After Paradise

Flashback 2: A new life after jail.

Three years later.

My life changed drastically ever since I spent my life here in prison. I met different species of people and behaviour; the good, the bad and the ugly. Sometimes I wondered why God hated me this much to create me. Ever since I lost my family and so-called relatives, there was no hope for me. I know it's my fate to suffer till death, I'll gallantly carry my cross.

Today is my last day here in jail and I do not have an idea on what is going to happen to me,  where I'm going to go, my future or whatsoever. These prison bars I've held for the past three years gave me nothing but hope, I know I have an expected end.

"Come and sign these papers" said Constable Bimpe, the woman that made my life hell throughout my stay.

I walked up to her, scratching my scruffy hair. "where are they?"

She slid the paper. "Finally I wouldn't have to look at your witchy face after today"

I chuckled. "Thanks for the compliment. I'm extremely grateful"

She rolled her eyes and forcefully collected the paper from my hands,tearing it into two.

"Cole Moyosore" A huge voice roared, Commissioner Barry, the corrupt leader.

"Argh" I sighed.

I entered his office and stood in akimbo. "Yes?"

He got up, smiling seductively at me. "You've not accepted my advances. Do you know how badly I want you? If you had been mine, a long time ago you'd have left this unbearable situation. I still...... "

"Look" I shunned him, pointing my five fingers. "In your life, don't you EVER show your face to me. You never know what I can do to you. A woman's wrath is worse than being heated in coal fire"

I spat on him signifying my irritation. I went to the next Commissioner's office to complete my freedom from jail.

*the next day*

On the 19th of March 2001, I got my release from jail. I wondered aimlessly on the streets of Lagos, having no idea of where to go. Exactly three years back, I was beaten, raped, abused, molested and arrested. Life only brought me nothing but pain and sadness. Having high hopes for the future, I kept on walking around, people staring and giving curious faces about my appearance and destination.

"Pummm pummm" the horn of a highlander resounded continuously. I moved away sluggishly, stirring up surprise on the faces of passers by.

"madam you no dey fear?(madam, aren't you scared?)" asked one of the passers by.

I smiled wryly. "There's nothing to be scared of, I'm more than death"

Picking my load from the ground, I continued my journey not until someone kept calling
out my name. "Moyo! Moyo!"

I stood, my eyes roaming around. It was Theresa, my former colleague at work. Tears streamed down my face immediately.

"Theresa" I ran to embrace her,  my tears making her top wet. "how are you?"

She wiped my tears then hers. "It's been ages, Moyo. I heard of your arrest and since then I couldn't find you. I felt like a bad person but I always knew I'll find you someday and I finally did. I'm so sorry"