“Get a stool and sit beside me my child”, the dry voice of Ma. Brymo jolted me back to consciousness.
I wiped my tears and obliged. She was the oldest woman in my neighborhood.
It was the sixth day after Jason, my ride or die broke up with me.
I never knew I will survive the shock because I walked into an oncoming vehicle.
The saviour was by my side because it was not at high speed. The driver was quick enough to swerve into the nearby bush and sustained minor injuries.
He rained curses on me. Thankfully, I was not with my right senses.
When I sat beside her, she took my hand into her dry palm and look into my eyes.
Though aged, her beauty and features were impeccable.
“My daughter, do you want to kill yourself because of a man? she asked.
“No, Mama. But I love him”, I said bursting into tears again. She allowed me weep for some time before she finally cleared her throat.
“When I was young like you, I was very beautiful, innocent and attractive. Every young man want to be with me. They were so much that it got to a point people thought I was using charm on them. But did you know that it was not difficult to chose my husband amongst them. I sat up with eagerness.
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“How? I asked, surprised.
She smiled.
“It was very easy, my daughter. I accepted all of them. I never took their feelings for granted and I even told them that they were free to come to my parents house to see me. Among all, twenty was constantly showing up, asking of me, helping me out with chores and farming because my father owns a big barn. When any of them wants to get serious with me, I maintained neutrality but I was very kind and good to them and I make sure that when any of them comes to help us out. He goes home with a tuber of yam or maize cobs depending on what is in season. Did you know… gradually the number decreased to ten, five , three and then one. The last man standing was unflinching. He refused to give up. He was there through thick and thin, and even when the rest fails to show up. He was there. At that time he was not even the wealthiest or the best looking but he is my husband today. He will be walking me down the aisle for the fifth time in fifty years.
I was shocked. She seemed to notice and smiled.
“Yes. We have been married for fifty years and still counting”, she replied.
“Some people will try to justify my story by saying that they will not wait for me forever when there are other beautiful ladies outside there. Yes of course I am not expecting them to wait for me but I must tell you my daughter, love is patient. Someone who truly loves you will be patient with you and treat you like a queen you are. They were on their knees begging for my love and within two moons all were gone except one.
“If Jason was the man meant for you. He won’t leave. Amongst hundred or thousands of them, the real one will call you every day, show up for you, respect and honour you and treat you like a queen you are. You are a good girl my daughter and the right one will come. Wipe your tears and cry no more. Jason has moved on and I want you to do the same. The future is bright.
“Thank you, Ma. Brymo. I love you”, I said and hugged her tightly, smiling for the first time in eight days.
