My Last Wish
This is a story about Annabelle. A young, talented lady who has been frustrated by the harshness of this world. She only made one wish: “I only wish to have my parents with me in my next Life.”
Annabelle was born into a wealthy home. She was provided everything she wanted while growing up and her parents loved her dearly. She was the brightest student in school and was admired and envied by many. Annabelle was a sweet girl; everybody loved her, including her teachers.
One ugly afternoon, Annabelle returned home from school and started looking for her mummy. She called out her name, but nobody answered her. She went to the kitchen, the sitting room, and even her parents’ room, calling her mother’s name, but nobody answered. Her nanny was coming back from the market when she heard Annabelle’s voice, “Annabelle my dear, is that you?”
Annabelle replied with a frown and tears. “Where is my mummy?”
This question shattered the Nanny’s heart. She doesn’t know how she will look into Annabelle’s eyes and break the sad news of her mother’s accident. “My dear, go and take off your uniform, and I will prepare your favorite. I need you to take your bath and rest.”
“No. I need my mummy. Where is she?” Annabelle replied.
While the nanny was trying to convince Annabelle not to worry about her mummy, a man knocked at the door.
The nanny rushed and opened the door. It was a man from the hospital. The nanny knew his purpose of coming and didn’t want to let him in to avoid him ruining Annabelle’s mood. But Annabelle rushed towards the man, “Mr do you have any news about my mummy?”
The man stared at little Annabelle and the nanny for a while and exhaled. “I’m sorry to break this sad news, but I must inform you that Mrs Eucheria Okafor, who was rushed to the hospital this morning, is dead. The news broke Annabelle’s heart into pieces. That was the day a part of Annabelle died.
A few months after the death of Annabelle’s mother, the father died from high blood pressure. Leaving Annabelle’s with all his wealth. But her wicked uncle connived at everything and left Annabelle in the streets with nothing.
Annabelle was forced to face the harsh realities of the world that billions of women face worldwide. She started Hawking for a square meal. She stays with her madam who maltreats her.  At some point, Annabelle’s madam will ask her to hawk overnight, leaving an innocent girl out in the dangerous, streets of Lekki. One faithful night, Annabelle ran into the street boys. These boys kidnapped her and took her to a mansion where they forced her to sleep with old men for money. Although they didn’t force Annabelle to accept. They only offered a nicely furnished house to stay,  a daily 3-square meal, and a monthly salary of N100,000. Life forced Annabelle to accept. The majority of girls who have been subjected to prostitution, Hawking, unwanted pregnancy, and early/forced marriage did so because of a lack of parental guidance, harsh realities of life, and guidance. Annabelle saw herself living the life she does not want without having the power to pull out of the misery.  After this miserable experience, Anna ventured into advocacy, encouraging NGOs, government, and individuals to start up foundations to shelter and feed these young women in the streets. She also started sensitizing young girls to study and learn skills and become self-employed. She complemented this with empowerment programs and a series of competitions to equip these young women.
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