A WEEK WITHOUT SMELL

I knew there was trouble the moment I walked into the toilet and it felt good. I had become accustomed to the regular smell of Lokki’s urine. Lokki is my cat. We’ve spent a good part of this year cohabitating in peace. Aside the rather rare cunning behaviours, we have coexisted in peace. He’s been a better friend, and roommate, than most people I’ve met in my life.

Prior to this day, I had become unusually ill. The feeling was reminiscent of one illness I had suffered some 8months ago; stress. There was no cough, fever, sore throat, nor anything suspicious. I remember deciding to close from work early to rest. For the first time in like forever, I wasn’t perturbed ignoring the numerous calls. I lay on the bed as I listened to each call bell out. I was calm in the midst of the general fatigue, and never ending headache. I was calm.

The following day wasn’t any better. I got worse, and decided to take the day off. Bless God for hardworking and dedicated staff who are always willing to step in. I could virtually feel every nerve in my body like a heartbeat. I’ve never had a painful shower in my life but here it was starring at my skin like the stare I’d give to Abena. With every drop, I could feel my skin tear up. I wanted it to end, I prayed for forgiveness, I forgave those who had trespassed against me.

The day passed painfully and slowly, the night wasn’t any better. Why would it be? when the sun wouldn’t see me a son. The night was long and lonely. Day 3 brought hope, afterall that was when there was resurrection. I had resurrected from life’s stressors. Instead of visiting the disciples, I decided to stay in the tomb. I watched a movie or two, played some music, revisited age of empire, called some old acquaintances, and passed the day peacefully.

Then came the day of reckoning. I walked to the toilet as I did every morning, and it smelled good. This should have been good news, probably Lokki passed the night clean and dry. I took a bow to check the litter, lo and behold, it had contents, then I knew I had it. The next question, where? when? how? But then I’ve learned over the years not to worry when the harm has already been done. Just get a solution.

Fast forward, test results came out positive. I had fully recovered from all the terrible symptoms but ammonia could easily pass for water for me. I would get up in the morning, line up series of items hoping I could utilize my olfactories, but they had deserted me. You definitely don’t know what you have until you lose it, and this was it, my smell was gone. No matter how knowledgeable you might be on a subject matter, the brain has a mind of its own. I began to look up complications, and it really wasn’t helpful.

For someone who hates taking meds, I was religious with this one. Why wouldn’t I? For the next week, my morning routine would be a smelling test, and I failed beautifully in all. Madam Chong’s warm water, lime, and ginger inhalation was added to the morning routine. Ten days down the line I started regaining my sense of smell. Interestingly, it didn’t come back as quickly as it disappeared. But eventually, I got it back.