Dear, Odera...Love Odera.

The first time Odera fell in love was in primary 5.

His name was Soji Benson. He was the class Captain, a southpaw who never missed snagging first position. Since primary 1, they had always been selected to play king and queen for Red House during inter-house sport. Then they grew up and laughed hard at the memories of their infantile love. 

The second time was in 200 level.  It was the perfect relationship. He was kind, caring, attentive. They attended fellowship together, painted the night sky with their dreams, and were rock solid until his final level. When she discovered her roommate Awele had gotten pregnant and the baby was his. 

Today, she was giving love another chance. She stood in front of the mirror, admiring her wedding gown. It was bridal satin with intricate lace detailing. Her husband-to-be was a blind date that had been set up by her aunt after she turned 35. She had recently ended a 4-year relationship with a man who refused to propose. His reason: he didn’t believe in marriage. He had hinted this when they first met but she thought time would work some magic. Alas, it never did and she had become tired of sounding like a broken record. 

She stood in front of Paul, her husband-to-be, as the pastor recited their marriage rites. Frankly, their relationship felt like a business transaction.  But her family was ecstatic she was finally getting married so she didn’t mind or so she thought until the pastor asked if anyone objected to the marriage. 

‘I object’ she blurted out. The gasps in the hall felt like a rush of wind. Odera looked at the surprised faces of everyone and simply said. 

‘Today, I choose love….I choose me.’ She took in a deep breath, gathered her wedding gown, and as walked out, she whispered to herself:

Dear Odera,

Love Odera. 

The end