The Mirror of Nkechi
Nkechi's home in Garki was modest but warm. The scent of stew, the sound of gospel music, the squeals of her toddler it all hit Favour like a punch to the throat.
Here was the woman she had always dismissed as too "domestic," too ordinary.
Yet Nkechi's home radiated something Favour's never had: peace.
"You look tired," Nkechi said softly, leading her to the guest room. "And smaller."
"I feel smaller."
They sat in the kitchen later that night, a pot of okra bubbling on the stove. Favour kept glancing at it, oddly intimidated.
Nkechi stirred and asked, "So. What happened?"
Favour opened her mouth, closed it, then tears slipping free, she told the whole story.
No sugar-coating. No excuses.
"I lied to Daniel,about everything, i bought food, claimed it was mine, i lived in fear that he'd find out, and when he did…" She trailed off.
Nkechi nodded, letting the silence settle.
"Do you remember what I used to tell you in school?" she finally asked.
"That you can't microwave a marriage."
"Yes. And you laughed. But now… You've tasted it."
Favour dropped her eyes,how do I fix this?"
"You don't," Nkechi said. "You become it."
And for the first time in her life, Favour didn't roll her eyes.
She listened.