The sun had set, leaving a soft twilight glow in the Awujo household. Simi sat on the edge of her bed, her heart heavy with the weight of the confrontation she had just had with Gbolahan. The echoes of their argument lingered in her mind, replaying like a broken record. She felt trapped in a world where her dreams were overshadowed by her father's expectations, and the prospect of an arranged marriage loomed over her like a dark cloud. As she stared out the window, lost in thought, a gentle knock on her door broke through her reverie. "Simi?" Abosede's voice was soft and tentative."Come in, Mom," Simi replied, forcing a smile despite the turmoil within. Abosede entered the room, her expression a mix of concern and warmth. She crossed the room and sat beside Simi on the bed, placing a comforting hand on her daughter's shoulder. "I heard what happened earlier," she said gently. Simi sighed deeply, feeling the tension release slightly as she leaned into her mother's touch. "I just don't understand why he thinks he can control my life like this," she admitted, frustration evident in her voice. "It's not fair."Abosede nodded slowly, understanding etched across her features. "I've been where you are," she said softly, her voice filled with empathy. "I know what it feels like to be caught between your desires and your family's expectations."Simi looked up at her mother, surprised by this revelation. She had always viewed Abosede as a pillar of strength—someone who had it all together. "You? What did you go through?"Abosede took a deep breath, her gaze drifting to the floor as if searching for the right words buried beneath years of unspoken memories. "When I was your age," she began slowly, "I faced similar pressures from your grandfather. He had plans for me—plans that didn't include my dreams."What did you want?" Simi asked, intrigued."I wanted to pursue my passion for art," Abosede replied wistfully. "I dreamed of painting and travelling to learn from other artists around the world. But your grandfather wanted me to marry well and settle down."Simi felt a pang of sympathy for her mother; it was hard to imagine Abosede as anything other than the devoted mother she had always known. "So what happened?"I fought against it at first," Abosede admitted,*
her eyes reflecting both pain and pride.
"But eventually, I chose stability over my dreams because I thought it was what was best for our family."Simi's heart sank at those words; she could see how much pain lingered beneath them. "Did you ever regret it?"Abosede hesitated before answering,*
her voice barely above a whisper.
"Sometimes."The admission hung heavily between them; Simi could feel the weight of unfulfilled dreams pressing down on both their shoulders.*
"But you still supported us," Simi said softly,
her heart aches for all that Abosede had sacrificed.
"You gave everything for us."Yes," Abosede replied gently,*
"But I want you to know that your happiness matters too."Simi felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes; this was what she needed to hear—validation for her feelings and desires that had long been buried beneath layers of obligation.*
"I just want to be happy," she confessed,
her voice trembling slightly."You deserve happiness," Abosede said firmly,*
her grip on Simi's shoulder tightening reassuringly.
"You deserve to choose your path."But what if my choices hurt you or Dad?" Simi asked,*
fear creeping back into her voice.
"What if I disappoint him?"Abosede shook her head firmly.*
"You must live your life for yourself first. You can't sacrifice your happiness for others' expectations."Simi took a deep breath,*
fighting against the tears threatening to spill over.
"It's just so hard."I know it is," Abosede replied softly,*
her eyes filled with understanding.
"But remember that love should never feel like a burden."As they sat together in silence,*
Simi felt a sense of comfort wash over her—this moment shared with her mother felt like an anchor amidst the storm swirling around them both."What if I find someone who truly sees my worth?" Simi asked quietly,*
a flicker of hope igniting within her heart."You will," Abosede assured,*
a smile breaking through as she squeezed Simi's hand gently.
"You deserve someone who appreciates you for who you are—not just what you can offer."Simi nodded slowly,*
fighting against lingering doubts that threatened to cloud her vision once more.
"I met someone… Dami.""Oh?" Abosede raised an eyebrow,*
a hint of curiosity lighting up her expression.
"Tell me about him."He's a local designer," Simi began,*
a smile creeping onto her face as she recalled their conversations.
"He has this incredible passion for fashion and culture—he inspires me."Abosede listened intently,*
nodding along as Simi spoke about Dami's designs and his upcoming showcase in Paris.
"He sounds wonderful," she said warmly."He is," Simi replied,*
her heart fluttering at the thought of him again.
"But I'm scared… scared to let myself feel something more."Why?" Abosede asked gently,*
her eyes searching Simi's face for answers."I don't want to get hurt again," Simi admitted softly,*
fighting against memories of past disappointments that lingered like shadows in the corners of her mind."You won't know unless you take that risk," Abosede encouraged,*
a knowing smile gracing her lips.
"Love is worth fighting for, even when it feels daunting."Simi took a deep breath,*
fighting against anxiety that threatened to overwhelm me once more.
"What if Dad finds out? What if he disapproves?"That's his problem—not yours," Abosede said firmly,*
a fierce determination shining through as she met Simi's gaze directly."But he'll be angry…" Simi began but was cut off by Abosede's gentle yet resolute tone."If he loves you as he claims he does, he will eventually come around," Abosede said softly but with conviction.*The conversation shifted from fear to hope as they continued discussing Dami and what it meant for Simi moving forward—navigating love amidst family obligations that loomed heavily overhead like storm clouds threatening rain.*As night deepened outside their home surrounded by darkness filled only by stars twinkling brightly overhead illuminating path ahead leading towards uncertain future waiting just beyond the horizon,*
Simi felt a renewed sense of clarity wash over every fibre within herself, knowing full well that whatever lay ahead would require strength and resilience built upon love shared between them both—an unbreakable bond forged through trials faced along the journey ahead. Finally, after hours spent talking about everything from love interests to family dynamics surrounding them both,*
Simi felt lighter than air as if burdens carried upon shoulders finally lifted, allowing room to breathe freely once more."I'm glad we talked," Simi said, finally breaking the silence surrounding them both, filled only by sounds echoing from nearby streets, bustling alive under stars twinkling overhead, illuminating the path ahead leading towards an uncertain future waiting just beyond the horizon.*"So am I," Abosede replied warmly wrapping arms around their daughter offering comfort against uncertainties looming ahead knowing full well whatever lay before them would require strength and resilience built upon love shared between them both—an unbreakable bond forged through trials faced along the journey ahead.*As they embraced tightly surrounded by warmth radiating invitingly against cool evening breeze greeting warmly against skin reminding how much life existed beyond walls surrounding them all right now,*
Simi knew deep down that no matter what challenges lay ahead—together they could face anything life threw their way.