Freedom has to be the most expensive commodity ever peddled to mankind. In the purchase of freedom something must give. In Omotinne’s case, it was her late parent’s property that was sold to raise the money to pay off Madam Venice to buy her freedom or more accurately a semblance of it. One would think that after being paid off, Mama Venice would simply let Omotinne go. But she didn’t just a day before Omotinne was set to leave Mama Venice’s house in search of a life outside prostitution, in a series of suspiciously coordinated events, Omotinne was arrested. Her visa had long expired and she was now an illegal immigrant. Omotinne has planned to seek out Carlo, to get a job, possibly marry Carlo, have their baby and start out life again. She was going to start over but not like that, not that easily.
There is something about Nigeria. It always shocks you. No matter how long you’ve been around or how long you’ve been away. After 10 years in Italy, Omotinne was back home and what shocked her was not the dirt or noise, ahe expected that, it was the people. Everyone seemed aware, looked aware and full of life. She was beginning to question why she ever felt the need to leave desperately. She was beginning to think life in Nigeria wasn’t going to be so bad after all. Hope is always a beautiful thing and a dangerous gift.
No one seemed to take notice of this line of returnees who had no lugggage and were all handcuffed even though they were now in their motherland. Perhaps it was motherland’s way of punishing them for leaving her in the first place. After all their details had been taken and they had been “processed” they were free to go.
But to go where?
“Morning Dew” ……an exciting and educative piece! With some Harlequin-like wordsmith, enwrought with “Nigerianized” English flavor, Temitope is undoubtedly one of the best budding authors in Nigeria. Keep it burning.
Great Ife!