The REBIRTH by Tracey Fletcher
Akin had been feeling rather depressed and despondent in the last few days. He had through no direct workings of his mind, sunk into a state of completely being morose and robot-like in his appearances and actions.
Today was no exception, as he made his way home through the crawling traffic after close of work. He was leaving the Island, approaching third mainland bridge, which will connect him to the mainland where he resided.
Just as it had been the past few days, his mind began wandering to prior events that had helped shape his life.
Being an only son in a family of five, a lot was expected of him. His sisters had dropped out of school to learn other informal crafts so all funds could be pulled together to send him to school. He had proved his academic prowess through his brilliance; coming tops in his class.
Whenever he returned home after the end of the academic year to show off his results, his mother and sisters will sing his praises, dancing around the compound with his report card, and announcing to anyone who cared to listen, that their efforts weren’t in vain. Akin would grow up to be a “big man,” and all their efforts would be compensated. In fact, he owed his education to his mother and sisters, and an indifference to his father; who felt his only responsibility was the act of “procreation” itself.
Finally armed with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, his joy knew no bounds. He could now express his gratitude to his family and take responsibility of finances. He was retained in the bank where he served out his NYSC duties.
Life has began for him, and he was very optimistic.
His joy was however short-lived. Responsibilities began piling up like the speed of lightning. Within a few years, his income was shortly inadequate. Taking on a family of his own which had seemed rather sensible at the time, now seemed to be an ill- conceived decision. With two children in quick succession, he wondered if it was a lack of preparation, or not been deliberate in his actions. He could barely take care of his immediate family, not to mention his extended family. Now, his extended family avoided him. “Akin The Saviour” had failed them. He had become a wasted effort because he hadn’t lived up to expectations.
Who would take the blame for his predicament? He was a brilliant, hard-working man, but his take home didn’t match his efforts. Was it the Nigerian culture that placed the man in the role of sole provider for all ends of the family, including in-laws, or was it the economy that was at a stalemate, causing retrogression? He couldn’t even get a better job. The future seemed bleak and the quality of their lives was now well below average.
He suddenly realized that traffic was at a standstill on the bridge. He sighed in desperation and cursed loudly. This meant getting home very late and having a few hours of sleep. He dwelt on this until the sounds around him permeated his thoughts, got him out of his reverie, and propelled him out of the car. He quietly observed a flurry of activities as people gathered. What could be happening? Soon, news reached him. A heavily pregnant woman had gone into labour. She couldn’t get to the nearest hospital because of the traffic jam. The news spread like wild fire. The crowd surged as people got down from their cars and the public buses. He couldn’t move forward so he strained his ears to glean whatever he could from conversations around him.
He soon learnt that a medical doctor equally stuck on the bridge had come to her aid. The woman was rushed to the back of a van. The atmosphere was very placid. Tension and fear wrapped around them like a garment that couldn’t be torn off. They were all joined in one course: the survival of the mother and child. Their heart beats formed a rhythm, and they swayed to it. Many could be seen murmuring prayers, irrespective of religion.
After a period of waiting where they all feared to breathe; loud cheers suddenly rent the air. Akin restrained himself from joining the fray. He needed to know. When the news got to him, he let go and jumped high into the air. The woman in labour had been successfully delivered of a baby boy. The doctor was doing his best to keep both mother and child safe. People rushed ahead to catch a glimpse, but a group of women had cordoned the place to keep the birthing process private. It didn’t douse the mood, though. Soon, music could be heard blaring from different speakers, as the people gathered around, patted each other’s backs, and waved their hands to their creator in heaven. The hawkers weren’t left out; as whatever was on hand, be it chips, gala, or soft drinks, were doused quickly in celebration. Smart phones were whipped out to take pictures. Everyone irrespective of status or religion gathered to take group photos. Video chats were on, too. Akin knew that most of those pictures and videos would make it to different social media handles. The general public would be hungry to gobble down whatever they posted. Donations were already being made towards the new born baby. He had been named “The third mainland baby”.
Akin stood still, watching the gaily activities around him, and soaked into the atmosphere. A slight drizzle began. As it slithered down his body, he felt a new. Rebirth. He had been a part of this miracle. What should have ended badly had instead turned to a thing of joy! Perhaps this wasn’t the end for him. He would stay positive and stand tall against all the odds, irrespective of the economic downturn and everyday challenges of life. He will rise above it. He will be the man he should be. He, Akin will be a success.
Tracey Chizoba Fletcher, born to a British father and a Nigerian mother, lives in Lagos, Nigeria. A staunch believer in the right representation of Nigerians rich culture and values, her writings are a testimony to promoting this in the right light. She is the author of Feminine Shades; a collection of short stories, throwing a beacon on the sensitivities of the female gender, and her recently published crime thriller — The Chase, which was shortlisted for the Phoenix Quill Writing Contest and her fantasy fiction The Wrong Turn.
She is a monthly columnist for Rainbow Magazine, where she writes articles geared towards motivation. She equally provides voice over and editing services.
You can visit her website www.traceyfletcherbooks.com to see more about what she is up to.
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