Chapter 16: Only Me

But...

The truth dey always wait for corner. No matter how you try, sometimes family fit disappoint person, especially when shame dey involved.

If dem really love her, if dem hear say she dey locked for sheep pen, dey live like animal, why her twin brother no do anything?

Na question wey heavy for mind. For our side, blood suppose thick pass water. But sometimes, shame dey heavy pass love. I dey wonder if na pride dey hold him back, or if he no know.

Mama no know say, the person wey love her pass for this world na me.

The truth dey silent, but strong. Even if I be small, even if my love dey look like trouble, na me go always choose her, even when others dey run.

Even if I be the person wey she hate pass.

Love and hate dey mix, especially when pain dey ground. For my mind, I dey beg say her love go shine, even if na small.

Even if, for some nights, she wan strangle me as I dey sleep.

Na the truth. Pain dey change people, turn love to fear, care to anger. But I still dey, I still choose her.

I close my eyes, see mama for my mind, happy, dey sing small song for me.

Her voice sweet, like bird for early morning. The memory dey bring small peace, even as darkness dey press me. I dey hold the song for my heart, as medicine against sorrow.

I really wan go back to the sheep pen.