Survival odds
Karmen is taken to hospital for a medical emergency.
The Meintjies family just can’t seem to catch a break. Karmen (Gabriella Linton) has only just recovered from her year-long abduction in March last year and now her separated parents Vanessa (Ingrid Paulus) and Xander ( Theodore Jantjies) are in for another shock when their daughter falls ill and no one can seemingly help them.
UNDER THE WEATHER
The five-year- old is visiting her father for the week when she unexpectedly gets sick. Having agreed to be civil for Karmen’s sake, Xander politely tells Vanessa about Karmen’s condition on Wednesday 11 April but adds that “I’ve got everything under control”. That worries Vanessa, explains Ingrid: “But she decides to have faith that her estranged hubby will look after their daughter.” She should’ve listened to her instinct because Xander is out of his depth on Thursday 12 April when he can’t wake Karmen up. He immediately calls doctor Alexa (Carina Nel) at the clinic and lets her know that they’re on the way, then he calls Vanessa who speeds to her daughter.
NO CONTROL
Vanessa arrives at the clinic with worry written across her face. “She hates not being in control,” says Ingrid of her character. “The moment that Vanessa feels that things are out of her control and that she can’t influence things, fear and rage take over. She blows up in Xander’s face and questions everything that he’s done for their daughter,” says Ingrid. Meanwhile, Karmen’s condition reaches alarming levels and the doctors aren’t sure what to do despite multiple tests on the girl. “This news causes frustration and uncertainty for Xander and Vanessa because they want her to get better,” Ingrid exclaims.
A MOTHER’S LOVE
On Monday 16 April, Vanessa’s mom Charmaine ( Vinette Ebrahim) offers her support to her daughter and sonin-law, but even her cheery support doesn’t lift their spirits. At this stage, an exhausted Vanessa decides to let go of her anger towards Xander and they share a connection while worrying for Karmen. “They realise that they must support each other in this difficult time,” explains Ingrid. There is a glimmer of hope though on Wednesday 18 April though as Alexa tells them what they think is wrong with Karmen, but she isn’t safe yet…