The first day comes with anticipation, like the feeling of dawn, the awakening promise of it. The Endless possibility of a new day like opening a blank page in a book, rows and rows of unwritten lines, like reading a brand new book, discoveries and mysteries unexplored, like starting a journey of hope, like coating the embers of a dying fire, like the first walk of a child.
A new beginning, a new chapter, a new dawn.
The Beginning ****before the beginning
Onyeka nnenwa was a fine tall gentleman, with a fine smile and dimple. He was well-recognized in his village and villages nearby, because he was a very good footballer.
Onyeka was loved by women both old and young, he was the dream of every young girl in the village because he was successful at his trade as a footballer and as a musician, He acts and sometimes tells jokes as a stand-up comedian. When it comes to entertainment onyeka's news always comes first. You can't be bored or depressed around him. This led to his fame across villages. He was known in his village and villages nearby.
Every young guy in the village wanted to be him. Plus he has a fine sense of fashion, guys would come to him to teach them how to dress.
But one thing was off about Onyeka, He hardly dates girls, and no one could point out who his girlfriend is. People were surprised, how can a fine popular young guy, not have a woman in his life? People thought it was a matter of self-discipline, not knowing that onyeka has a secret sin, that no one knows about. He kept it secret for so long that he nearly died of depression.
Before the new dawn!
Onyeka Nnenwa, before becoming a footballer and an entertainer generally, was first a potential priest. Everyone thought he would become a Reverend father after he is done with his seminary school. But to everyone's surprise, a year before his final test as a seminarian, Onyeka was back in his parent house, looking all clumsy with his tired eyes, shaky feet, and worn-out clothes, like someone who has climbed the mountain and back to the ground, his body was full of sweat and smelly. He was scrolling his eyes all over the house as if he was sent on a scout mission.
Pheew, finally Home, he said, like someone a heavy load was taken from his head. He sat down on the brown cotton chair, that is all most all torn out. Mr Nnewa, his father, with a surprised face, and suspicious eyes, asked him in their local language, Igbo, Onyi, Gini ka ene me eba? What are you doing here? Nsogbo adi? Is there any problem?
Onyi, so afraid, knowing who the father was, quickly responded. No sir, there is no problem. The dad asked again, then what are you doing here? Ain't you supposed to be in school? What are you doing at home? He shouted. Onyika answered clumsily, I'm tired, I don't want to become a priest again. The father looked at him puzzled. Why? He asked. Onyi responded nothing, I just don't see myself, becoming a priest. I don't want to bring shame to God or you papa, said onyika.
The father looked puzzled, bringing shame to me, how do you mean? Have you broken the rules of conduct of the seminary? Onyi answered, no. Then why would you say such? Onyi answered, being a priest is not for me. I the rather be a normal guy than be a priest. He went inside his room. And that was the last time he spoke with his father.
2 weeks after onyeka's return, his father died. It was like a blow to him, he was depressed, he was confused, he was full of guilt. It felt like his return cost his father's life. Because his father's last wish was for him to become a priest. And he couldn't fulfil that last wish, because of his secret sins. It was a double blow to him, in search of healing, he went deeper and deeper into depression, not knowing the one to tackle first, his secret sins or the guilt he feels for the demise of his father. The more he thinks about it the sadder he becomes.
It's funny, how you can be with a multitude of people and still be lonely even to the point of dying and nobody will notice you. Onyi was surrounded by people, but still, it was as if he was alone, as nobody noticed how deep in depression the handsome young man has gone. They thought he was just being moody, not knowing that this guy is drowning deep in the ocean of death.
The first walk of a child
It was exactly 3 pm onyi has prepared the place where he was going to hang himself. To him, there is nothing left for him in the world. He just wants to rest. He is tired of carrying these hidden scars, pains and regrets in his heart. He just wants to rest, the pain was much for him.
Has he was thinking of whether he should go on or not, thoughts were flying in and out of his mind. He thought if I decide to live, how will I face the people, how can I manage this shame? If the truth gets out how can I face the people? How I can live knowing that my father's last wish was not fulfilled because of my carelessness? How can I tell this story, that a priest to be, impregnated a sister, aborted the baby and the sister died? How? If this truth goes out, I'm going to jail. How can I even pray, knowing that I have done a great sin towards God? How? God!! This is too much for me. Please help me, he prayed. Tears dropped from his eyes, and his nose ran with thick water from both holes of his nose. His hands and legs shaking. At this point, he wishes the group will open and swallow him.
A million thoughts were up in his head, his body so weak as if his soul was ripped out of him. Onyi was still indecisive about what next to do. Immediately he heard a knock on the door. As if he was brought back to life, all thought ceased, he quickly arranges himself, rushed out to the staircase to check who was knocking, and lo and behold, it was his secondary school friend, Ejike. The joy that filled his heart, just seeing Ejike. Made me realize that a friend should be a symbol of hope, joy and trust.
A friend
He opened the door, with an opened arms and a very loud laugh and shout, he hugged ejike and shouted, Ejim!(that was the name he calls ejike) My man! And he breathes so deeply, ahhan! As if to say his savour has come. Ejim, walked in, looked at him and asked him, Bia nwonkem, gi na ekwusu anuro ogu? Come, my man, Did you and the devil fight? Why are you looking like someone that fought demons? What's wrong with you? Onyeka tried to dodge the questions, but ejike pressed and then onyi opened up, with tears in his eyes. He said, nwanne m, eje nwoke aduro easy. The journey of a man is not easy. So after telling ejike, how he got a lady pregnant, aborted the baby as a seminarian, how he came back to his father's house, the father didn't talk to him because he left seminary school until the father died. How he has been battling depression, in the midst of so many people. Before he could finish telling ejike his story, the two pillows, he had in front of him, were sucked with tears. Ejike, consoled him, spoke a few words to him, and took him to his place.
Ejike continued to encourage him until he was able to come out of his shell and decides to live again. It was at Ejike's place that Onyeka, became a football star, and a well-known personality. His new dawn started in Ejike's place, he couldn't be a priest but he became something meaningful to himself and the society at large.
Till Ejike died nobody heard about what onyeka did. He kept that secret till death.
Ejike didn't just give onyeka hope, joy and a new beginning, he also kept his secret. To me, this is what friendship should be. Hope, joy and trust.
All images are mine except indicated.