CAUGHT

A 'SHERO' IN VIEW

Onome could not help herself as she stared at Mrs Tolupe while she dished out words of wisdom.
She began with a pep talk even before exchanging any pleasantries.

Her office was a small suite with a brown leather sofa, a single Chair for her and a brown wooden vintage table that accomodates her laptop and other files. A water dispenser at the edge of the entrance with disposable cups on top. It was modern but simple.

She directed Onome to sit opposite her and Onome became nervous.

She began her Pep Talk by telling Onome that talking to someone about how you feel is one great way of relieving stress and tension that comes with certain life's issues. She also added that depression worsens when one does not share.

Hence, she informed Onome that this was a session of sharing sincere emotions.

"So, Onome how are you?I was surprised when you called to book for a session but I am glad you did".

Onome blushed.

"Thank you so much ma for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to me. Am very grateful ma."

"Appreciation accepted.What do you want to talk about.?"

"I ...."
"You are stuttering again I told you to relax or are you pregnant?"

"No ma. Am on family planning".

"Ok..that means you are sexually active. Good to know ".

Onome wondered how she fell for this trap. She didn't want to talk about her sex life, yet she just admitted to being on pregnancy preventive measures. She bowed her head again.

"You know you can talk to me, I wouldn't bite you dear."

"I want my boyfriend to stop hitting me." She finally blurted out.

"Wow!! Onome you don't say..." Mrs Tolu jotted down something on her writing pad.

"That's impressive. It's off your chest right, because I believe you have been meaning to share that one right?". Onome bared a smile.

"Have you ever told him to stop hitting you?".

Onome nodded negatively.
"Why?"

"Because I am scared that he would get angry."

"That means you scared of him".

Mrs Tolulope brought out a file and some plain separate sheets of paper and began to document on it as well as the first sheet of paper. Onome could not see what she was writing from her sitting position. She wondered why it was important to her.

"Can he hurt you?" She asked after a while.
Onome nodded in the affirmative.

"Then why are you still with him.?"

Onome gave the silent response again.

"You have to talk, why are you still with him, do you love him so much that you are prepared to die by his hands?"

"He is the one sponsoring my education and taking care of my entire family."

"Wow! So you are not in it for love but for provision huh?
Onome felt ashamed.

"If something was to happen to your benefactor, because I don't think he is your lover. If a tragedy happens to him today how would you survive?"

Onome slightly frowned as she prayed silently for nothing to happen to Tega.

"Are you in a relationship or in a trade by barter system?"

She asked Onome while still documenting on her paper. Onome didn't have a single reply in her head to this attack.