Holding On

My favorite time of the day is when the sun is setting and there’s that cool breeze running through the air. I always like to sit at the balcony and reminisce on all I have achieved that day and what I plan to do on the next. I also use that opportunity to see what is happening beyond the four walls of my home. It was on one of these occasions that I first saw Grace.I remember wondering to myself, “who is this woman walking so confidently, heading straight for my gate?” I saw her converse with the gate-man, both of them at ease with each other. It seemed strange and surprising. What was even more surprising was the fact that Aliu let her in without alerting me of her presence and checking if I wanted to see her or not. We live in a very secure estate. Before anyone comes into any home, the security at the main gate must have seen the person and collected his or her phone number and address. After this, at the gate of each house, the gate-man will call the main hous

I honestly was not in the mood for another argument but judging by the rising volume of the two voices outside, whether I let Brad in or not, I was going to end up with a headache either way. I decided to let him in because I figured that if I talked to him now, I could avoid another headache when I got home. Upon opening the door, the scene before my eyes would have been funny if I was dealing with a matter of less gravity. Macy looked like a scared rabbit in front of a ferocious lion. I had to give the girl some credit; even with Brad all but breathing fire, she didn’t vacate her spot in front of my door. A lesser person would have left at the first sign of danger. “I’ll see him Macy.” Even though the look of relief could be seen clear as day on her face, she still asked, almost protectively, “Are you sure ma?” I was touched and made a mental note to give her a raise. “I’m am, thank you.” I tried to smile but she still looked concerned and judging by the wei

As everyone finished breakfast, the rush began for last minute preparations. Finally, the children picked their bags and followed Brad out. I had already brushed my teeth and taken my bath before stepping into the kitchen so all I had to do was dress up and leave. It took me close to an hour to accomplish that but when I was done, I couldn’t help but feel confident. Like I could take on the world. It was what I needed and probably what I should have done yesterday instead of wallowing in tears. I stepped out of my room and as I looked around, I went to the kitchen in search of Grace and saw that she had assumed the position; behind the kitchen counter on a stool, sipping coffee. Something tells me it’s a habit she’s formed.I stared at her for a second, “If you have something to say to me then just say it.” I wasn’t surprised that she had seen me. I hadn’t exactly tried to hide it from her. I sighed. “I’m leaving. There’s food in the deep freezer if you’re hungry. A