"You just have to be careful with these people. I have experienced worse than these. Some would go as far as bathing you with hot tea." Johnson said as that walked out of the restaurant that evening after they closed work for
That day.
Fortunately they had both closed at the same time and Jason was leaving the restaurant at the same time Mark was also leaving and so they both walked each other.
"So you have experienced such before? Mark asked.
" Yeah. Countless times. I'm used to it." Jason said and laughed.
"Nah, I can't get used to such. And you remained here? For how long have you been working here?"
"This is my second year." Jason responded.
"Wow. I don't think I can endure such. Mark said .as they walked towards they walked close to the hospital.
Before they parted ways. Mark asked him if he knew anywhere he could get an accommodation for rent. Mark explained to him that he was for the main time staying in their hospital where his mum was recievening treatment.
" Hmm. I saw one down my street but I don't know if it's still available." Jason responded.
"Can we go check? Mark asked.
"Sure! It's not that far. I live just four streets away from here. He responded.
Mark then followed him as they both walked to Broad avenue where Jason lived.
"Do you stay with your parents? Mark asked.
"No. For now I stay alone." He responded as though he didn't want to talk about his family. Mark observed this.
"Oh. That good. Mark said and changed the topic seeing he didn't want to talk about it. He wanted to ask him about his education of he was in school but his phone rang. He dipped his hands in his left pocket and brought out his phone. He checked the number calling. It was Johnson.
"Johnson. Good evening,what's up ?" Mark asked.
"Cool, cool. How's your work going? This is your second day right? Or third?
"It's my second man. And I'm already witnessing hell." Mark let out.
"What do you men by hell? Johnson asked in a confused tone.
" We will talk about that later in the evening when I get to the hospital. I'm on my way with someone to look for an apartment."
"Ok. Good. Have you found one?" Johnson asked.
"No not yet. I'm going to look at one now. I will update you when I get back to the hospital. " Mark said and ended the call seconds later. Mark and Jason walked on.
When they got to broad street Mark was shown the apartment. It was not what he was expecting. The standard of the house was considerably low and impaired from their ex home which he had sold. Although the apartment was still vacant and the landlord was still in need of someone to occupy the room Mark didn't want that kind of home. And the area was not one which was not in good shape which he would like to live with his mum. He communicated this to Jason who understood.
When the time was. 5:32P.M that evening Mark turned and left the street back to the hospital.
The journey back to the hospital took about twenty minutes and so by the time he got to the hospital it was after six that evening. He went straight to his mom's ward with the nylons can obtaining the food he had brought for his mum.
After he was done feeding his mum he picked up his phone and called Johnson. Johnson picked the second time after the phone rang twice.
"What's up man?" Mark asked as he placed the phone by his right ear and rested his head on the chair he sat on.
"Yeah I'm cool. Was bathing when you were calling. What's the update for the house?
"Yeah. I have seen the house but its not where we can stay." Mark Said and paused.
"I don't understand," Johnson said.
" I mean the place is such a poor area.it's an impoverished area . Even the health damage the atmosphere there would do to my mum is not a risk I want to take." Mark said, showing the displeasure in his voice.
"Did you find out the amount it cost to get it rented? Johnson asked.
"Yeah. It's three hundred dollar per year." Mark said.
"That's not expensive. What other options do you have now?"Johnson asked.
"Hmm none for now. I don't have any now but I will keep searching."
"When did the doctor ask you to leave the hospital?"
"He said if we don't provide the money by Monday then she has to vacate the ward." Mark said and looked at Grace, his mum who was staring back at him. He knew she was listening to his conversation.
" That means after this coming Monday you ought to leave the hospital? Johnson asked.
"Exactly."
"Although I have not been to the place. I'm just suggesting that you consider it. At least it's better than nowhere for now. You can always change and relocate when things are a bit better. At least you would have a place to lay your head when you leave the hospital." Johnson advised.
"I won't be going to the restaurant tomorrow as I am not on duty. I would go look around in other places and if I don't find an alternative option I guess I just have to pay for that one. Mark said.
"Alright."Keep me updated.
Alright." Mark said and ended the call.
The following morning which was Saturday before the doctors resumed work at the hospital Mark who had been taking his showers at the hospital and dressing up there for days now did so very early that morning and went out of the hospital facility in search for a good accommodation for grace his mum and himself.
This took him almost the whole day. The one's which saw were more expensive than what he had. When he had searched and was already exhausted he decided to go and pay for the one Jason had showed him at Broad street. He further negotiated with the landlord and paid for it. He bought two set of mattress and a little reading table. Then with the padlock which he had bought he locked up the place and headed back to the hospital.
On his way back he called Johnson and informed him that he had paid for the apartment and would be moving in the following Monday.