Adeola's concern was palpable as she arrived at Ajiun's doorstep, the sound of her car tires crunching on the gravel driveway outside. "Ajiun, I've been trying to reach you. How are you?" she asked, her voice laced with empathy.
Ajiun opened the door wider, letting Adeola in. The warm sunlight streaming through the window highlighted the dark circles under her eyes, and the faint scent of stale air wafted out. "I'm... managing."
Adeola's gaze scanned the room, noticing Akanji's absence and the eerie silence. The ticking clock on the wall seemed to amplify the tension. "Where's Akanji?"
Ajiun's expression hardened, her voice laced with a mix of sadness and determination. She sank into the plush couch, the soft cushions enveloping her. "He's gone. For now."
Adeola's eyes locked onto Ajiun's, empathy radiating from her face. She sat beside Ajiun, the leather creaking softly. "What happened?"
Ajiun's voice cracked, the words tumbling out like a broken dam. Tears welled up in her eyes, and Adeola handed her a tissue from the nearby box. "Everything. He's been... different. Controlling. And now, with Mom passing... I don't know if I can do this anymore."
Adeola enveloped Ajiun in a warm hug, the scent of lavender wafting from her perfume. "You won't have to. I'm here."
Akanji's face darkened, his eyes narrowing outside the window. The sunlight highlighted the tension in his jaw. "You think you can do better without me?" he muttered to himself, the sound barely audible.
Adeola stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "Akanji, I think it's time you left."
Akanji's gaze flicked between the sisters, his expression twisting. "This isn't over, Ajiun." He turned and walked out, the door slamming shut behind him. The sound echoed through the empty hallway.
The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by Ajiun's ragged breathing. The air felt heavy, like a weight pressing down.
Days passed, Ajiun attending counseling sessions, reconnecting with old friends, and exploring her passion for painting. The strokes of her brush danced across the canvas, a vibrant reflection of her inner turmoil. The smell of acrylic paint and turpentine filled the air.
During a therapy session, Ajiun discovered Akanji's personality disorder – narcissistic tendencies.
Dr. Okoro's words echoed in her mind: "Akanji's behavior is a coping mechanism. He's struggling to maintain control."
Ajiun's perspective shifted. She realized Akanji's actions weren't about her, but about his inner turmoil.
Empowered, Ajiun decided to give Akanji "aura for aura." She matched his energy, refusing to let him dictate her emotions.
When Akanji yelled, she remained calm, her heartbeat steady. When he criticized, she countered with affirmations.
Akanji's frustration grew, his anger manifesting in destructive ways – punching walls, slamming doors.
One evening, as Akanji ranted, Ajiun looked him straight in the eye. "You're not intimidating me, Akanji."
Akanji's response? A dismissive yawn.
Ajiun smiled inwardly. She'd taken back control.
As Ajiun's pregnancy advanced, her emotions intensified. She felt lost, uncertain about her future. The sound of her baby's heartbeat during ultrasound sessions became her anchor.
Adeola remained a steady support, encouraging Ajiun to prioritize self-care.
Ajiun's journey to self-discovery had begun.
YOU ARE READING
The Weight Of Shadows!
General Fiction"The Weight of Shadows" is a poignant and thought-provoking tale of love, heartache, and self-discovery. Abeke and Akanji's whirlwind romance blossoms under the stars; however, it slowly unravels as Akanji's charm masks a self-absorption that suffoc...
