2 MYLAH

My Mylah is your duplicate; she looks so much as you; everything about you: your voice, smile, and meek nature. Though, sometimes, I wish she wasn't a part of my life, but she proves me wrong.

      The last time some members of my church paid us a visit to counsel us, he was sober and repentant. But, I know my Kwanza, he is a man of the moment, he entered back into his shell after their departure. He brought out his kai-kai and filled his demon to its fullest. He chased Mylah into a neighbour's room, but he was hindered by some women who wouldn't let him abuse her.

      'We can only try to stop you from hurting your wife. And that is if you permit us to... but, for this child, we will not let you lay your fingers on her, let along let your hands make prints of punches on her skin. Never!' One of the women spat on him.

      I tried to tie my scarf around his face from behind, but I got hit by him as he turned to walk towards our room. 'Aaaayeee!' I cried as I fainted gradually. When I regained my consciousness, I overheard Efa, one of the little children in our compound narrating to her peers how Kwanza's demon had a share of my flesh in public. She is but a child though; I didn't chastise her for doing so. I was abashed, sister! I felt like a bad example to the young souls within the compound. I think I am. I happen to be the only woman in the compound whose husband doesn't come home often. That alone makes some people compromise their respect for me. Every time, I wish every man was like Papa; loving and selfless, comfortable to be with, above all, he is humble. Papa wouldn't hurt an ant, yet, he doesn't withdraw chastisement from children when necessary. I wish I married a man as Papa.