when strength meets love

chapter 26: goodbye

The sun was setting over the village, casting a golden glow on the dusty paths Ivie walked. Her mind was heavy with the weight of her reality. Today was the day. Her best friend, Eki, would leave for the city with Oduwa. She should be happy for her friend, but her heart felt burdened. The pressure at home was suffocating. The Enogie’s decree, her parents' joy over the marriage arrangements, and Osagie’s silence—everything seemed to crush her spirit.

She hadn’t seen Osagie since the news broke. A part of her wanted to confront him, to scream at him for ruining her life. He didn’t love her. She knew that. He only wanted to use her to keep up appearances, to live a life free of emotional ties. The thought filled her with so much bitterness she clenched her fists as she walked. But this wasn’t the time to dwell on that. Today was about Eki.

When Ivie reached Oduwa’s family compound, she saw the couple preparing to leave. Oduwa was busy loading their few belongings onto a cart, while Eki stood to the side, her eyes scanning the road. When Eki spotted Ivie approaching, her face lit up, and she rushed to meet her.

“Ivie!” Eki called, her voice trembling with emotion.

Ivie quickened her steps, and when they met, the two friends embraced tightly. The hug was long and silent, their tears speaking the words their hearts couldn’t. They had been friends since childhood, sharing secrets, dreams, and struggles. Now, their paths were diverging, and the pain was almost unbearable.

“I’m going to miss you so much,” Eki said, her voice breaking. “Please don’t forget me. Always stay in touch.”

Ivie tried to smile through her tears. “Never, Eki. In this life or the next, I could never forget you. You’re my best friend, my sister for life.”

Eki pulled back slightly, studying Ivie’s face. Something wasn’t right. Ivie’s eyes, usually bright and full of life, were clouded with worry. “Ivie, you look... troubled. Is it because I’m leaving, or is something else bothering you?”

Ivie hesitated, forcing a sad smile. “No, it’s nothing. I’m just sad you’re leaving. That’s all.”

Eki frowned, unconvinced but unwilling to press further. Instead, she smiled through her tears. “I promise to come back to visit. You’ll see. This isn’t goodbye forever.”

Ivie nodded, though her heart was far from settled. She hugged Eki one last time, whispering, “Take care of yourself, my friend. The city may be different, but I know you’ll thrive there.”

Eki smiled, wiping her tears. “And you, Ivie. Stay strong. Don’t let anyone dim your light.”

With those words, Ivie turned and walked away, her steps heavy. She didn’t dare look back, afraid the tears would overwhelm her. Eki stood watching her friend retreat into the distance, her heart aching but filled with determination.

As Oduwa called her to join him, Eki took one last look around the village that had been her home. The memories, both good and bad, played in her mind. She took a deep breath and stepped forward, taking Oduwa’s hand. Together, they began their journey to the city, leaving the familiar behind for an uncertain but hopeful future.

Ivie reached home, her face shadowed with sadness. She knew she had lied to Eki. Her troubles weren’t just about saying goodbye; they were about the chains tightening around her. Her father’s voice echoed in her mind, her mother’s proud smile, and the image of Osagie’s cold, indifferent face.

As she lay in bed that night, Ivie couldn’t help but think of Eki’s courage. Her friend had chosen her happiness, her freedom. Ivie wondered if she would ever have the strength to do the same.