It was in the month of April. That same month, Seun Atolagbe was denied a visa to return to the United States of America (USA), where he had been living for almost 21 years. Suddenly, his world was crumbling, leaving tales of woes. He had come home just to bury his late dad, and after the funeral ceremony, the United States Embassy rejected his application to go back to his base in Chicago. It wasn't that he actually enjoyed his stay in the U.S., but to him, it was better and safer to be far away from the prying eyes of his peers in Nigeria, who had 'made it' in terms of wealth and success. His children who were in the States only communicated with him once in a while and there was no financial assistance from them either, because they were still in school, and very young.
A Mirror of Despair
Seun looked at himself in the mirror that hot Tuesday afternoon, and tears streamed down his cheeks. He felt so dejected, sad, and lonely. He had been looking for a job for years with no luck. With those premature grey hairs all over his head and his gaunt physique, there was no other reason for him to commit suicide than his pitiable condition. So, he was ready to terminate and end his agonising life that fateful day. Age seemed not to be on his side now as he was fast approaching 50. This poverty must surely be a curse on his family by someone in the past, but he couldn't understand why.
The Decision to End It All
“Yes,” he soliloquised, “it is better for me to end this terrible life I'm living once and for all! I can't continue this way!” Thus, after concluding how he was going to end his life, he brought out a long rope from a bag and placed it on the table. He moved closer to his door and shut it properly. He took the rope and climbed on top of the table. He knotted the rope round the ceiling fan tightly and made a noose at the other end. Then he put the noose around his neck. Seun would be hanging himself in a matter of seconds. He was angry with the world.
A Moment of Reflection
A few seconds before he bade farewell to the world, he thought of the person behind the problems in his family. “This must be a curse,” he murmured again. “Shame on death, to Satan and his followers!” A hot tear dropped from the corner of his eyes, as he kicked the table under his feet. But just then, in the nick of time, his old-time friend, Bolaji, knocked and breezed in.
Rescue at the Last Second
“What?!” he exclaimed, “Seun, what are you trying to do?” He rushed at him and stopped the fatal dangling; then he removed the rope from his neck. “Lord have mercy!” Bolaji repeated with mouth agape. “You're committing suicide, Seun! Why? Why? Oh, God!” “Let me die, Bolaji,” he begged, “let me die…” he muttered between sobs.
A Glimmer of Hope
“Seun, there's a solution to your problems and worries,” Bolaji cut in, “I'll take you to a Prophet of God I heard of who delivers people from myriad problems of life.” “Bolaji,” Seun called, “my problem is above such a man. There's absolutely no solution to my situation. I'm sure it's a family cross we've been carrying for a long time. Nobody has ever been successful in my family as far as I know. Don't let me waste my time and yours. The only solution is for me to take my life.” “Just follow me to the man of God and let's see what he'd do to solve your problem. Don't doubt me, Seun,” Bolaji concluded…
To be continued. Interested sponsor/sponsors for this SHORT STORY column should please contact: 08023015115 or 08055356855.
