PROLOGUE

In the depths of our lives, there exist stories untold, moments unseen and chapters unwritten.

Life is a tapestry of moments. some woven with joy, others with sorrow. Life’s narrative is full of Unwritten Chapters, the moments we’ve missed, the choices we’ve avoided and even the truths we’ve concealed.

In the silence between the lines of our lives, unwritten chapters wait to be born. But what if those unwritten Chapters held the power to rewrite our destinies? What if those chapters held the power to transform our lives?

The paths we choose, the love we lose and the dreams we chase, all leave behind a trial of what could have been. The stories we don’t tell, the dreams we don’t chase, the love we don’t pursue, all whispering what could have been……..”coughs a little and continues to write…..” Narrating the stories of our life or our achievements, there are hidden truths, hidden facts, things we don’t want to world to know, things we’re too ashamed to talk about…..but not withstanding, if we do not face our past heads-up, we would face our future in fear… I AM EMILY, and this the my story.

EPISODE 1

THE UNSEEN PATH

Emily stood at the edge of the bustling market in Enugu, gazing out at the vibrant stalls and colorful fabrics. She had always loved this place, finding energy in its chaos and warmth in its people. But today, something felt different. Today, she felt lost.

As she navigated through the crowded alleys, the smells of jollof rice and suya filled the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and haggling. But Emily’s mind was elsewhere, consumed by the news she had received earlier that day – her father’s business was struggling, and she was expected to take over.

But Emily had other dreams, ones that didn’t involve inheriting her father’s company. She wanted to be a writer, to tell the stories of Nigeria’s vibrant culture and resilient people as well as be the voice of voiceless women in the society as a women and children’s right activist she had always wanted to be. But in a country where tradition and expectation often outweighed personal desire, she felt trapped.

And then, she saw it – a small, hidden bookstore tucked away in a corner of the market. It was a place she had never noticed before, but something about it called to her. Maybe it was the thrill of discovery, or maybe it was just desperation. Whatever it was, Emily felt a spark of curiosity ignite within her.

She pushed open the door, and stepped inside. The store was dimly lit, but the shelves were stacked high with books – Nigerian authors, African literature, and stories of the diaspora. Emily felt like she had stumbled into a treasure trove.

The owner, an elderly man with kind eyes, looked up from behind the counter. “Welcome, my dear,” he said, with a warm smile. “I have just the thing for you.”

And in that moment, Emily knew – she was ready to take the leap, to follow the unseen path wherever it might lead.

As Emily browsed the shelves, her fingers trailing over the spines of the books, she felt a sense of belonging she hadn’t experienced in a long time. This was where she was meant to be – surrounded by stories, immersed in the world of words.

The owner, noticing her interest, approached her. “You like books, yes?” he asked, his voice low and soothing.

Emily nodded, feeling a sense of shyness wash over her. “Yes, I do,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

The owner smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I have just the thing for you,” he said, disappearing into the stacks.

He returned with a slim volume, its cover adorned with intricate patterns. “This is a collection of Nigerian folklore,” he said, handing it to her. “Stories of our ancestors, of the gods and goddesses who shaped our world.”

Emily took the book, feeling a surge of excitement. This was what she had been searching for – a connection to her heritage, a way to understand the stories that had been passed down through generations.

As she delved into the book, the market outside receding into the background, Emily felt a sense of purpose stir within her. She knew what she had to do – she had to tell these stories, to share them with the world.

And in that moment, the unseen path became clear. She would leave her father’s business behind, and follow her heart. She would become a writer, a storyteller, a weaver of tales.

The owner, watching her, nodded in approval. “You have found your calling,” he said, his voice filled with warmth. “Now, go forth and tell our stories to the world.”

Emily left the bookstore, the slim volume clutched tightly in her hand, feeling a sense of determination wash over her. She knew it wouldn’t be easy, that her parents would resist her decision, that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges. But she was ready. As she walked out of the store, she walked gently and was lost in her thoughts as she bumped into this tall, dark and handsome looking guy but was disgusted by his manner of approach towards her. “Hey, are you blind?” with a stern look at her like he just got off a fight and was looking for where to vent his anger on. “Excuse you” she said looking at him in disgust as she hisses unapologetically.

As she navigated the crowded streets of Enugu, the sounds and smells of the city swirling around her, Emily felt a sense of clarity she hadn’t experienced in years. She knew what she wanted, and she was willing to fight for it.

She arrived at her family’s compound, a sprawling complex of buildings and courtyards, and made her way to her parents’ quarters. Her mother, a statuesque woman with a kind face, looked up from her cooking, a look of concern etched on her features.

“Emily, my dear, what’s wrong?” she asked, as Emily approached.

Emily took a deep breath, the words tumbling out of her in a rush. “I want to be a writer, Mother. I want to tell our stories, to share them with the world.”

Her mother’s face fell, a look of disappointment crossing her features. “Emily, your father will not approve. You know that. “Emily nodded, feeling a sense of stillness enter her spine. “I know, Mother. But I have to try. I have to follow my heart.”

Her mother sighed, a look of resignation crossing her face. “Then go, my dear. Follow your heart. But be careful, the road ahead will be difficult. “Emily nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her mother. She knew it wouldn’t be easy, but she was ready. She was ready to follow the unseen path, to see where it would lead her.

Emily’s father, a stern-looking man with a thick beard, sat in his favorite armchair, his eyes fixed on her as she entered the room. “So, you want to be a writer,” he said, his voice dripping with disapproval.

Emily nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. She knew her father’s views on writing – it was a hobby, not a career.

“What about the business?” he asked, his voice rising. “Your mother and I have worked hard to build it. You can’t just abandon it for some foolish dream.”

Emily took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. “Father, I understand your concerns, but this is something I have to do. I have to follow my passion.”

Her father snorted, a look of disgust crossing his face. “Passion? You call this passion? This is foolishness, Emily. You need to focus on something practical, something that will bring you success.”

Emily felt a surge of frustration, but she tried to remain calm. “Father, please understand -”

But he cut her off, his voice rising. “No, Emily, I won’t understand. You need to forget this nonsense and focus on your responsibilities.”

Emily felt a sting from his words, but she refused to back down. She knew what she wanted, and she was willing to fight for it. “Father please”, but her pleas were obviously falling on deaf ears.

“Emily, I don’t understand why you’re wasting your time with this writing nonsense,” her father said, shaking his head.

“It’s not nonsense, Dad,” Emily replied, standing her ground. “Writing is what I’m passionate about. It’s what makes me feel alive.”

“Passion doesn’t pay the bills,” her father countered. “You need to focus on getting a real job, something with stability and security.”

“I’d rather be happy and poor than miserable and rich,” Emily said, her voice firm.

Her father scoffed. “You’re being naive, Emily. The world isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. You need to be practical.”

“I’m being true to myself, Dad,” Emily said. “And that’s all that matters.”

Her father sighed, his expression unyielding. “Fine. If you want to pursue this writing dream, then you’ll have to do it on your own. I won’t support you.”

Emily felt a sting from his words, but she knew she had made the right decision. “I don’t need your support, Dad. I just need my own.”

Her father’s face turned red with anger, but Emily stood her ground, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew she had taken the first step on the unseen path, and she was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

“Emily! you would do no such thing! I raised you alone without the help of anyone, where do you think I got all the money I used to train you up to this point? Do you think I got it through stories? No, I got it through hard work! hard work Emi and not some useless passion that would land you no where. After all I’ve done for you, you decide to leave my company, our family legacy hanging just because of some silly misplaced priorities. Never! Never!! Emily, not under my watch, It’s either you take your rightful position at the company or I cut ties with you, you either choose this family or you choose your fruitless dreams” he was fuming with anger as he began breathing heavily

“Emily please, try and understand our point of view, your future is not comfortable with your decision to take that route and he has good reasons, listen to your father ” her mom begs. “My mind is made up already, I’ll be leaving your house first thing tomorrow morning if you both won’t support me” and she walks out but she was paused by her father’s words” If you leave this house, never return” and she walks out. “Emily! Em!! Em!!! don’t walk out on your father, Em! “her mother screamed, but Emily’s mind was already made up.

********************

“But why? what exactly is his fear? what are his reasons for not letting me chase my dreams? the one thing I’ve always wanted so desperately, why?” she writes in her diary as tears roll down her cheeks. Emily had formed a habit of making her diary her best friend. She writes down the good, the bad and the ugly experiences she faces each passing day. She locked herself up in her room as she writes down the thoughts that occupied her mind till her heart was clear.

It was such a long night for Emily as she kept tossing around from side to side on her bed, a lot went through her mind as to why her father so much detested her decisions to chase her dreams. It was such a great burden to her because she knew that a lot was at stake….but all that could come to her mind was to leave home ,far away from her family to start her own life, even if it meant starting life afresh. But come to think of it, we say the land aborts the dreams of the youths, but in most cases our families are closer and more relatable factors that abort our dreams. Most positions we find ourselves are not the positions we’ve always dreamed of. Most of us end up becoming what our parents want us to become.

Emily is left on the fence, between the devil and the deep blue sea. She wants her family as well as her writing career too. She’s left with two choices: leaving home and starting afresh with little or no savings with her but achieving her dreams and becoming what she had always wanted or, accepting her father’s offer, live a luxurious life and live her life full of regrets for not accomplishing what she had always wanted…………

In this state of dilemma, how can she balance her life or better still choose something that she won’t end up regretting.

To be continued…

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