assisted by a young man who seemed to know the family well.
