The English teacher was running late and while my classmates gallivanted, I chose to finish up the story I'd been writing for weeks. I love to create intriguing worlds from my head. My book was my safe haven.The tap on the desk from the class prefect alerted me to the arrival of a teacher. I raised my head to find the English teacher standing at the front of the class. She looked so lovely dressed in black pants and a blue t-shirt. Her flawless black skin radiated natural beauty. Even without make-up on, she could easily grace the cover of any magazine or billboard.

"Fine girl! Welcome back to Nigeria," a young man greeted her. He had a smile on his face. Mia couldn't help but notice his sweat soaked T-shirt. "Let me drop you off at your destination. My car has air conditioning and you will enjoy the ride." He reached for her baggage as he spoke but Mia hesitated and tightened her grip on the handle of her suitcase.

Sometime last month, my office conducted a personnel audit that required everyone's presence at the state headquarters regardless of your location. The head office is quite some distance from where I live and to arrive on time, I needed to leave at dawn. This posed a significant challenge because I have a one year old baby with me. I reached out to a friend and a colleague who had a car and she agreed to take me along. On the way, we also picked up another colleague.

I dialed her line for the umpteenth time but she didn't answer. However, I expected no less from her. I glanced at my phone and the time read 10P.M. Another night of staying up to wait for her. I would have gone to bed hours ago if she weren't my sister.

Recently, I traveled home with my baby to spend time with my parents so she could bond with them. My siblings took the opportunity to come around and see their first and only niece. It's been a long time since we all gathered together under one roof. It was a beautiful sight to behold as we gathered round the dining table and shared stories, cherishing the rare moments of being together again.

She ran through the narrow bush path leading to the stream like a rabbit fleeing with its tail tucked beneath. Her heart hammered against her chest as she ran, her heels nearly touching her buttocks with each stride. She feared her heart might cease beating at any instant, knowing that either her fear or its source would bring an end to her.