Bayo, Deji's father was a construction worker. He had been posted to Ilaje village by his state government for the construction of a major road linking two commercial areas. He had met Titi at a bar and after about two months of their being together, Titi's father had brought her to his house one day to take care of his responsibility.
Titi sent for Bayo as soon as she got home and they went back to the hospital together. Dr. Mark welcomed them and they proceeded to his office.
"Welcome, Mr. Ade. I'm Dr. Mark and Titi here brought your son to our hospital earlier this evening. Deji has been diagnosed with sickle cell anaemia."
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"My pikin oo!! See my small pikin with big big sickness o! Wahala dey o!!" Titi began to exclaim, hands akimbo
"My friend, shut up! Can't you hear the doctor is still talking?" Bayo scolded her sternly.
"Uhm...Mr. Ade, do you know your genotype?" Dr. Mark asked.
"I'm AS,"Bayo replied.
"So you follow get this big sickness?" Titi asked, staring at her husband in disbelief.
"No, Ma. He does not have it. But his gene can produce it. We'd like to run a test on you Ma, to know your genotype as well," Dr. Mark said.
In about an hour, the trio were seated back in Dr. Mark's office with Titi's results and his suspicions were confirmed.
"Mrs. Ade, you're AS as well," the doctor announced.
"Jesus o!!"Titi screamed and began to cry. Bayo placed his hands on his head.
"But Dr., I thought there's a chance of AS and AS having kids without having a child with SCD?" Bayo asked.
"It is a game of luck, Mr. Ade. That is why those with AS genotypes are not allowed to marry each other."
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"So my pikin go die?"Titi asked, tears sliding down her robust cheeks.
"No, Ma. He won't die. People live with SCD. He will survive. You just need to build his immunity. Feed Deji with plenty foods that contain calcium, fruits like oranges and tangerines, sardines, milk and nuts. Anytime he's ill, do a lab test to be sure of what he's suffering from at that moment. Don't assume it's just malaria or typhoid. Do monthly checkups. And yes, Deji will be taking folic acid everyday for the rest of his life. You can get it from the hospital pharmacy anytime. Folic acid helps make new red blood cells, so as the disease wears away the old ones, New ones are formed. Deji will survive, Mr. and Mrs. Ade. He just needs your love and proper medical attention," Dr. Mark advised.
"My pikin o! My pikin oo!"Titi kept on exclaiming in tears.
"This is why it's necessary for couples to know their genotypes before venturing into marriage. Deji is the one suffering the brunt of your mistakes now," Dr. Mark said.
"I didn't know she was AS, Dr." Bayo replied.
"There's no point crying over spilt milk. Like I said, Deji will be fine. He'll live a normal life with proper care and love."
"Thank you, Dr."Bayo said.
"Titi's sister is getting married in a few months time. I will tell her and her husband to come here and have their genotypes checked," Bayo said.
"Yes, Bayo. Educate more people about SCD. I will start up a sickle cell awareness campaign and will try to make indigenes of Ilaje to come out and check their genotypes free of charge within the campaign period. This way, more people will know about it and will not go into marriage ignorantly and make more young souls suffer," Dr. Mark offered.
"Thank you very much, Dr. Let's work together and create awareness about it," Bayo appreciated, as he shook hands with the doctor