I looked for the fifteenth time at my wristwatch and 10:34pm stared back at me accusingly. We were just approaching Haruna junction along Ikorodu road, creeping like a wounded tortoise. The Lady beside me on the BRT bus grimaced…I ignored her. A huge truck had fallen somewhere around Owode- Onirin and caused a ‘critical’ traffic. Taking my car to work wouldn’t have been a better option; it’s Friday, It’s Lagos and Traffic is our lifestyle. I checked my phone again and the screen stayed blind. Anxiety made my temperature higher. I hated Lagos for the first time. I remembered home, my heart skipped two beats. I hoped Ife understands.

I got to the gate of my duplex in Odogunyan at a worrisome hour of 11:30pm. Chidinma our help opened the door before I knocked. Deji ran into my arms to greet me, Motilade my eldest child muttered a scornful ‘good evening dad’ and quickly escorted her brother back to the room. I wondered why they were still awake.

I got to my bedroom. Ife was fiddling with a picture in her hands. ‘Baby, you still up?’ I managed to say. She raised her head, her face a concoction of Anger and fatigue. I drew closer and noticed the picture.

It was the 17th of June, 2010, her birthday, the very first I celebrated with her. She had only said yes to my love proposal the week before and I was going to impress her. A gate-fee to Kuramo Beach and a plate of ice-cream was all I could afford. Yet she smiled receiving my love in its miserly state. I remember staring into the warmth of her eyes for hours and finding peace. Right there, I knew I had found a love that was right for me; my miracle.

“Is there a problem?” I asked

“Today was the inter-School competition, Motilade performed well until she was asked to give a short speech on ‘My Father”  ”

“She couldn’t make a complete statement, Not About your best food, or best colour, or best game. Nothing at all” She raised her voice making emphasis on her last words.

“Bayo, your children don’t know you!!! And yes I know the nature of your Job and how difficult it is working in Lagos, but we are losing these children.”  Her eyes had evolved to an erupting volcano. She stood up and made way for the door. She stopped suddenly, turned back and Said in lower tone.

“Just to remind you again this year. Today is the 17th of June and you lost another part of me”

Written by Gracie’s Pen

Photo by Ugo Jesse