By Ifeoluwa Suleiman I spent half my life trying to negotiate with a God I was told couldn’t handle my hunger. On Sundays, I was a masterpiece of suppression. I wore long skirts that swept the floor, pressed my legs together until they ached, and whispered hymns about holiness. The Bible rested under one arm, my lips sealed in worship, my voice raised in the choir. I sang louder than I felt inside, hoping the music could drown out the …
I was still reeling when Nafisa inevitably found me in her garden twenty minutes later. She sat beside me on the bench – the one we had brought from our old garden – for a few …
My teacher came as promised. She was a young woman in her early twenties called Miss Jenny, and although she was very sweet and patient, it was rough at first. I couldn’t grasp what she was …
Written by Precious Nwosu Growing up, many of us were taught to extend kindness and empathy to neighbours and strangers as a way of life. Think of the Good Samaritan from the Christian Holy Bible. Think …
Written by By Precious Ologunwa I was twelve — still a child, but already carrying a body the world believed belonged to someone older. My breasts began to grow rapidly, far faster than anything I was …
When they were ready to leave, my mother patted the space on the bed next to her and invited me to come and sit closer. “How have the bedroom activities between you and your husband been?” …
Two months and two weeks after I became a wife, my mother and aunt came to visit. They gushed over the house, as I knew they would. My mother could hardly tear her eyes away from …
Written by Nifemi We are at a party together. An official kind of event. You’re wearing your three-piece suit—the type you wore with her in the picture. But dark blue this time. I knew I’d like …
“Why don’t you like me?” I asked Nafisa sadly, moving closer instead. Her eyes widened, and she asked in surprise. “Is that what you think? That I don’t like you?” Her response confused me. She had …
Rama drew my attention away from the mirror. “One of the boys will bring your luggage soon, and then you can refresh yourself in the bathroom and get some re—” She paused as if she just …
I was excited about my new life. My mother and aunt had told me how enjoyable marriage was going to be and I was looking forward to it. It was nice to ride in a private …
