A tiny breeze passed through my lips, but I couldn't speak. My legs and hands were shaking while my eyes blinked rapidly as tears threatened to spill. I was dumbfounded, unsure of what to do.
Finally the tears fell freely down my cheeks. I looked at my Aunt, who was smiling mischievously alongside her children. I had so much to say but my tongue refused to obey. I ran to my room, slammed the door and buried my face in my pillow, letting all my frustrations pour out. I kept on muttering to myself,
"Why me, Lord?" Over and over.
Not knowing where else to turn, I packed my few belongings into a black Ghana Must Go bag. The floor felt cold beneath my feet, and the walls of the house seemed smaller than ever. Taking a deep breath, I stepped outside, ready to face life on my own terms, no matter how difficult it would be.
I sighed heavily as I stared at the endless street before me.
Ohh.. you must be wondering where I was. "Ughelli town"
With nothing left on me except my black Ghana Must Go bag, I hurried toward otovwodo bridge "A home for the homeless..". The sky was already turning dark, and the cold evening breeze brushed against my skin. At least I needed somewhere to rest for the night before continuing my unknow journey tomorrow.
By the time I got there, I was completely exhausted.... and terribly hungry. Since the bridge was close to the market, I slowly walked toward a nearby trash bin. My heart sank as I searched through it, but after a moment I found a small packet of biscuits.
My eyes lit up, it felt like a miracle.
I hurried back to my corner under the bridge and ate the biscuits slowly, trying to make it last. The night air was cold, and the sound of the distant vehicles echoed above me. Not long after, sleep finally carried me away.
Suddenly, bright flashlights hit my face. I woke up in the middle of the night to loud voices and heavy footsteps.
Man 1: "Oboi see girl here"
Man 2: "And she fine o.... See shape"!
My heart began to pound violently in my chest as their footsteps draw closer. My whole body trembled with fear. "Come to my rescue, O Lord". I slowly muttered.
The footsteps stopped right in front of me. "Wake her", One of them said. A rough hand suddenly grabbed my arm slipping towards my skirts.