Dear August

SYNOPSIS: This short story is the narrative of a young woman going through life’s phases confused. As she seeks a means to find a permanent solution to her pain, she finds discovers the unexpected.

They say that life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans. But what transpires when you don’t have any plans at all? I had prayed to the cosmos for a sign for so long. For guidance. Though I was alive, I felt lifeless. I was unsure of what my life was supposed to be about or what it meant. Then came you, my answered prayer…
I still clearly recall everything that occurred that day. The usual rude awakening by Iya Biliki’s rooster as well as a dull backache. And my morning was greeted by the glossy rays of the sunlight peeking through the translucent blinds of the lone window in my bedroom. I remember when realtor Kunle tried to get me to pay for this apartment by gushing about how wonderful it was. My one mistake was relying on his palter rather than my instincts.
The sound of a recognizable gruff voice boomed into my room, “Susanna!, your rent don expire o.” The caretaker appeared. You would think she would be empathetic after having given birth to eight children of her own. But no, when it comes time to collect rent, her harshness doubles. I moaned, “Not again,” and worked to put together a response to appease her. I feigned a smile and said, “Happy new month Mrs. Dodo. Don’t worry, I’ll pay in two weeks. You know…” My folktale was abbreviated by Mrs. Dodo’s stern reprimand. She began using her fingers to gesticulate as if counting tallies, “Work, you no get. Husband, you don’t get. I no sure say you get plans to pay”, I stood still, tongue-tied. She continued, “If your rent no complete by evening, just pack out” She stormed out of my doorway after saying that. And thus my day had begun with the not-so-subtle reminder that I had nothing to live for.
I sat there, desolate. Mrs. Dodo was right. I made several attempts to get employment, but each time I was told: “You’re not the appropriate match for this position,” or “We can’t hire someone in your condition.” Nobody should have to deal with such uncertainty and rejection. So I decided to put an end to the suffering. I then unfastened one rope from the laundry area and crept behind the outdoor bathroom to the tall tree. Finally, I was about to put a stop to everything. Aaaah! I yelled. My water broke. Iya Biliki discovered me on the ground after hearing my scream. Though I had planned to die by my hand, life had other intentions.
My life flashed before my eyes as I endured a severe amount of anguish. But it was rewarding. When I held you in my hands I discovered love. “Wetin be him name?” I was brought back to the present by Iya Biliki’s voice. “I’ll call him August,” I grinned. “To serve as a reminder that on this day in August, by giving life to another, I found mine.”