It had been a hot afternoon in Lagos on the 5th of October 2016, it was a special day for the students of Atlantic College, especially the graduating students. As Omowunmi stepped to the podium, a sweat broke from her right shin threatening to ruin her make-up. Omowunmi smiled shyly at the adoring junior students of Atlantic college as she delivered her valedictory speech. She had been the head girl of the school, she was a great leader. Everyone thought she had the world at her feet.
Life has been nothing but good to Omowunmi Wellington until a fateful day in December when the sky was dark and vultures gathered. Her parents had traveled to London in November, leaving her in care of her uncle, Mr Badmus. The second night she spent at Mr Badmus' house marked the beginning of her nightmare. Mrs Badmus had just traveled to the village at her husband's instance to deliver some items to his parents. At first Omowunmi thought it was a bad dream when she heard Mr Badmus knocking her room door by 1 AM in the night. With her body trembling all over, she cautiously opened the door. Little had the door opened when Mr Badmus swung into action like a wild beast starved of food. He carried her into the bed, tore every piece of cloth on her body and in less than 2 minutes he was already inside of her. She screamed but no one heard, her world fell apart.
After several pleas from Mr Badmus who claimed he was used by the devil, Omowumi called her parents the next day. They got back to the country with the next available flight. Mr Badmus was promptly arrested. But the deed had already been done. A bitter seed has been left in the soil. After much vomiting, Omowunmi was confirmed pregnant in 3 months time. Her world tumbled once again. To make matters worse, the doctor warned against an abortion. The truth is that there is a 50% Chance she would lose her life in the process. She is an only child, her parents where not about to gamble with the life of their angel. At the mention of this, Omowunmi's heart broke into a million pieces. Her voice broke when she spoke as tears freely flowed out of a once beautiful eyes. ''Dad and mum, am sure you know it wasn't my choice to get raped, neither was it my choice to get pregnant for a man who is twice my age and nothing but a monster. I believe I have what is called 'liberty' and I will use it. Please don't stop me simply because you are afraid to lose me. If you do, I will kill myself. I can't carry a monsters baby. I am pro-choice, I choose abortion. If it is my destiny to die during this abortion, so be it''. *
The Wellingtons wept bitterly as they signed the necessary documents. Doctor Johnson couldn't help shedding a tear too. He promised to do his best to safe a terrible situation.
An abortion was carried out immediately, just after Mr Johnson completed the process, Omowunmi stopped breathing. His efforts to revive her bore no fruits. The world has lost a gem he muttered to himself. Doctor Johnson asked a nurse to bring in the Wellingtons, he cried within as he broke the news to them. They were in total shock.
Doctor Johnson and the Wellingtons were about to step out of the room when they heard a sneez, time stood still as they swung their necks backward. Omowunmi's eyes gently opened as she crawled her way back into life. She had just made another choice, a choice to live. Doctor Johnson smiled as he looked at the survivor, ''indeed everyone should be given a choice, be it pro-choice or pro abortion.* He said quietly.
Word length 349
Photo credit:
Essence
Here is my entry for the #AIR-CLINIC WRITING CONTEST 11: What I Think About Abortion.
I hope you enjoyed every bit of it.
I must say a big thank you to #Air-clinic for this wonderful contest.
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