"Oh God. How did you escape that night? Did you report it to the police?" Mrs. Agbor asked, her voice trembling with concern.
"I couldn't report it. Mariam's family was wealthy, and I knew I couldn't accuse her without any evidence. That night, some vigilantes were patrolling the area for the residents' safety. They saw the commotion but couldn't intervene in time; only the driver was apprehended and killed," Roslin replied, her voice heavy with the memories.
"I'm so sorry, dear," Mrs. Agbor said, her eyes filled with empathy.
"I was rushed to the hospital and treated. They asked how I got to the location where they found me, but I couldn't say a word. The shock kept replaying in my mind. I thought I had healed from my past traumas, but this incident was a shocker. To think that Mariam could inflict such cruelty on me shattered me to my core. I was terrified to return home, fearing she might be watching me. So, I chose to live with an elderly woman recommended by the vigilante. She was truly a blessing. I stayed with her for a year, and she helped me connect with God. She made me believe in His existence.
"One day, I collapsed at home and was rushed to the hospital; that was when I realized I had nothing left to live for."
"What do you mean?" Mrs. Agbor asked, leaning closer.
Roslin's voice broke as she cried, "I was diagnosed with HIV."
"Oh, my child. Oh God," Mrs. Agbor gasped, reaching out to hold her.
Roslin sobbed, letting Mrs. Agbor comfort her for a moment before pulling away. "I felt utterly lost and wanted to end my life. But the old lady told me that HIV is manageable these days, even though there's no cure. It took a lot of convincing, but I chose to live. She helped me tremendously. At times, I believed she was an angel sent from heaven to assist me. Gradually, I began to love God more and more, and before I knew it, I was growing in my faith. However, I made a promise to myself never to marry or engage in sexual relationships again."
"Until you met your husband," Mrs. Agbor interjected gently.
"Yes, until him." Roslin smiled at the memory. "He was persistent in wanting to make me his wife. He helped me learn to love myself and treated me with respect." Roslin voice breaks as she smiles