Author: Freedom Giant Modou Lamin Jammeh (Tha Orator ✍️)
Inspired by a True story
Nestled between rolling hills and lush greenery is a village name Kankang, lived a young woman named Amina. Known for her striking beauty, Amina’s allure was not just in her physical appearance but also in her unswerving determination. With captivating lips that seemed to whisper secrets of dreams, she had one singular focus: to pursue her education, earn a degree, and uplift her family from the clutches of poverty.
Amina was a diligent student, often shrouded in an air of seriousness that made her seem mysterious to her peers. During her final year of high school, she spent countless nights attending classes with her friends, preparing for the crucial WAEC exams. The night before the exams, her friends, tired and overwhelmed, left early, but Amina was resolute. She couldn’t afford to miss a single lesson.
As the moon cast its silvery glow, she ventured through a bushy path, the rustling leaves whispering around her. Suddenly, a chilling sound broke the silence; a branch snapped underfoot. Amina’s heart raced; she felt the presence of someone behind her.
“Stop!” a voice echoed, sending shivers down her spine.
Instinctively, she quickened her pace, but it was too late. The man, driven by dark intentions, lunged at her. A sharp slap resonated through the night, and she found herself on the ground, her world shattering into chaos.
His grip was unforgiving, and as he overpowered her, darkness enveloped her mind. The last thing she heard was her own voice, a melodious cry for help, swallowed by the stillness of the night.
When Amina regained consciousness, she found herself in a sterile hospital room, the scent of antiseptic filling her nostrils. The reality of her situation crashed over her like a tidal wave; she was pregnant. In a village where whispers traveled faster than light, she feared the stigma that awaited her. But her family, with their humble hearts, chose to let the incident slide, hoping to shield her from further pain.
Despite the turmoil, Amina refused to let her dreams die. She sat for her WAEC exams, her determination shining brighter than her despair. Each tear she shed became a testament to her resilience, and when the results arrived, she had achieved remarkable grades that would pave her way to a brighter future.
As months passed, the pain of betrayal began to transform into a bittersweet love for her baby boy, whom she named Jamal. Although she harbored a deep-seated hatred for men, her heart swelled with affection for her child, a living piece of her that symbolized both her anguish and her strength.
In her second year at tertiary institution, Amina met Baba, a younger student whose kindness began to thaw the ice around her heart. Baba showed her that not all men were the same; he represented hope, a gentle reminder that one person’s mistake should not taint the entire gender. With his support, Amina learned to embrace her life, carving a path toward healing.
Yet, shadows from the past lingered. The man who had stolen her peace vanished, leaving behind a void filled with anger and resentment. Eight years later, as Jamal ran through the fields of Kankang, the unthinkable happened; the man returned, seeking to bond with the son he had no right to claim.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Amina stood at a crossroads, her heart pounding. Memories of that fateful night flooded her mind, and she felt her strength waver. The young man approached, eyes filled with a strange mix of regret and arrogance, wanting to take Jamal away from her.
If this were a lady you knew, what would you advise her to do when faced with such a dilemma? Would she confront her past with courage, or would she protect her child at all costs?
In that moment, Amina realized that the choice was hers alone to make; a decision that would shape their futures.
AFRICAN VOICES INTERNATIONAL, FREEDOM IN AFRICA
Author: Freedom Giant Modou Jammeh (The Gambia)
