The idea
of going to hell was terrifying. I was well aware that it was a sin to commit suicide.
I took a
brief look around, taking in the entire scene. Except for a Fulani man, the
place was deserted. He was sipping his tea. I was curious as to how he liked
it, the tea, because it was a hot afternoon.
He began
staring at me, the Fulani man., He stomped his feet and sauntering towards me.
I had a feeling
I have a
strong desire to act quickly, yet every time I do, I fail.
I was
pushed back by unseen forces. I began to wonder if the mammy waters dislikes
me.
“Ke!
What do I do for you? The Fulani Man asked.
I didn't
respond; instead, I walked closer to the pond.
“Kai! I
want to assassinate myself, koh? “He put his hand on the table.” His palm was
on his mouth.
I had
already started squeezing my way through the wire as he yanked me back hard
“Leave
me alone!” I locked my gaze on him.
“Wallahi
I dey crazy, I don't have hankali,” he screamed angrily.
When I
returned to the cables, he dragged me away.
I had to
wait a long time before I could sq££ze through. I erected
He grabbed
my hands and yanked me away, cursing vehemently I was having a hard time
dealing with all of my problems.
I tried
everything I could to liberate myself, but I couldn't.
Next to
us, a police car came to a screeching halt, as we approached the end of the
road.
David
exited with a puzzled expression on his face.
“She wan
pai inside water o” says the Fulani man.
David's
pupils dilated. “Water? You wanted to commit suicide via drowning? ”
Tears
blurred my vision as I gazed down.
“Mummy! ”I'm
sure I heard that, but I'm not sure I believe it. I assumed it was all in my
head.
Eniola repeated,
"Mummy mi." I quickly turned around to see her standing next me.
“Baby?
Are you…..?” My tone was hushed.
“Uhm,”
Eniola said as she raced to give me a hug.
I
clutched her in my arms as if it were my last.
“Mummy,
don't cry,”
I cried
as I examined my daughter. She was sorely missed.
“I adore
you, my princess,”
Eniola
replied with tears, "I love you too, mummy." Tears strewn across her
cheeks
What if
I drowned? I wouldn't be sharing this delight if that happened.
“It's
okay; thank goodness we found her, and “Thank God you didn't damage yourself.”
David hugged
both of us
:::::::******
“Will
the nurse give injections to me?” ”Eniola asked.
David
was driving us to the hospital because he had a medical emergency.
We had
to take her for a check-up because she insisted on it.
David
smiled at her and said, "Maybe."
As he
drove, she was sitting on his laps. I became a bystander.
“No! She
wanted to say, "I don't like injections."
“Do you
hear what I'm saying? Please, it's painful. Eniola pleaded, "Uncle."
“I am
not your uncle,” David said.
“uhm? ”Eniola
cocked her head.
David
gave me a sidelong glance and said, "I'm your father."
“Are you
my father?” ”Eniola's jaw fell open.
David
paused and replied, "Yea, sweet heart."
“Wow! Eniola
shrieked as she hugged David.
“So I've
got a daddy now?” My father has a car, my daddy likes me, and my daddy enjoys
the way I look “Fine,” she exclaimed, her excitement palpable.
I stood
there watching them both smile.
“Can we
come in right now?” I sounded irritable. David smiled at me and said,
"sure."
For a
while, Doctor Raymond examined her.
“Did she
suffer from sexual abuse?” he said, directing his gaze.
Eniola
was the first to respond to David's question.
“Now,
ehh!! Yes o.” Eniola joked.
I rolled
my eyes; she's a chatty gal.
I was
trying to think of the best way to explain things to her.
I smiled
to myself, knowing she'd say something amusing.
“Of
course! They all have an effect on me, o! Even madam Lina sef. All of them. They've
touched me a few times, sef!” she explained ecstatically
Dr.
Raymond couldn't stop himself from giggling.
“This is
a one-of-a-kind case with your daughter own,” he explained to David.
“A large
one!” David chuckled.
“How
come you're laughing, na?” Isn't it true that I didn't respond?
what is
the question?” Eniola smirked.
“Come
on, baby,” I said as I gently drew her to my side.
“Did any
of them try to accomplish what Akpan did on that particular day?” I said
quietly in her ear.
“Oooh!”
she guffawed.
“No,
they didn't!” she said.
“Well,
Mr David...”Raymond attempted to keep his composure.
“I don't
believe there's anything wrong with you.”
“There
are no damages at all.”
“Thank
you, Doctor, and God bless you for everything you've done for me.”
Before
the injection, Eniola shrieked at him. We walked away.