I had been keeping to my business for a year at the mad house until recently. The atmosphere at the mad house had been stranger than usual. The place had never been quiet. Even if it were to be quiet, there would always be those who would sit at Aunty Grace's doorstep to feed her some juicy gossips about anyone in the compound.
The atmosphere was barren like a plant that begs for water. There was no flurry of activities like I was used to. Even Praise's clothes had been left unwashed in a basin and had began to smell. Brother Uche, who thought he had muscle and would always come out shirtless, making eye at every personalities on skirt, had managed to dorn a rumpled t-shirt today. He sat at his doorstep staring into space; being the most perverted at the compound, he sure had a troubled look on his face.
And I hadn't caught any glimpse of Aunty Grace! I couldn't keep the thought of longing for this day to remain the way it was until I leave.
I turned my head as I heard the sound of an oncoming vehicle. It was a police vehicle. This residence had always been full of surprises but the police had never been part of it. I frowned. 'Something must be up'- I thought.
'She was found dead yesternight you know?- Mom said from the doorway. She must have seen my frown.
'Who was found dead?- I asked. My eyes going wide like that of an owl.
'Praise. Heard she died of assault. The drug dealing boys had a party last night, brought some friends to have fun, drugged her, all had their way with her, passed out due to the drug's excess but died as she couldn't get help on time! The boys were caught while trying to cast away her re-mains. Oh goodness! Such wickedness! I pray they rot in hell! Die in jail!- she finished with a muffled sob, rubbing her hands across her face.
'Oh... Shola! I would never pray for that to happen to you but how terrified was I that day!
I closed my eyes trying not to remember. 'Mommy pleas---'
'No. We'd talk about it! I couldn't have imagined the event that day happening in another place, without me being there! If I hadn't came on time or If It had been at those places you used to escape to, It would have been you! Shol-a -she whispered brokenly.
I moved closer to her embrace. 'Oh! I had thought about that too! And I'd ever be thankful for you showing up.
I'm sorry for everthing. I wish I had spoke more of my insecurities. I used to envy those that have a family! I felt lonely whenever you go on locations! I still feel revulsion to remember how I used to bully other kids at school to feel good! And I never wanted to go out with boys at night and drink but I thought when I do these I'd have more friends'
'And you sure had friends! I remember they left you when you needed them.
!You ungrateful child. Raising my face towards her's, she continued. 'look at me. I'm your friend. You have a family. I'm your family. It takes love to have a family. The love I have for you, some other children that have family have never experienced it!
She took a longful breath, took my hands in hers. 'Praise, may God bless her soul, had family. She had what made her feel small too. But maybe she never felt loved. Maybe she was loved but she never knew. That's why I'd love to see you tell your children when you have them that they are loved. They are secure. And to you they can share all their feelings. Their joy, achievements, insecurities and experiences'- she finished, drying my tears and embracing me.
'Promise me you'd never keep in your feelings from me again'
'Yes! I promise you. And I apologise for every pains have caused you'- I whispered.
'My apologies too. I hadn't been keeping a close eye on you'
I refused. 'Yes, you have! But I had been insensible'
'It's alright. We still have some oceans to cross. We have Lots to learn. And I'm ansious to see the new you'
'I chuckled. 'But I'd always love how you've ever been'
'Such flattery! Though I'd pay a lot to see you change but never to see the back of your witty side'- she gave a loud chuckle.
It was a relief to see hear her heartfelt laugh. It hadn't been there for a long time. And It remained.
***