GREENER PASTURES

CHAPTER SEVEN

“Left to me alone, I won’t be here. I had made my plans in life. I had my small mechanic shop that provided enough for me to live a comfortable life. But you see this other gender called women? I tell the truth from experience, they are demons in disguise.” Louise took a large gulp from whatever liquid was in his cup.

“I married a useless human being because of her hard-working, supportive, and kind character. I never knew she was a sheep in wolf clothing. I knew we were a powerful couple who would work hand in hand to build a better future.

 I knew we were to share the burden to make things better. But you know what? The devil did not only run away from every responsibility but she put all the burden on me. See! I know the man is supposed to take care of his wife and home right?” he asked and everyone started talking at once as if they were waiting for him to give them the opportunity.

“But even if the man is supposed to take care of everything, there are some little things that the woman can get for herself and her children that won’t require her taking money from her husband.”  Rebecca, one of the travelers, spoke with so much vigor as if she was in a debate session.

“Exactly! Exactly!” The others including Gray agreed to the latter’s reasoning loudly.

“Aha! And she had a full-time function hair salon to help me with those small responsibilities, but no! At least, some women understand the little things of life." He finished the liquid in his glass and barbed loudly while refilling it, indeed, alcohol brings out the worst in people.

“She had this group of friends who had brainwashed her into thinking that she was not supposed to share these responsibilities even after birthing two children." He said holding up three fingers. 

"All she thought about was how to take off her body and be up to date with fashion. It was like she was trying to recuperate her lost teenage days. As if she missed that stage in her life."

 The look on his face was forlorn and that of a grieving man.

 " I didn’t expect much of her financial support though she was earning enough at the salon. I needed just the psychological, mental, and emotional backup that will boost my morals and make my efforts less stressful. 

I just needed to be encouraged, I needed just that little push and boast of confidence. It would have given me the zeal and desire to push through, but every day I came home to shouts and insults 

‘Useless man, what reasonable thing have you brought to the table? Can’t you be like your mates? They go out of the country and make it big then take their families out of misery but no, you want to always be seen under a car to prove that you are hard-working. You are a lazy man Louise, not all jobs require that your hand be dirty. Stupid man’ 

she sometimes went to the extent of spitting on me after a long tiring day from work."

He imitating a woman’s voice would have been hilarious if the hurt and pain were not so palpable. This did not physically hurt, he was physiologically, emotionally, and mentally damaged. His back was against the wall and he was in a state of chronic depression which was worse than some physical damage.

“She refused to accompany me to public gatherings, even to church on Sundays! I became a disgrace and a laughing stock. I started doing house duties and taking care of my kids because she suddenly decided that it was equally part of my responsibilities.  

She started living an extravagant life to the detriment of our children's mental and physical health. The pressure was mounting, it was too much so my priorities began changing. 

I got my mother to accept to take care of my kids, I added her money to boost up her business so that she could take care of my kids while I was away. I then embarked on this journey with the hopes to get a better life and make enough money that will close her mouth. I want her to see that I am a man that can do anything and everything I put my mind to. Once I step foot in the free man’s land, I will work enough money and take only my kids and forget I ever used my two legs to get into hell.”

Everyone was silent and I think touched by his story.  People had problems in this world.

“Cheers to the free man’s land.” 

Bro Thierry proposed a toast to which they clinked their glasses including Talia’s barely touched bottle of sprite. When the discussion returned to its lively state which was mostly meant to cheer up Louise, Talia realized the kind of people she had mixed up with. People who were ready to support you and help you achieve your goals. This simple realization made her mind and body visibly relax.

The faces of the people around her gave her more courage to face what was ahead. It was when she got on one bus that she decided to start following her mother’s advice on meditation and prayers. Her mother had told her that talking to God was the best thing to do, it was even better than talking to someone you truly love. 

She taught Talia how to meditate and depend on the Holy Spirit for guidance and she told her that even when you are at your worst moments, the Holy Spirit is always with you.

So that night, Talia cried while talking to God. “Father, at this stage, only you know the way and only you have the final say.”

A/N

Hey guys! I guess we are all doing fine. A little question.

Have you ever felt so emotionally, mentally, and physically broken? Have you come out of it? If yes, How did you come out of it?

Share your thoughts guys, it will greatly help someone in need.

I am a mental health advocate. If your mental health is unstable, your life becomes unstable.

Join me to save souls.

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Much ❤️ 💕 love 😍 Aqui-Pretty.