|POETIC INTRO|
When we slept, they snapped and devoured us
When we awoke, we were in chains
We were charmed in our ignorance
We were stripped of our aural
The men in uniform watched us dine in agony
They rather wet their lips with coins than fight for our lives
Their ears are tuned to the nobles
Our words made no sense in their world.
They stood like zombies lost in their subconscious
Olopa were nor get liver
Na for mouth their power end
wère eniyan ti o bura lati dabobo wa
She cried out but their ears stood still
_____________________________________
CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|
"Temilade barged into Bayo's room"
BAYO:
Temilade, can't you knock?
What is your problem?
TEMI:
I'm sorry, Bayo. Please, I need your help.
BAYO:
(He notices how distressed she is.)
Kilode? What is the problem?
You don't look okay at all.
TEMI:
I am tired. Why can't I live my life and be happy? Tears stream down her swollen cheeks.
BAYO:
Come here.
(He hugs her.)
Relax, dear.
Everything will be fine.
I wish I could be Almighty Taiwo right now, but sadly I'm not.
Wipe those tears and join me for dinner.
( He walks towards the door.)
TEMI:
Can I borrow your car key?
BAYO:
Why? What happened to yours?
Oh, yes, Grandpa confiscated them.
TEMI:
Awelle is trapped in a demolished building, and we don't even know if she's alive.
BAYO:
What?
How? What happened?
TEMI:
I don't know how Grandpa managed to purchase their rented apartment.
BAYO:
Of course, he is Chief Balogun. What do you expect, Temi?
You brought this chaos upon them, and trust me, this will only make that family resent you more. You are making life more difficult for the poor boy.
TEMI:
What do you expect me to do, Bayo?
Marry a complete stranger?
BAYO:
Yes! If it will stop Grandpa from interfering in their lives, then you should do the needful.
Because of your stubbornness, poor Awelle might lose her life.
TEMI:
Fine, I have heard.
Can you help me with your key?
BAYO:
Don't you realize that going there might just make things worse for them?
Just let them be, Temi.
They don't need you.
Come to terms with that.
TEMI:
Are you giving me the key or not?
BAYO:
Are you even listening to all I have been saying?
TEMI:
Yes, I have, but I can't help but worry. Isn't it my fault that I can't be at peace until I see them?
BAYO:
Even if I give you the key, how do you plan on getting out of the house without being noticed?
TEMI:
I don't know. I will figure something out.
BAYO:
Hmm, here you go.
( He drops the key into her hand)
TEMI:
Thank you.
(She walks towards the door)
BAYO:
Wait!
(Temi turns to Bayo.)
We both know there is no way you can leave this building without assistance.
You look so helpless. Come with me.
(He takes the key from her and walks out of the room.)
TEMI:
Thank you, Bayo.
You are the best.
_____________________________________
"Some of the engineers struggle to get into the collapsing building."
MICHAEL:
(He punches the Chief Engineer and grabs him by the shirt)
If anything happens to my daughter, I swear to God I will kill you with my bare hands.
"One of the police officers pulls Michael away from the Chief Engineer."
OFFICER NOSA:
(He turns to Michael)
Relax, Mr. man. We are doing everything to get your daughter out of there.
ONYINYE:
You are doing everything? How? See how you and your people stand like zombies. If anything happens to my niece, God knows this place won't contain any of us.
"Kemi rushes into the scene."
KEMI:
Where is my daughter?
(She turns to Michael.)
Where is my daughter?
"Taiwo is dumfounded."
OFFICER ERIC:
We are doing everything to get her out.
KEMI:
How?
(She attempts to approach the building, but Officer Onos pulls her back.)
Leave me, let me save my daughter.
(She tears up as she struggles to pull herself away from his firm grip.)
Mrs. ADEBAYO:
Oga, my granddaughter has been in there for almost 30 minutes.
OFFICER NOSA:
Relax, ma. We are doing all we can to get her out.
KEMI:
Shut up your mouth! You think you are helping by standing here? What is stopping you from joining them to search for her?
Olopa were nor get liver, wère eniyan ti o bura lati dabobo wa.
OFFICER ERIC:
(He points his right index finger at Kemi.)
Madam, be careful with what you say to my oga. We have told you to calm down. We are doing all we can to get her out.
EBUKA:
Ara ọ na-agba gị?
Nor dey cap nonsense, oga.
If anything happens to Awelle, I swear none of una go commot here alive.
M ga-egosi gị na m dị njọ karịa ekwensu! Bet am. (He stretches his pinky finger toward Officer Eric.)
"People began to Gather around the scene as everything gets intensified"
_____________________________________
"Bayo appears frustrated the sound of roadside sellers and horns from the taxes and Danfo buses didn't even make it better"
TEMI:
What is wrong with this driver? Make him commot for road make we pass, na
(She stretches her hand towards the steering wheel.)
BAYO:
(He grabs her by the wrist)
What are you doing?
TEMI:
Use the horn so that we can overtake them
BAYO:
It seems you have forgotten this is Lagos. Traffic is an everyday thing.
Besides, we are already in Festac, so relax, Madam.
TEMI:
I wish I could, Bayo.
(She rolls down the window to check what is obstructing the road.)
BAYO:
Temi, you are wasting your time.
There is nothing you can do. This is Lagos.
TEMI:
Nawa.
(She sighs.)
BAYO:
You really like this boy.
"The Danfo bus in front of them begins to move."
TEMI:
Finally.
"Bayo drives into The Adeboy's vicinity."
BAYO:
Wow, your grandfather is something else. Why would he go to this extent to hurt these people just because he can?
(He gazes at the half-demolished non estate houses .)
TEMI:
I don't know. That man doesn't care about anyone but himself.
(She comes out of the car.)
BAYO:
(He stares at his watch in disbelief, wondering how they were able to get there in just thirty minutes.)
Temi, be careful. Don't fall
(He chases after her.)
_____________________________________
The Adebayo's Residence |
"Temilade marches up to Michael, her determination evident in her eyes."
TEMI:
Where is Awelle?
KEMI:
(She forcefully drops her right palm on Temi's left cheek)
What in the world are you doing here? Haven't you and your family caused enough damage? My precious daughter is in there, fighting for her life, and it's all because of you!
TEMI:
(Tears stream down her cheeks, her voice trembling)
I'm... I'm sorry. I didn't mean for any of this to happen.
BAYO:
(His voice filled with both anger and protectiveness, he pulls Temi closer to him) Haven't you realized she's already suffering? Lay another finger on my sister, and you won't like the consequences.
Mrs. ADEBAYO:
(She turns to Bayo, her eyes filled with desperation and pain)
Young man, if you've come here to cause trouble, please leave. My precious granddaughter is in there, battling for her life. If you have any way to help, do it!
TEMI:
Mummy, I'm so sorry. I never imagined Chief would stoop to such depths.
(She turns her gaze to Michael)
Michael, please... I'm begging for your forgiveness.
MICHAEL:
(Anger etched on his face, his voice filled with anguish)
Sorry won't save my daughter, Temi. Your apologies mean nothing now. All I want is for my daughter to be safe and sound.
BAYO:
(His eyes piercing, his voice firm)
What's the current situation inside?
ONYINYE:
She ran into the building, insisting she had left her teddy bear. Since then, they've been struggling to reach her.
BAYO:
(Determined, he steps forward, ready to face the collapsed structure)
Alright. I need to get closer, see what I can do.
OFFICER NOSA:
(He firmly holds Bayo back)
I'm sorry, sir. I can't allow you to go in. It's too risky.
TEMI:
(Frustrated and desperate, her voice filled with urgency)
How can you not let him in? Don't you know who he is?
We need all the help we can get!
OFFICER NOSA:
I am well aware of his identity, but my duty is to protect lives, not put them in further danger.
BAYO:
If you truly value your job, let go of me! I'll do what I can to help.
(He pushes Officer Nosa's hands away and strides towards the building
OFFICER ERIC:
(He approaches Bayo, concern etched on his face)
Sir, please reconsider.
Going in there is extremely dangerous.
We cannot guarantee your safety.
MICHAEL:
(With a mix of anger and impatience, he forcefully moves past Officer Eric)
Get out of my way! I won't wait for your men who have been inside for nearly an hour. (He marches into the building, fueled by desperation.)
BAYO:
(Turning to Officer Eric, his voice filled with conviction)
Believe me when I say I may not care for many people, but that won't stop me from being a man. I hope one day you'll find that courage within yourself.
(With a determined stride, he enters the building, ready to face the unknown.)
_____________________________________
CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|
"Dr. Chidi rises from his seat, preparing to leave."
Dr. CHIDI:
Chief, I'll be taking my leave now. Before I go, I'll check up on Temi.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
(Smiling)
Don't bother. She's probably in Festac by now.
Dr. CHIDI:
Festac?
Why?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
To rescue the Adebayos from the chaos we've brought upon them.
Dr. CHIDI:
Is she out of her mind? I thought she agreed to marry me.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Relax, my boy. Temi is yours. Her presence there will only worsen the situation. She'll return home and marry you.
Dr. CHIDI:
But how can you be so sure she went there? I thought you tightened security!
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Temi is my granddaughter. She's tender-hearted and driven by her emotions. Her mind won't rest until she sees for herself that they're okay.
Dr. CHIDI:
So I should just sit back and do nothing?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Go home and celebrate. Inform your father that our plans are falling into place.
Dr. CHIDI:
Hmm, alright, sir. I'll take my leave now.
(He walks out of the office)
"Kate enters Chief's office."
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Kilode?
What's the matter this time?
Mrs. K BALOGUN:
Why can't you leave that family alone?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
What family?
Mrs. K BALOGUN:
Oh, come on, Williams, don't act clueless.
You know exactly what I'm talking about.
Why did you purchase those lands in Festac just to retaliate against Temi and the Adebayos?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
They brought this upon themselves. I didn't wake up one morning with the intention to harm innocent lives. I warned them repeatedly.
Mrs. K BALOGUN:
But Williams, don't you think you're taking things too far?
Do you realize how many lives were lost today? It's all over social media.
You didn't consider how this would impact the election.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
I've covered my tracks. Legally, that project has no connection to me or any member of my family.
Mrs. K BALOGUN:
Do you think that justifies your actions?
Or that it will stop bloggers and influencers from spreading rumors through the media?
You've gone too far, Williams.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
You worry too much, woman. I have everything under control. Don't bother me with this again, e jor.
_____________________________________
ADEBISI's RESIDENCE, FESTAC |
"Adebisi invites Taiwo to her newly acquired mansion."
TAIWO:
Wow, I love your place. You must really have a fondness for flowers.
(He admires the beautiful rose garden.)
ADEBISI:
Flowers represent beauty and love. Not just any kind, but the ones that bring smiles to people's faces, even in the midst of chaos and suffering.
TAIWO:
Hmm, you seem like a deep thinker.
ADEBISI:
Yes, I am.
(She sits on her executive chair in the home office.)
There's something that has been bothering me, and I wanted to ask you about it. Please have a seat.
TAIWO:
(He sits down.)
Thank you, ma. What would that be?
ADEBISI:
How involved are you in the lives of the Adebayos? Do you know much about their history?
TAIWO:
Yeah, two of their relatives have been working for my family for years. Michael, the late Mr. Adebayo's son, works at one of our hospitals, and I have met Onyinye and young Awelle. Other than that, I don't think I know much about them.
ADEBISI:
Hmm, interesting.
(She picks up the bottle of wine in front of her.)
TAIWO:
Why do you ask?
ADEBISI:
Nothing much, I'm just curious about them, and I want to help them, especially after what happened in Festac today.
TAIWO:
What happened in Festac?
ADEBISI:
Don't tell me you haven't seen the news? There's a rumor that your grandfather purchased half the land outside the estate here in Festac and asked tenants to move out. Unfortunately, the Adebayos' residence was one of the properties acquired by your grandpa.
TAIWO:
What? When did all of this happen?
ADEBISI:
Today. It's all over social media. Don't tell me I spend more time there than you do?
TAIWO:
(He smiles.)
I've been occupied lately with a lot.
ADEBISI:
Kilode? What's on your mind?
TAIWO:
Now she speaks Yoruba. It seems you're a fast learner.
ADEBISI:
Maybe, or perhaps I've fallen in love with Lagos, so psychologically, I find it easier to familiarize myself with everything here. It's like that feeling you get when everything new to you becomes contagious.
TAIWO:
Yeah, I can relate. It's like when I left for England a few years back. The transition was quick and accurate. Truly, as beings, we are built to adapt to wherever we find ourselves.
ADEBISI:
And it becomes much easier when we fall in love with our new surroundings.
TAIWO:
Exactly.
(He picks up the glass of wine in front of him.)
ADEBISI:
So what's wrong, son? Talk to me.
TAIWO:
Nothing much. I'm just in conflict with my subconscious and reality. Why do I find it easy to talk to you?
ADEBISI:
That's probably because I'm one of a kind.
"They both burst into laughter."
_____________________________________
THE ADEBAYO's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|
OFFICER NUSA:
(He turns to Mrs. Adebayo.)
Ma'am, we can't hold the building for much longer.
ONYINYE:
So what are you trying to say?
OFFICER ERIC:
All of our people are out already, except for your family. If they don't make it out on time, they could all die in there.
KEMI:
Nothing will happen. They will return safely with my daughter. Do everything you can to keep the building standing.
"They hear stones falling and more cracks appearing on the half-standing building."
CHIEF ENGINEER:
You think it's easy? We have done the most we can. We warned them before they went in there.
EBUKA:
That one nor concern us
If anything happen to them na for here I go end your life !
TEMI:
(Despite the air filled with dust, she catches a glimpse of someone stepping out of the building.)
They're out!
(She rushes to Bayo, who is carrying unconscious Awelle in his hands.)
BAYO:
She's unconscious, and I think her right leg is broken.
(He attempts to lower her to the ground.)
TEMI:
Don't lay her there. Lay her here; this surface will be more comfortable.
(She turns to Onyinye.)
Get me the first aid box from the car.
"Bayo throws the car keys to her."
Mrs. ADEBAYO:
Where is Michael?
BAYO:
He's still in there. I have to go back and get him.
(He sprints back into the building.)
"Officer Nusa and others stand in disbelief."
KEMI:
(She looks Temi in the eyes.)
Will she be okay?
TEMI:
She's not responding yet. If she continues like this, we'll have to take her to the hospital.
(She applies CPR to Awelle.)
Mrs. ADEBAYO:
Temi, save her, please. Don't let her die.
(Onyinye rushes to the scene with the aid box in her hand.)
TEMI:
Thank you.
OFFICER ERIC:
(He turns to Temi.)
We should take her to the hospital. Are you a doctor?
ONYINYE:
Yes, she is.
TEMI:
We should take her to the hospital. Her pulse is very weak.
"Officer Eric lifts Awelle from the ground."
ONYINYE:
Aren't they coming out yet? The building won't hold for much longer.
(Bayo comes out of the building, holding onto Michael.)
Mrs. ADEBAYO:
Are you okay?
(She approaches Michael, who appears to have injured one of his legs.)
MICHAEL:
I'm fine. Where is Awelle?
Mrs. ADEBAYO:
They have taken her to the hospital.
MICHAEL:
We should catch up with them.
_____________________________________
ADEBISI's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|
"Taiwo finds the quietness of the room very awkward."
TAIWO:
So, can I ask a question?
ADEBISI:
Sure, you can.
TAIWO:
What would you do if you were forcefully married off to someone, and it took you a while to realize that your heart beats for someone else?
ADEBISI:
First of all, I wouldn't marry a man I am not in love with, so the possibility of me being in such a situation is less than the odds of even being capable of thinking of such a scenario.
(She pours some wine into her empty glass.)
TAIWO:
What if you were in a situation where you had no choice?
ADEBISI:
Unless you were married as a minor, outside of that circumstance, as adults, we always have a choice. Some of us just don't realize it.
TAIWO:
Hmm, you may be right.
So, what would you advise I do?
ADEBISI:
Don't tell me Chief forced you into a marriage with the Abiolas' second daughter?
TAIWO:
Unfortunately, he did.
ADEBISI:
Hmm, first of all, you need to weigh the consequences of your actions because, believe it or not, you alone are responsible for them.
TAIWO:
If I follow my heart, I will definitely hurt the one who loves me, both families, and the one I love wouldn't be spared, though the demons in my head would be quieter.
If I follow my logical instinct and common sense, the one who loves me will be happy, and the people I care about would be at peace, though I will be far from happy.
ADEBISI:
Scale your values and ask yourself what is more important to you:
Your personal happiness alongside the consequences,
Or their happiness alongside the consequences?
TAIWO:
Hmm.
ADEBISI:
So, who is the lucky girl?
TAIWO:
There's no one.
(He gets up.)
I have to leave now.
ADEBISI:
Alright, don't forget to give me feedback on the Adebayos. I want to help in the best way I can.
TAIWO:
Sure, I will find out the situation on the ground.
_____________________________________
LOLADE's RESIDENCE, LEKKI PHASE ONE |
"Bisi knocks on Olamide's door."
OLAMIDE:
(flips through the pages of a new book he was about to read)
Come in, Bisi.
BISI:
(She pushes open the door and walks into the room)
How did you know it was me?
OLAMIDE:
Who else knocks that way?
Besides, your mother is too busy to give a damn about either of us, so who else would find it convenient to bother me?
BISI:
But how is it different from how Mommy, yourself, or any other person knocks?
OLAMIDE:
Well, mine is softer and well-timed.
As for your mother, she doesn't knock; she comes in like she owns the place.
BISI:
Facts.
"Lolade walks into the room."
OLAMIDE:
(He whispers to Bisi)
Speaking of the devil...
LOLADE:
What are my children doing?
OLAMIDE:
Enjoying our company together.
LOLADE:
Ahh, without me?
BISI:
Ehh, you are not always here, na.
LOLADE:
I'm sorry about that, my love.
Forgive me, ejor.
Once the election is over, I promise to create time for the two favorite people in the world.
OLAMIDE:
Mummy!
Enough of these audio promises.
Just do what you do best.
LOLADE:
(She ignores him)
Here are your voter's cards.
We are leaving for Festac tomorrow morning.
I have a meeting to attend now; I will be back later this evening.
Have dinner before going to bed.
(She kisses Bisi on the forehead before walking out of the room)
BISI:
(She smiles at Olamide)
Ehen, let me gist you.
Do you know that Mr. Achebe was trying to flirt with me this morning?
OLAMIDE:
Who is Mr. Achebe?
BISI:
The presidential candidate for Mom's party, na.
Nawa for you, oh.
You don't pay attention to what is going on around you.
OLAMIDE:
Do I look like I care about politics?
Continue with what you were saying; I have things to do before bed.
BISI:
So he was touching me and saying flirty words.
Damn, the man is good, no jokes.
He has this charming aura that is so seductive.
OLAMIDE:
Seems like he already got to you.
BISI:
God forbid!
He's cute, no doubt, but he is not my type.
The fact that he is already married is a big turn-off.
OLAMIDE:
What's wrong with that?
You can fit in as a second wife?
BISI:
Are you okay?
What do you mean?
OLAMIDE:
(He laughs out)
Relax, Bisi, I was just kidding.
But I don't see anything wrong with it.
The African society supports it; we are built that way.
It's only in this Gen Z era that we see polygamy as abnormal.
BISI:
That's your business, oh.
You alone are responsible for your opinions.
As for me, I can't share a man with any woman; I would rather remain single than settle for less.
OLAMIDE:
That which you are calling "less" is the pride of your identity as a Nigerian.
Whether you like it or not, polygamy will always be tied to our culture and, believe it or not, it's just so sad that modern and Western culture has eaten into our supposed reality.
BISI;
(She covers her ears with her hands)
Bla bla bla
Am out of here before you kill me with your knowledge about history
(She walks out of the room)
_____________________________________
Mrs ADESOJI's RESIDENCE, VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS |
"Mrs Adesoji welcomes Hon J Bola to her residence."
Mrs ADESOJI:
My Attorney General, you are welcome to my home.
What can I offer you, sir?
HON J BOLA:
Don't bother yourself, my dear.
LOLADE:
(She turns to Hon J Bola)
Uncle, I want to thank you for standing with me and supporting me.
HON J BOLA:
Anything for my favorite niece.
It's just so unfortunate that I cannot openly declare my support for you and the party.
Mrs ADESOJI:
We understand, sir.
The most important thing is that you are on the outside.
HON J BOLA:
Yes, my dear.
I am tired of Chief's chains and dictatorship.
I still don't understand why he picked Ayo as the Governor of Lagos or why he insists that the presidency goes to the Hausas.
LOLADE:
After promising that you are next.
My father only does what benefits him.
Maybe he has some business deal with the Hausas, that's why he slept on his promises to you.
HON J BOLA:
I don't care about that.
A promise is a promise; I ought to be next in line.
That was what was agreed upon at the party, but unfortunately, Chief influenced The Table to give it to the Hausas.
Mrs ADESOJI:
The time has come where Chief won't dictate for us any longer.
As we promised, sir, you are next in line, and while you await your future as the president of Nigeria, you are at liberty to assume any office that might be more beneficial to you.
LOLADE:
Exactly, sir.
All you have to do is do all you can to help bring power to the AUG.
HON J BOLA:
Consider it done.
All my influence and resources are at your disposal.
I will do all I can to stop The NNC.
LOLADE:
E dupe, Sir.
I just wished your sister understood me better and supported me.
HON J BOLA:
Kate has always been in the shadows of Chief.
She is powerless; she does whatever pleases Chief.
She might not have been the best mother to you and Ayo, neither was she the best sister to me, but she is Kate.
And I know she loves you more than anything in this world.
LOLADE:
Hmm, if you say so, sir.
HON J BOLA:
Alright, I have to take my leave now.
(He gets up to leave)
_____________________________________
FESTAC CENTRAL HOSPITAL |
"Dr. Mabel approaches Mrs. Adebayo and others, a sense of urgency in her eyes."
MICHAEL:
Mabel, how is she? Please, tell me she'll be okay.
Mrs. ADEBAYO:
Doctor, will Awelle be fine? Please, give us good news.
Dr. MABEL:
She inhaled an alarming amount of dust, lost a significant amount of blood, and her leg is broken. It's a serious situation.
ONYINYE:
What's her blood type? Can I donate mine?
Dr. MABEL:
She falls in the A positive blood group. But she can receive from both O positive and O negative too.
MICHAEL:
(He points at Kemi, desperation in his voice)
We are both O positive. I can donate, right?
Dr. MABEL:
(She turns to Michael, with a glimmer of hope)
Alright, you will have to come with me. Time is of the essence.
KEMI:
Don't you have a blood bank or something? How can there be a shortage?
Dr. MABEL:
I'm sorry, there is no blood available at the moment. The situation is critical, and we need to act fast.
TEMI:
(Anxiety creeps into her voice)
But that's not possible! If they are both O types, their child should be O too
Unless...
MICHAEL:
(He turns to Temi, anger mixed with confusion)
Unless what? What are you trying to say?
"Temi's face reveals a mixture of fear and uncertainty."
BAYO:
(Bluntly, without holding back)
Except she's not your child, Michael.
TAIWO:
(He turns to Bayo)
Bayo, have some tact!
BAYO:
What? It's the truth. He deserves to know the truth, no matter how painful it is.
Mrs. ADEBAYO:
(She turns to Dr. Mabel, desperately seeking confirmation)
Doctor, please tell us this is a mistake. Are you absolutely sure about the results?
Dr. MABEL:
I understand your concerns, but I assure you, the results are accurate. Our equipment is top-notch and reliable.
MICHAEL:
(Shock and despair engulf him, tears streaming down his face)
How can this be? Kemi, tell me this is a nightmare, tell me it's not true.
KEMI:
(Overwhelmed, her voice quivering)
Michael, please, let me explain. It's not what you think. There's more to it.
MICHAEL:
(Desperation and disbelief in his voice)
Calm down, Michael? How can I calm down when everything I believed has been shattered? Explain yourself, Kemi.
ONYINYE:
(Outraged, unable to contain her emotions)
This can't be happening! Awelle is my niece, she can't be someone else's child.
"Temi feels something warm rolling down her thighs, panic washes over her."
Dr. MABEL:
(Noticing Temilade's condition, her voice urgent)
Temi, you're bleeding! We need to attend to you right away.
TEMI:
(Her voice trembling, a mix of fear and confusion)
Yes, I am bleeding. Something's wrong.
(She collapses to the ground, losing consciousness)
"Taiwo and Bayo rush to Temilade's unconscious body, their faces filled with panic."
TAIWO:
Temi! Wake up! Please, wake up!
MICHAEL:
(Frustration and desperation consume him)
What the hell is happening? Dr. Mabel, do something, save her!
"Two nurses burst into the room, hastily pushing an emergency bed. Taiwo, fueled by panic, lifts Temilade gently from the ground, cradling her fragile body."
Dr. MABEL:
(With urgency in her voice)
Please be careful! We cannot afford any further harm.
BAYO:
(Annoyed and overwhelmed)
What damage? She was perfectly fine moments ago! Tell us what's going on!
MICHAEL:
(Grasping onto a glimmer of hope)
Mabel, you're hiding something. I can see it in your eyes. What is happening to Temi? You need to be honest with us.
BAYO:
(Increasingly frustrated)
Don't keep us in the dark! We are her family, and we have the right to know!
Dr. MABEL:
(With a heavy sigh, her voice filled with sadness)
She is pregnant.
MICHAEL:
(Shock reverberates through his voice, his world shattering)
What?
Pregnant?
"Dr. Mabel walks away, her footsteps echoing in the tense silence, accompanied by the nurses guiding Temi's motionless body on the emergency bed. The room is consumed by an overwhelming mix of emotions - disbelief, confusion, and fear."