He never told me he was getting married to another woman—not until his wedding day, after I slept over at his house. He never once said he didn’t see me as his future wife, not even subtly. Instead, he kept using me, and in the end, he broke my heart and walked away.

Charles has been my boyfriend for four months now. He has been sweet, consistent, and never gave me any red flags or reason to doubt his intentions. I visited his house often.

We did everything together—cooked, watched movies, talked late into the night. Slept together. Not once did I ever run into the woman he was preparing to say “I do” to. She never visited, maybe because he didn’t want her to. Or maybe he was just that good at hiding his double life.

I kept giving my all, thinking we were growing stronger as a couple. I invested my mind, body, and soul.

That Saturday morning, I woke up to the sound of movement—his friends, both familiar and unfamiliar, were rushing through the house like they were preparing for something big. They were all dressed in matching blue senator suits, looking sharp and excited.

Charles, my Charles, wore a suit that made him look like a model. I was confused. What were they all dressed up for?

Then I overheard one of his friends whisper, “Tell her now…”
Tell me what?

Charles turned to him and said, “I didn’t ask her to come over last night.”

What? Not after we spent the whole night together? Not after we made love? He didn't want me here? I was still confused.

Then he threw a bundle of money at me and told me to leave before he got back.

I was too stunned to speak. My voice failed me. I wanted to scream, but the shock silenced me.

“Is that what you think of me now?” I finally managed to speak, broken. “You sleep with me and pay me?”

He looked at me—his face almost remorseful—but his words stung worse than a slap.

“You’re not wife material. I’m sorry, but I can’t end up with you. That’s why. Just go. Let’s end this in peace.”

I didn’t understand. Why didn’t he go to the hotel he was supposed to have his bachelor’s party at last night? Why did he decide to spend it with me the way he wanted?
Why didn’t his bride call to ask where he was? It felt like his friends knew everything and had been covering up for him.
Until that morning.

After he left, I broke down. I cried for an hour straight until the tears dried up, and anger took over. A burning, bitter rage. I dressed up quickly and searched the whole house for any clue about the wedding location. I was desperate.
Then, thanks to fate, I found a souvenir with the location on it.

I took a commercial bus straight to the cathedral.

By the time I arrived, they were exchanging their vows. My heart was pounding. I didn’t take a seat. I didn’t hesitate. I walked straight to the altar, stepped between him and his bride, and grabbed the microphone from the priest. Anger had taken over my sanity.

I told everyone the truth—everything that had happened. I dropped the bundle of money at his feet as a proof that he had tried to pay me off. The church erupted in chaos. His bride collapsed right there at the altar.

And I walked out. I left them in the mess he created. I left when I was sure I had done enough damage to match the pain he caused me.

That Saturday morning changed me.

I left town and stayed with my sister for a while to clear my head. The heartbreak was too heavy to carry alone.

People said I went too far by crashing the wedding. But what about everything I invested in that relationship? What about the betrayal? He thought he could use me and pay me off like I meant nothing.

Why didn’t he just tell me he couldn’t marry me? Why pretend? Why lie? Why let me give so much while he was planning a future with someone else?

I heard the wedding was called off, and his bride blocked him completely. His family calls me day and night, hurling insults and blaming me for the disgrace. But now, their hatred sounds like music to my ears. I smile when I remember that I crashed that wedding right—I didn’t make a mistake.

I have no regrets. I’ve moved on.

Just be sure the person you’re dating isn’t secretly planning a wedding with someone else. These days, men will string you along, take your love for granted, and tell you you’re not "wife material." Then marry someone else.

This is from a true life story.

#fictionwriter
#storywriter
#weaverofwords

Iwuji Amarachi Judith

Grandma abeg your heart strong pass iron condemn. What a man can do, a woman can do it better indeed chai

Be a woman that men will respect.

HOW TO BECOME MORE CLASSY AND INTELLIGENT AS A WOMAN


Being classy is not about bleaching your skin, wearing designer bags, or speaking through your nose.

And intelligence? It’s not about speaking big grammar and forming British accent.

If you want to truly be a classy and intelligent woman, start here,

1. Read, sis.

I’m not saying become a professor overnight.

But carry books. Read. Listen to podcasts.

Watch YouTube videos that feed your brain, not just celebrity gossips.

2. Speak with sense.

You don’t have to talk all the time. But when you do, let people feel your wisdom.

Speak gently. Speak with respect. Speak to add value, not to scatter everywhere.

3. Dress like you respect yourself.

You don’t need a wardrobe full of clothes.

Just know how to package yourself with confidence, decency, and class.

4. Maturity in how you handle things.

Not everything requires quarrels. Not every insult deserves a reply.

Sometimes, your silence is the loudest clapback.

5. Improve your mindset.
The way you think affects how you act. Stop thinking small.

Stop seeing yourself as a victim. You’re a woman with power. Think big. Think wise.

6. Don’t move with noise makers.
Classy women are intentional about their company.

Hang around women who lift your standards, not those who drag you into drama every day.


7. Pray and glow differently.

Spiritual depth gives you peace that shows in your walk, your talk, and your decisions.

Real elegance comes from the inside out.HOW TO BECOME MORE CLASSY AND INTELLIGENT AS A WOMAN


Being classy is not about bleaching your skin, wearing designer bags, or speaking through your nose.

And intelligence? It’s not about speaking big grammar and forming British accent.

If you want to truly be a classy and intelligent woman, start here,

1. Read, sis.

I’m not saying become a professor overnight.

But carry books. Read. Listen to podcasts.

Watch YouTube videos that feed your brain, not just celebrity gossips.

2. Speak with sense.

You don’t have to talk all the time. But when you do, let people feel your wisdom.

Speak gently. Speak with respect. Speak to add value, not to scatter everywhere.

3. Dress like you respect yourself.

You don’t need a wardrobe full of clothes.

Just know how to package yourself with confidence, decency, and class.

4. Maturity in how you handle things.

Not everything requires quarrels. Not every insult deserves a reply.

Sometimes, your silence is the loudest clapback.

5. Improve your mindset.
The way you think affects how you act. Stop thinking small.

Stop seeing yourself as a victim. You’re a woman with power. Think big. Think wise.

6. Don’t move with noise makers.
Classy women are intentional about their company.

Hang around women who lift your standards, not those who drag you into drama every day.


7. Pray and glow differently.

Spiritual depth gives you peace that shows in your walk, your talk, and your decisions.

Real elegance comes from the inside out.

Every lady in the channel let's gather here with a blue

This is for my sisters

As tough as it is you need to put yourself first in everything,you need to know your value,how much you worth,you need to protect your feelings,your emotions and you need to protect yourself from crying over and over again about the same thing in your relationships.❤

Try to build yourself first before you build a man,sei ndirikudaro because you will build a man for another womanyou will build a man for someone to come and eat zvawakadyara
Dzimwe nguva varume vane mari tend to treat vakadzi sema objects,dont be objectified varume vakaziva kuti iwewe semukadzi hauna chauinacho worse your family kwawakabva they rely on your marriage or relationship vanokuita chikorobhoakaziva kuti your family is as low as your life anokuita saga.
You will never have a say in your relationship kana your boyfriend asinga kuremekedza as an equal
Some women are fortunate kuti vakawana varume vanonzwisisa kuti marriage is partnership/ friendship...ko ukasava fortunate?

As a woman you have to build yourself first so that zvikazodhakwa mu relationship you will leave and find peace
Don't be a woman who is afraid of losing a man because you fear being alone dont be afraid to move on because you feel no one will take care of youdont be afraid to call it quit when love isn't there anymore.Usatye kubuda mu marriage nekutya kuti vanhu vanozoti chii ndopakuzouraiwa nemurumene GBV.
It's only you who suffers that's why you have to build yourself before a man comes to build you,build yourself first❤before you build a man
Vamwe vakadzi are in abusive relationships because of money,material things hanzi because ndine mwana...that's rubbish when it comes to your life...taneta nema suicidal thoughts

Don't accept to be treated like nothing because you have nothing ❤It's not too late kudzokera ku chikoro,it's not too late kuita course ye dressmaking or hair dressing or any other course so you empower yourself. Don't let pride get in your way kuti vanhu vanoziva ndichi Slayer saka ndikaramba murume who will maintain my life style....if the relationship is toxic leave uchiri mupenyu 🙏🏽

*LESSONS FOR WOMEN IN MARRIAGE! +18*
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaGhjo07tkjCfXdy322U

Most women complain of sexual dissatisfaction but the question you should be asking yourself is: Are you playing your part as a woman? Do you know the things that turn your man on? Do you know that a man needs to be caressed and complimented in order to feel like making love to you?

May You Try This It May Help:

1. Be romantic, playful, and spontaneous. Touch your man play with his body flirt with him on the phone compliment him always tell him you love him send him dirty suggestive messages.


2. Please do not be afraid: Ashamed or irritated to take him into your mouth it's exciting once you get the hang of it.

3. Allow him unlimited access to your body: Allow him to go down on you. Do not hide your sensitive areas: surely why do hide your breasts ears and womanhood then claim he can't turn me on.

4. Show him you like sex too: It kills a man's ego when he struggles to get it by the time he starts doing it he will be tired from wrestling with you and talking to you to convince you to have it please please if you can convince your man that you also like it and enjoy it it's very important.

Your man thrives to bring you the latest album of your favorite musician which will stop him from bringing you a new style of sex if he knows you like it.

5. Respond to his lovemaking: Do not lie there like you are dead run your hands on his back and spread out those legs for him and move up to meet him, moan and groan, hiss like a snake.

6. If he hits the right spot say it and show it: Urge him on and hold him tight there, speak in tongues.

7. Suggest positions: And fully participate in your favorite position do not be afraid to go on top.

8. Satisfy him first he will eventually satisfy you: Make him happy and allow him to enjoy you he will return the compliment.

9. Do everything he likes and enjoy pleasing him: You think most men leave you because they got what they wanted: No they would have discovered that you are not enjoying what they are offering you so enjoy what is offered first!

Listen up, son.

There’s no story more emotional, more dramatic, or more manipulative than that of a broke woman looking to fleece you.

A broke woman is a walking crisis. Today it’s her gas. Tomorrow it’s her mother’s surgery. Next week it’s her little brother’s school fees. After that, her auntie’s dog was kidnapped by boko haram.

Real problems. Fake problems. Imaginary ones too. All on your small, struggling head. You will age quickly.

Why? Because she doesn’t work. She doesn’t build. She’s lazy, entitled, and broke but she still has needs. She still wants to eat, dress up, take selfies, and live soft. And since she can’t provide, she survives by lying, crying, and seducing men.

The worst part is you’re not the only one she’s running this game on. You’re just one of many. No company runs and survives on just one customer. Una many!

She targets men with soft hearts. Men with a savior complex. Men who feel guilty saying “no.” and in return, she offers her body because in her mind, that’s her only currency.

Let me be blunt: A broke girl doesn’t love you, she loves what you can do for her and the moment you stop doing it or can’t provide anymore, she vanishes and finds another man who can.

Don’t build with a liability. Choose a woman who’s financially responsible. I didn’t say rich; I said responsible for her own good. A woman who can feed herself, transport herself, recharge her phone, buy her own toiletries and fill her own gas, all without turning her needs into prayer points or a pity party.

That’s the barest minimum because the truth is this, a broke woman will always monetize love. She'll turn her body into an office to survive.

You were not born to be an emergency fund for irresponsible women. Build with value. Love a woman with dignity, not desperation. Leave broke women alone!

Clear?

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR MAN ABOUT A SENSITIVE ISSUE

We sometimes complain that the men don't want to talk or listen. Here's some things that could help..

WATCH YOUR TONE
When upset or frustrated, your tone could easily become sharp, harsh, condescending and full of coldness. A man doesn't like engaging anyone with such a tone. Approach him with peace and the issue will be resolved in peace

TIMING
Straight after work is not the time for a deep talk. One is mentally and physically tired. Let him relax first, put his feet up and approach the subject at a good time

WATCH YOUR EYES
Men get repelled by condescending and mean eyes. I'm sure you would too

DON'T ENGAGE HIM WHEN HE IS DRUNK
If your man is they type that gets intoxicated, don't bother yourself to talk serious issues. Wait till he is sober to have a meaningful talk

DON'T CONFRONT HIM IN FRONT OF YOUR CHILD(REN)
Infront of the kids be cordial, smile, show unity and when it's just you and him, then talk about the issue

DON'T ACCUSE HIM FALSELY
Some women do this. However, this is the easiest way to make him feel attacked and to break the delicate fabric of trust between you two. Before you jump into conclusions, ask him questions politely. Talk with facts. Don't interrogate, politely ask.

DON'T CAUSE A SCENE
A man loses respect for a woman who causes a scene in public or in front of family or friends

SOOTHE HIM
If you want to introduce a topic that has been bothering you, hold on to it. Prepare him his favourite meal, do things that make him feel good. While he is in a good mood, lovingly introduce the issue for discussion

BE IN CONTROL OF YOUR EMOTIONS
If the issue is heavy, be prepared for a conversation that will be heavy on your heart but remain calm and collected. Being frantic and delirious will not aid your cause.

NO INSULTS
Watch your tongue. Keep calm. Insulting him or parading his weaknesses and past mistakes will complicate things. You need him to know you are on the same team

DON'T INTRODUCE OTHER PEOPLE'S OPINIONS
Don't tell him things like 'Even my mum thinks you should...', 'My friend Kajwang who is a man thinks we should...", "Zamira says her husband..." Don't show him you talk about your personal issues with outsiders. Don't show him you value other people's opinion more than his. Don't show him your motivation is based on comparing you two with other couples

BOOST HIS EGO A TAD ;)
Appreciate him more than you criticize him. If you want a man to grow in doing good, praise him for the good he does big and small. When you make him feel like a hero each time he pleases you, he will love pleasing you and will listen moreBest gifts for your loved ones

DON'T BOY HIM
Don't talk down at him. He should never feel disrespected by the woman he has committed to. He hates it when you baby-sit him

DON'T TALK AT HIM
Talk with him. Give him time to speak, don't run your mouth. It should be a two way conversation, not an order

TALK AFTER MAKING LOVE
You can choose to talk about the issue after making love. At that time, both of you are feeling most in love. Talk intimately and peacefully about the issue, he is so receptive to all you say at that timeBest gifts for your loved ones

TAKE HIM ON A DATE
Or you can take him to a place outside home where he will be more conscious of his demeanour in public. An outside setting also breaks the monotony of home. Talk about the issue over a date

DON'T MAKE HIM FEEL UNEASY
Men get unsettled by the words 'We need to talk'. Ease off the pressure by not putting him on the hot seat

DON'T PUSH HIM
Don't pressure him to conclude the issue. If he needs time to think through what you have talked with him about, give him time. Sometimes a man needs to arrange his thoughts in his "me" time. You have had ample time to think about the issue, probably more time than him

BE FLEXIBLE
Perhaps after you talk, he might not see things your way or the outcome may not be as you anticipated. Don't have a fixed mind, you two have to come to a joint agreement. Some times also you will need to exercise patience
Read less.

Important things to remember when you are married or in a serious relationship...✍🏽

Don’t ever assume your partner feels loved.

Date nights are a must.
Doesn’t matter if you go out, or stay in.

Talking openly about what you want to change in your relationship is important.

Learn each others love language. Best gifts for your loved ones
We all don’t perceive love the same way.

Go to bed mad sometimes.
Don’t force a resolution.
Sleeping on it does help.

When you get into a fight, don’t just say “I’m sorry”. Say what you are sorry for, and how you will react differently next time.

It will get boring sometimes. Best gifts for your loved ones
Every couple goes through the “boring” stage.
It’s normal.
It will fade.
This is the time in your relationship you will have to put the most effort in.

Some days you will have to pull more weight than your partner, and vice versa.

It’s important to check in on each other’s mental health.

It’s okay to go to couples counselling.
It helps.
It doesn’t mean you two are ending, or failing.

Talk about money.
Talk about your financial goals.
Let your partner know what you expect from them, and vice versa.

Turn off the phones an hour before bedtime and just talk to each other.

Ask questions like

“What do you need to see more of from me?”
“How can we understand each other better?”

And most importantly, be kind to each other.

Love each other. Best gifts for your loved ones

Fight for each other.

Remember, love is never easy, and it’s one hell of a ride.

But damn, is it ever beautiful, and worth it..
➥𝐼𝑓 𝑖𝑡'𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 & 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒>

Title: My Arranged Marriage
Episode 1: The Day My Bride Brought Her Ex to Our Wedding

I always knew my family was chaotic, but I didn’t know they were diabolical until the day I walked into my own wedding and nearly fainted. Not because of cold feet — but because the bride, the woman I was supposed to marry, was sitting on the stage laughing with her ex-boyfriend, whom she brought along like a plus-one.

Yes, her ex. To our wedding.

Let me start from the beginning.

It began two months ago when Mama burst into my room like a hurricane dressed in Ankara and holy anointing.
"Obinna, your bachelorhood is a spiritual attack!"
She clutched her Bible and her phone, scrolling through WhatsApp pictures of potential wives like it was Tinder for African mothers.

I was 29, a civil engineer in Lagos, and deeply single—not because I couldn't find love, but because the last girl I loved used my rent money to buy a Brazilian wig and disappeared with a sugar daddy who sold building materials.

So, when Mama insisted on arranging a marriage, I laughed. Until Papa added his voice.
“If you don’t marry before July, forget your inheritance. We will donate your land to the church!”

July was two months away.

That was how I met Amaka.
Photos first. Then video calls. She was pretty. Soft-spoken. From Enugu. A nurse. And, according to her mother, a virgin. (My cousin Ugochi whispered, “Aunty, check that thing well. These days, even calculators reset.”)

I agreed to meet her. She smiled, giggled, and spoke gently. But something felt... rehearsed. Like she was playing a role.

Still, the wedding date was fixed. Invitations printed. Cow bought. Church booked. DJ paid. Mama danced every night to Flavour’s songs as if the wedding was her own.

And then the big day came.

The hall glittered with decorations. Guests arrived in gele and agbada. My friends teased me “Obinna, you go finally chop life!”

Then I saw her. Amaka. Dressed in white. Gorgeous. Smiling. Until I noticed the man sitting beside her, whispering in her ear and holding her hand.

I frowned.
“Who is that?” I asked my brother.

My brother squinted. “I think he came with the bride.”

“Came with the"

Before I could finish, Mama appeared beside me, all smiles and sweat. “You look handsome, my son. Now go and smile at your bride.”

“I will smile after I know who that guy is.”

Mama hissed and walked off.

So, I marched up to Amaka, heart racing. “Who is this?”

She blinked, calm. “Oh! Meet Chuka. My best friend. He’s like… family.”

Chuka stood, extended his hand, smiling like a goat that just chewed your exam script. “Nice to meet you, bro.”

Bro?

I ignored his hand. “Can we talk privately?”

Amaka sighed, dragged me aside, and said the thing that nearly made me remove my agbada and run home in boxers.

“I invited him because... well... he’s important to me. We dated for six years. He’s the one who taught me how to love. But my parents didn’t approve. So I had to settle for this... arrangement.”

I stood still, blinking.
“Settle?”

“Yes,” she said. “But you’re kind. You’ll understand.”

Ladies and gentlemen, I did not understand.

My uncle, who saw me shaking like a leaf, whispered, “Is it heartbreak or hunger? Should we bring you small jollof rice to calm your nerves?”

I wanted to run, but the hall was full, the gifts were stacked, and the caterers were serving. A pastor was waiting. A crowd was watching.

Then I remembered what my grandmother once said:
“If you must embarrass the devil, do it with boldness.”

So, I climbed the stage, grabbed the mic, and said:
“Ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank you all for coming. But I just found out that I am not the main actor in this wedding. I am an extra.”

Gasps.

Chuka choked on his zobo. Amaka’s face turned pale. Mama tried to grab the mic, but I raised my hand dramatically.

“This wedding is cancelled. But don’t worry there’s plenty of food. Eat, drink, and take selfies. Just know that Obinna has left the chat!”

I walked out, head high, heart free. That night, I ate the wedding jollof alone in my boxers and watched Nollywood movies till 2 a.m.

A week later, I met Adaeze, my neighbor who had always lent me pepper without asking for it back. She knocked on my door with a plate of hot rice and a smile.

And guess what?

DAUGHTERS OF JEZEBEL
(Campus war )

Episode 15

Boss here is the boy they said while they were already forcing Dominic Bawa to go down on his knees. Blind folded him. Guys I told you people that I need money like m@d!!! I don't think the money they are going to pay us for this job will be enough. Let's use one stone to keel two birds. Collect hid phone let's call his family member for a ransom and after they send it then we can kpai him.Where is your phone!!! they shouted at him. In.... In ..... Inside my bag !! please don't keel me Dominic begged for his life. They brought out his phone and dial the recent contact which is his poor widow mother 🥹. Hello Dominic how are you doing? Now listen to me!!! this is not Dominic Bawa but he is in our custody. Say hello!! Say hello!! he shouted at Dominic while putting the phone on his ear. ( Remember he is not seeing 🥹 ). Hello mu....mmy he said stammering. Dominic what is happening to you his mother said this time she was already crying . Now you listen to me you this old woman. I will send you an account number right now and you have just ten minutes to transfer the sum of five hundred thousand into it else you will come to the campus and carry your son's d ea d body. Aaaaaaaah his mother shouted. Dominic could hear his mother crying on phone and him too was crying. The most painful part wasn't him being kid n a p e d but hearing his mother cry.
Please don't keel my son for me!!! I don't have money... I'm just a poor widow and that boy doesn't have a father!!! He is only lucky to get into that university by God's miraculous work... He is on scholarship please don't cut short his life for me... His father left me in this world and loosing him I don't think I can't survive it please have mercy on a poor widow . As tears were rushing down his mother's eyes over there on phone so likewise Dominic was crying . But he was also praying in his mind.
It seems the voice of your son is not enough right?? I will snap his picture of him I have here with me and send it to you on through his Whatsapp and the next thing you will hear is g u n shot. Heeeeeeeeeeey God please save my son!!! that was the last thing his mother said before the phone was hang up. Where is the picture??? their leader demanded and it was given to him. Is there any need??? Please waste him let's get out of here. Wait!!!!!! he shouted. He beckon on the guy that wanted to pull the trigger to come closer. Are you sure is the person on this picture that is this??? Yes boss. ****!!!!!! he exclaimed. He actually look at the clothes Dominic was wearing and shouted aaaaah it's true!!!!!!. What happened boss and what is true??? We can't keel him! What??? why ??? No harm must come to him not now, nor ever. He dialed Dominic mother's number again. Hello mummy I am very sorry ma! I was playing with your son. Your son is fine and I sorry the shock this must have caused you. Please can I talk to my son??? He will speak to you in few minutes time he said and hang up the phone. Take him and returned him back to where you carried him he commanded. That was how Dominic Bawa was delivered. Now Donatus the leader of this g an g was the same young man that Dominic gave his loaf of bread to when he was going to lecturer earlier in the morning. The very one who was holding his stomach in pain. When he was told that it was the same person that was on the picture, he actually look at Dominic and realized that was exactly the clothes he was putting on earlier today. You remember when David was the king of Israel, when the enemies encamp them at zigla and took away all their belongings including their wives. And God said run after, overtake and recover. You remember it was one of the enemy soldier who fainted on the way and was abandoned that David and his army met, give him bread and water to drink and when he was revived, he showed them how they can conquer and recover all. Just a little help today, just a little act of kindness today might save you tomorrow.
Donatus went straight to lecturer. Nothing! I repeat absolutely nothing must happen to this boy in this campus else you will have me to contend with he said and threw the picture back to her and left in great anger.. indeed his word say in proverbs chapter 16 vs 7 that when a man's way pleases the Lord, he make even his enemy to be at peace with him"..
Hahaha hahaha hahaha lecturer Mariwa laugh. We shall see about that. DOMINIC MUST DYE!!!!

To be continued

For proper understanding, visit my page to read episodes before this and the ones ahead this. Follow the page to always get notifications on your news feed any time I drop new episode .

THE VILLAGE OF THE TWO HUNDRED EYES
An African Folktale of Communal Wisdom
by
Linda Somiari - Stewart

In the heart of the green valley of N’nika, where hills rolled like the backs of resting lions and baobab trees whispered secrets to the stars, a child was born on a moonlit night.

Her name was Zoya, which means “peace after longing.” Her mother, Amina, had wept for many seasons, her womb quiet like an abandoned fireplace. Her father, Kwaku, had prayed by rivers and planted trees that never bore fruit. But when Zoya arrived, laughter returned to their home like rain after drought.

Now, in many places worldwide, a child is considered the property of the parents. “My daughter,” “my son.” But in N’nika, a child belongs to the people. There, they say, “A child is birthed by four eyes, but nurtured by two hundred.”

And so, Zoya was not only the joy of her mother and father, she was the moonbeam of the village. Her first laugh echoed from hut to hut like festival drums. When she took her first step, an elder carved the memory into wood. When she said her first word—"Maji" (water)—the village griot sang it into the evening fire.

Each villager played their part. Old Mama Binta, whose eyes had dimmed but whose spirit saw clearly, taught Zoya riddles and proverbs. Uncle Sefu, who shaped clay like it was born in his palms, showed her how to mold earth into beauty. Auntie Dede, swift-footed as a gazelle, taught her to dance on the drum’s breath. Even Blind Baba Chikere, who never saw her face, listened to her soul and reminded her, “You are more than what eyes can see.”

One day, when the rains were late and the air cracked with dryness, Zoya, now a child of seven seasons, saw a brilliant green butterfly flutter past. Her eyes widened. She remembered Mama Binta's tale: “The butterfly that glows like emerald flies toward old magic.” Curious, fearless, Zoya followed.

She wandered into the forest, past the watchful iroko tree, into the thick silence where children were told not to stray.
Hours passed. Shadows lengthened. The sun bowed out.

Panic rose like smoke in Amina’s chest. Kwaku’s hands trembled. But before their fear became thunder, the village moved.

Mama Binta said, “She spoke of butterflies this morning.”

Uncle Sefu recalled, “She asked me about the old stone under the iroko tree, the one shaped like wings.”

After pausing her grinding, Auntie Dede added, “I saw her head toward the bush path near the river bend.”
No one said, “Not my child.”
Because Zoya belonged to all of them.

The drum was sounded - not in alarm, but in unity. Two hundred eyes awakened. Old legs and young feet marched. Voices called her name not angrily but with love braided into every syllable.

They found her just as dusk kissed the sky. She sat peacefully beside a stone shaped like wings, humming a song she had learned from Baba Chikere. When asked if she was scared, she said, “No. I knew someone would come. Someone always comes when someone is lost.”

That night, under a sky heavy with stars and the smell of roasted maize, the village held a feast - not just for Zoya’s return, but for the power of many eyes, hands, and hearts.

Zoya grew into a woman of many talents. She became a healer, a teacher, and a singer of old songs. When she had her own child, she did not build a wall around them. She opened her door wide.

And when strangers from far lands encounter her versatility, they would ask, “Who taught you such wisdom?” She would say: “The eyes that watched me were many.
The love that raised me was village-wide and deep.”
And so, dear friend, learn this: The natural order is not to raise any child alone. Whether in Nairobi or New York, Lagos or London, an authentic village is not made of huts and fences - but of hearts willing to see, hands willing to hold, and spirits willing to lift. Please do your best to return the natural order to our neighborhoods and villages.