EVELYN.
6️⃣
“Why finding it funny? Is it because of my question that’s making you to laugh? Please if you don’t want to help me just talk let me look for someone else.”
“Of course why won’t I laugh! How can a grown up woman like you be lost! Are you not even ashamed of yourself. You’re asking me if Ijedo is close-by.. You’re very very funny….”
As she continued her rants, I just turned and walked away without stress. This woman was making the issue to get worse and if not that I respected myself I’d have slàpped him for those trash that were coming out of her mouth. She doesn’t know the pains I was passing through that was why she was saying those trash!
The place was bustling with activity, leaving me overwhelmed as I pondered on my next move. I found myself grappling with questions of who to approach for guidance, what to satiate my hunger with, and where to find a peaceful spot to rest. In the midst of this chaotic scene, people hurriedly passed by, preoccupied with their own agendas.
Seeking solace, I turned into a nearby street on my left and spotted a young pregnant woman on a long blue gown engrossed in smoking fish. She had set up her makeshift on top of an iron drum with large Hertz, alongside with a flat tray and plantain leaves strewn right behind her shop. Summoning the last reserves of my energy, I mustered the strength to approach her. Taking a seat directly in front of her on the sandy ground and hoping to find respite from the commotion.
She hurriedly approached, her concern evident as she observed my desperate struggle to catch my breath. “Mummy, what’s wrong… do you need some water?” she inquired anxiously. Feebly, I nodded, and she swiftly disappeared into her dwelling to fetch me a glass.
In the meantime, she assigned her young daughter the task of ensuring the fish was not burnt by controlling the fire. Returning with the water, she placed a chair in front of me and assisted me as I settled into it. She perched herself on a small stool beside me on my left. Directing her daughter, she requested a nearly cooked smoked fish, placing it gently on a small plate which she handed to me alongside with a bread and sachet water. “What a kind woman,” I whispered to myself, marveling at her ability to discern my hunger without me uttering a single word.
“My dear thank you so much. You’ve really tried for me. The way you’ve rewarded me, that’s how God will keep on blessing you. I wish you safe delivery in Jesus name. God will keep on protecting you. You will never be never cut short before your time. Deáth, sickness, struggles, sad News, will never locate you in the mighty name of Jesus.”
“Amen mummy. Amen. Amen. Amen.”
That was how I kept praying for her while devouring the fish like a hungry lion.Others that were just passing by were just peering at me, looking at the way I was eating the bread like someone that hadn’t eaten in days.
Once I had finished devouring my meal, I rose to my feet and mustered the courage to ask her, “My dear please eh, do you happen to know of any place where I could stay for the night? Regrettably, I find myself without any money, and to compound matters, I am unaware of my whereabouts. This makes it challenging for me to ascertain how much I’ll need to get back home. My phone on the other hand has been switched off, no way to charge it. I feel utterly lost.”
With a reassuring smile, she replied, “Don’t worry. This is Elulue Street. You can stay at my humble abode for the night. It’s not far from here. After I close up shop this evening, we can all head back to my place. I am a single mother living with my daughter. As soon as I laid eyes on you, I sensed the burden you were carrying. I couldn’t simply sit idly by. That’s why I offered my assistance.”
“Thank you so much my sister.”
During the evening, I assisted her in parking some of her provisions inside the shop. Then she locked the shop before taking me to her house alongside with her daughter. The house was a self contain. It appeared that the woman was not that well to do. She was still managing her life.
Later on, she switched on her generator, allowing me to charge my phone for about three hours. As bedtime approached, she insisted on sleeping on the mat alongside her daughter, while urging me to occupy the bed. Despite my attempts to persuade her otherwise, she kindly reminded me that as a visitor, I deserved to be treated with utmost hospitality. She explained that her mother had instilled in her the belief that visitors should be treated like royalty, as we never know where our paths may cross again in this lifetime. Respecting her wishes, I graciously accepted and settled onto the comfortable bed for the night.
The following day around 8am, my husband started calling my line. Overwhelmed by anxiety, I fumbled with the phone and it slipped from my grasp. I began thinking of what to say considering all the threats from promise and Evelyn’s life that was at stake. While quickly recovering the button phone, I pressed the button and answered the call.
“Honey. It’s— it’s, it’s—- it’s me..”
“”Sweetheart, where are you?! What of our daughter! Oh my goodness! So you’re àlive and you couldn’t even bother to call your own husband?!” My husband exclaimed, his voice filled with a mixture of concern and frustration.
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To be continued.
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