Rituals and Hidden Dreams

My name is Alero, waking up at exactly 4 a.m. to do the dishes, cook, clean, and take care of my little cousins was my normal routine at nineteen. At first, I enjoyed this routine because it was a refreshing change from what I was used to. The new environment was beautiful. I loved the spaciousness that my home lacked, the fresh-scented air that replaced the usual mustiness, and the polished furniture that shone like it had been treated with the finest serum. The kitchen, equipped with all the utensils my home never had, motivated me to work with enthusiasm and a smile. Each morning began with bread, scrambled eggs, and hot chocolate that tasted like a nostalgic Christmas feast. I prepared breakfast for my little cousins and waited until they finished eating, savouring my own meal in solitude to fully enjoy each bite of the sandwich. It was filling and satisfying.

My uncle and aunt worked at the same company, so I had to be up early to ensure everything was ready before they left for work. I would carry their bags and walk with them to the car, swinging their bags in my hands like a businesswoman heading to her daily appointments. My aunt would smile at me, and I often wondered what thoughts were going through her mind. I would wave back, smiling, and imagine my own future as a capable young woman. After watching the blue Lexus drive away, I would quickly remember my responsibilities at home. I would glance at the clock, realizing that my holiday was over. I’d hurriedly get up, prepare myself, and rush to the bathroom to catch the morning bus to school. On the bus, as I looked out the window, I reminisced about my holiday with my cousins. I thought about Max, the friendly dog who would wag his tail and jump on me, giving me affectionate licks. I missed our morning walks, which made me smile as I anticipated the next holiday.

Oga Edefe, the bus conductor, shouted loudly, startling me from my thoughts. I looked up, realizing I had reached my bus stop. I quickly grabbed my box, hailed a tricycle, and headed straight to my hostel. As soon as I got to my hostel, my phone buzzed. When I answered, I heard, “Hello! Baby Alero, I’m super impressed and proud of you.” I struggled to recognize the voice until she called my native name, and I realized it was my aunt’s sister. She expressed how impressed she was with my behaviour and mentioned that my uncle and aunt had praised me for my industriousness. I smiled so widely that it felt like my chin might fall off.

Time flew by, and exams were approaching. I did well, and my uncle and aunt were proud of me. My aunt’s sister and I were very close; we could spend a whole day discussing relationships and social life. She made me feel comfortable, and I loved being myself around her because she never judged me. She spoke highly of me to everyone who knew me, and if she had the opportunity, she would find a partner for me. Another holiday arrived, and my usual routine began again.

When Max saw me, he ran towards me and licked my face. I’m sure he was the cutest dog I had ever seen. I could see the joy in his eyes and knew he missed me. We played together, and I took him for our usual morning walk. My aunt’s sister was a very conversational person who enjoyed discussing real-life events. As my uncle drove with his wife in the front seat and my aunt’s sister and I sat in the back, they talked extensively about their elder brother’s children and their incompetence, especially with domestic chores. I wondered why they spoke so critically in front of me. Despite their criticisms, they praised me highly. While this made me feel good, I couldn’t help but wonder why they were so effusive.

One morning, my aunt’s sister called me and invited me to sit on her incredibly soft bed. It was so comfortable that I didn’t want to get up. She looked deeply into my eyes and asked, “What do you think about marriage? Would you like to settle down if you find someone or are introduced to someone?” My mind raced with thoughts and dreams, much like Diana Ross’s “Endless Love” playing in my head. She asked again, “What do you think about marriage?” I gathered my thoughts, responded calmly, and my answer made her smile. I smiled back at her. We discussed love and marriage, made jokes, and talked about how she would visit me after my wedding. I spent the day imagining how handsome and romantic my future husband might be and how I would live with and submit to him. The more I thought about it, the more excited I felt. Years passed, and I was nearing the end of my studies.

During my project defense, I received news that one of my cousins was getting married. I was thrilled and wondered who it could be. To my surprise, it was the same cousin my uncle and aunt had criticized for being lazy with domestic chores. My heart skipped a beat as I wondered how this happened and why I hadn’t been informed earlier. Despite my initial disappointment, I chose to be happy for her. I called her to congratulate her, and hearing my voice made her very happy, especially since we hadn’t seen each other in a long time due to my studies. We talked for a while, and when I asked about the groom, she smiled widely and told me his name. I realized he was the same man my aunt had mentioned. Although I tried to be happy for her, I felt a sharp pain in my heart, as though I were being pierced by an iceberg. I had to lean against the wall for support, feeling as if the whole world had crumbled. I thought about how happy she looked when she mentioned my Prince Charming’s name, which made me feel betrayed and confused.

Two weeks have passed since I received the news that nearly broke me. I’ve come to accept that whatever happens is for the best. The sky is beautiful and vast enough to find love and someone who will reciprocate it. I still love my family and remind myself that “whatever reason they took must be for my own good.” It’s hard to admit, but life continues. Guess who has had a baby girl? I’m in tears; she is so pretty. A new member has been added to the family. What more can I ask for, seeing my cousin so happy? I’m happy too because I found love in an unexpected place. Every morning, I look at the sky and remind myself that the sky is big enough for me. I have found love and happiness too.