She Spoke to Me

The sun shot right through his skin, it felt like it was piercing through his being. He had wanted to start off early today; he wanted to see the sunrise before hurrying off to school. But the sun overtook him by a matter of minutes.

“Abeeku, wake early and greet the sunrise. It has many stories to tell you and always remember, that once the sun has set, and the night begins to still, you can always look for me in the moonlight.”

Mama Baako's words kept resonating in his mind .Tears streamed down his face, rolling off his dark brown skin; they fell on his tiny fingers that were tightly holding the straps of his over-sized school bag. Quickly, he wiped away any trace of his tears. He would not let anyone see him in this light. He did not want any of his classmates to know. It was after all, a sign of weakness.

Anyway what would they know? How could he explain the void that he felt? It would be easier to just pretend that everything was fine. Yes, he kept telling himself that. It is best that no one knew what he is going through; he did not need anyone’s pity.

 Throughout the day at school, he could barely pay attention. As the day passed, the only thing that remained constant in his mind was keeping up his act. He felt a beaming sense of pride of being the one in-charge. Sheepishly, a big smile curved his face.

  “You are the man of the house, Abeeku, remember that!”

I certainly am, he thought to himself. Mama Baako said so! Now, he was in-charge, he would protect his family. He could not falter; he could not succumb to how he felt. His sisters were his responsibility.

Abeeku! Abeeku!

“Are you listening to me?” Ayana said.

 Ayana had no idea what had become of Abeeku, her star student. He was always attentive, eager to learn. But the last few weeks, things had changed. It was as though, he was miles and miles away.

 “Yes, maam…. I…”

“Abeeku, come and see me after class, okay?” she said.

“Maam, but I….

Before he could finish his sentence, she shot him a glare that he would never forget. So, he said nothing further. He had enough troubles on his plate, it was best to keep silent. Obediently he waited, while the rest of the class left, one by one.That is all he needed now. Everyone is going to think that something is wrong with him. He turned his back to his classmates. All the pointing, snickering and teasing was making him nervous. What did she want? Was I going to be punished?

 “Abeeku, come sit closer. Tell me, what's wrong, Abeeku.”

 What was he to say? Was he supposed to tell her? Was she going to bring back Mama Baako? At this point, nothing really mattered. He just wanted to be with his sisters. Wasting precious time at school was not helping.

 “Abeeku, this has to stop. Please let me help you. Abeeku! I’m talking to you, but you are not even listening. Abeeku, oh no..Abeeku can you hear me?'

Abeeku ran as fast as he could. The journey home was tedious. Usually it gave his day a sense of adventure but that was before all this madness. He is one of the lucky ones, Mama Baako wanted him to have an education. He knew it would take him places. But things had changed. 

 Abeeku's body could no longer stand the heat. Abeeku felt so drained. His lips were chapped, his tummy rumbled and he was sweating. In his rush to greet the sunrise, he left his water at home. How was he to go home? He started seeing double vision and he could barely feel his legs. He wished it would rain but he knew that wishing on rain was like wishing for a pot of gold during this weather. 

 Unfortunately, Abeeku's body had its own set of plans, and to his dismay, his lanky legs gave way. Minutes later, he fell to the ground. A million thoughts raced through his mind. Was he going to die? What would become of his sisters? Would anyone find him? Was Mama waiting for him on the other side?

 He felt a bright light hit his face, as he laid on the ground. He slowly opened his eyes and there it was, in all of its magnificent glory, the moon. As he gazed on, a sudden sense of peace overcame. He felt free of that lingering pain that was nagging his soul,since Mama Baako left.

 Slowly, he got up. Dusting of the dampness of the soil, he took in the sweet smell of the grass. All his senses was awaken. Where was he? This could not be. It was too dry, how could anything grow so beautifully? Suddenly, he heard a gentle and familiar voice calling out to him.

 “Abeeku…Abeeku…”

He turned around and to his surprise, there she was. She looked even more beautiful than he remembered.

“Oh Mama, I’ve missed you. Mama, let me stay with you.”

“Abeeku, my beautiful child. You can’t stay long; you do not belong here, yet. You have much to do.”

“But Mama, I want to stay. It does not hurt anymore. I don’t feel heavy anymore.”

“Abeeku, listen to me. You are the man of the house now, your sisters need you. I’ll be watching and guiding you....remember, that anything you will your mind to be, is possible. So, never doubt yourself, Abeeku.

"Always, watch for the moonlight my child. I’m always be there… Always.”

Abeeku felt a sense of warmth and love overcome him as Mama Baako held him in her arms.

 Ayana was lost for words, what more could she do? She was losing one of her most promising students; he had such a bright future. She knew his mum had been ill and he had lost his dad years ago, it must be a tough spot to be in. What would she do with this boy, she had no idea…

 “Abeeku! Please wake up!

“Yes, Mama. Just a while longer, let me be with you.”

“Abeeku, it’s me, Ms.Ayana. Are you alright?

“You fainted and you have been out for a while now. I’m so sorry Abeeku; I did not know that your mum had passed on.”

When Abeeku fainted during her class today, she was at a lost of what to do. She quickly sent for one of the teachers to call on his mother at home, when she found out the news it explained Abeeku’s strange behaviour in class.

 “Yes, maam. I’m ok, now that Mama Baako is with me. She is watching after me. I saw her.”

“Abeeku, are you alright? What do you mean?”

“Maam, I saw her in the moonlight, as I was lying in the field. She looked like an angel; she was so beautiful, maam. I know everything is going to be okay, now.”

 Ayana was puzzled. What field was he talking about? He has been here the whole day. Was he delusional? Mama Baako had passed on during the weekend, and it was Monday, today. How could he have seen her?

 But he did look different. He looked at peace, there was even a glow-like feature around him. It was like he was touched by the hand of God. Her prayers had been heard. She thanked God for watching after Abeeku.

 “Maam, thank you. But I have to go see my sisters now.” 

Inspired by the quote by Nicholas Spark in Dear John;

 “And then I feel as if I'm witnessing a miracle, as ever so slowly she raises her face towards the moon. I watch her drink in the sight, sensing the flood of memories she's unleashed and wanting nothing more than to let her know I'm here. But instead I stay where I am and stare up at the moon as well. And for the briefest instant, it almost feels like we're together again.” ― Nicholas Sparks, Dear John