Chapter 1
Secrets and Solitude
My name is Kora and I'm from Imo State in Nigeria. I grew up in Surulere, Itire, in Lagos State, living in a 'face me I face you' apartment.
Throughout my childhood, I was always the odd one out. People would often say, "She's such a strange girl," or whisper, "She's possessed."
They called me a marine spirit, a mami water.. Because of these labels, I had no friends. Well, except for Michael.
He was stubborn yet fiercely loyal, refusing to abandon me even after discovering the real me. He accepted my differences and stayed by my side.
Falling in love with my best friend was inevitable. My feelings for Michael ran deep, and I couldn't pull myself out, even if I tried. But I kept my love for him a secret.
Chapter 2
Predicaments and Premonitions
I knew my fate was sealed—I was going to die. I couldn't change it, even if I wanted to. The only mystery was how it would happen. You might find this strange, but I could see events before they occurred. I heard things others couldn't and saw visions that plagued me every night, nightmares that foretold the future.
Last year, on my sixteenth birthday, I had a vision so horrifying that I couldn't sleep for days. It revealed that I wouldn't live past sixteen. Was I scared? Absolutely. Knowing that my time was running out terrified me, and I knew that no amount of praying would alter my fate.
Chapter 3
Fate Forseen
Many had tried to change what I had foreseen for them or their loved ones, but to no avail. Prayers didn't help, and neither did running away. This was why people thought I was an Ogbanje or a witch. Over the years, I had been labeled many things, including a herald of doom.
It saddened me to think this was how I would be remembered. It hurt even more knowing I lived a short life filled with loneliness. I was an only child, and my parents weren't very loving. They had me when they were young and were ostracized by their families because of it.
"Bestie, are you ready?" Michael's voice broke through my thoughts. I looked up at him and forced a sad smile. It hurt the most to think I would leave him behind.
Like me, Michael was shunned because of his association with me. His parents, much like mine, were indifferent, more concerned with their jobs and themselves than their seventeen-year-old son.
"Yeah, I am. Did you bring the umbrella like I asked?" I asked him.
He nodded. "What time did you say it would rain again?" he inquired as we walked out of the compound.
I smiled at Mommy Ifè, who hissed and turned her back, muttering "witch" under her breath. "In three hours," I replied confidently.
"So, she still hasn't forgiven you? You didn't do anything wrong," Michael said as we hopped onto his bicycle and rode towards our destination.
"I understand her. She lost her child a few days after I told her she would. I can’t seem to keep my mouth shut when I see or hear these things. I always try, but whenever I see the people involved, I just blurt it out. Every time," I said, angry at myself.
"It won’t solve anything if you start keeping these things to yourself. The problem isn't you. You're incredibly gifted. You see things before they happen and warn people so they can be prepared. It's not your fault you're who you are. People just hate what they don't understand." Michael’s words were meant to encourage me, but I couldn’t shake the guilt and sadness.
"But why do I only see bad things? I'm truly a herald of doom," I whispered sadly.
Michael stopped the bike and told me to get down. I did, and he followed, turning to face me and taking my cheeks in his hands, looking directly into my eyes. "Babe, you're not a herald of doom. You've seen good things too, remember? Like Mr. Henry, who left the compound last year. His life changed for the better after you told him he’d win a big contract. Or Mommy Michael in church, who was barren for eight years. She had a baby after you told her to change her environment. And Hannah, who met her husband at a friend's birthday party because you told her to go. They’re not even in the country anymore. These people’s lives improved because of you. You are not a herald of doom. Anyone who thinks that can go to hell. You're special. Don't let people who have nothing better to do make you think otherwise," Michael advised, making me smile even as my heart raced at his closeness.
"Thanks, Michael," I said softly, touched by his words.
We continued our journey, and as we rode, I couldn't help but feel despair.
Chapter 4
Secret Sorrows
I tried to suppress the sadness I felt as I looked at him. The thought of leaving him alone without his knowledge was heart-wrenching. Keeping my imminent death from him was painful, but I believed it was the right decision. I wanted to spend the little time I had left with him without clouding it with grief. I aimed to keep a smile on his face until the very end. Even with less than a day left, I would spend it making him happy.
"Okay," I nodded.
He smiled and mounted his bike. "Come on, we’re late."
I hopped on and held him tightly. "Where are we going?" I asked as he started riding. He had surprised me yesterday by saying he wanted to take me somewhere but refused to tell me where. How could I refuse?
With less than a day left, I’d go anywhere with him.
"You’ll see when we get there," he replied, making me smile and roll my eyes.
Chapter 5
Unexpected Encounters
"Whose place is this?" I asked Michael as I gazed at the enormous house he had brought me to. It was a beautiful blue house surrounded by flowers, trees, and had a fountain.
I gasped when I saw a large swimming pool and ran toward it without waiting for Michael's response. He laughed and followed me.
"It’s my friend’s place. When I came here last week, I asked if I could bring you along, and he agreed," Michael said as we stopped by the pool.
"You have another friend?" I asked, surprised and slightly hurt that he hadn’t told me. I didn’t even know when he had time to visit.
"Yeah, we met last week. He’s the son of my dad’s boss. Remember when I dropped off my dad’s documents last week? We met there, and we’ve been friends since. I thought you might like to swim, and I wanted you to meet him," he explained.
"Okay. Where…" I began, but stopped when Michael smiled at someone behind me.
"What's up, bro?" a deep voice said. I turned and whispered "oh" when I saw him. He had curly dark hair, very light skin, and didn’t look fully Nigerian.
As he approached, I couldn’t help but admire his perfect eyebrows and long lashes. When he smiled at me, my heart skipped a beat. He had a simple on his left cheek when he smiled.
He gave Michael a friendly hug and turned to me, offering his hand. "You must be Kora. I'm James. I heard your birthday is tomorrow. Happy early birthday," he said with an American accent that made my name sound different.
"Thank you," I replied, shaking his hand, but was immediately overwhelmed by rapid, confusing images. Shocked, I quickly withdrew my hand.
Chapter 6
Pools and Perplexity
"What was that?" I wondered. For the first time, I couldn’t understand what I saw. "Are you okay?" James asked.
Seeing Michael's worried expression, I forced a smile, shaking off the strange feeling. "I'm fine. I love your house, especially the pool."
James smiled. "Thanks. It’s my favorite too. When Michael told me about you, I couldn’t wait to meet you. I haven’t told Michael yet, but I hope you both won’t mind celebrating your birthday here tomorrow."
I looked at Michael, who seemed to be waiting for my approval. My mood darkened at the thought of a tomorrow I wouldn’t see, but I smiled. "Sure."
I glanced at the pool regretfully before glaring at Michael, who avoided my eyes as if he knew what he had done wrong. "I wish I had known to bring a swimsuit. I would have loved to swim today," I said.
James laughed. "I can help with that. My twin sister, Lily, has plenty she hasn’t worn. She tends to buy unnecessary things. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind lending you one. Let me go get one for you," he said and headed inside.
Chapter 7
Painful Professions
Michael placed a hand on my shoulder, looking serious. I almost feared what he was about to say.
"Before he comes back, we need to talk," he said.
I nodded, hoping he hadn’t somehow figured out my secret.
"I don’t know how to say this, but I’ve had this strange urge to tell you something today. I’ve been fighting it all morning, but I need to say it now before I lose my courage," he began, looking nervous.
"What do you want to tell me, Michael?" I asked, confused.
"I didn’t know when or how it happened, but I… I’m in love with you. I’ve been in love with you for a long time. I planned to ignore it, but I felt you needed to know," he confessed, looking into my eyes.
I shook my head and stepped back, my heart aching. "No," I whispered, holding my chest as I saw the hurt on his face.
"Babe, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…" he started, but I interrupted.
"I need to use the restroom," I said, avoiding his eyes.
"I’ll take you there," he offered, his voice broken.
"No… just direct me," I replied, struggling to hold back tears as I listened to his directions.
When he finished, he asked quietly, "Does my love for you really repulse you that much?"
"It’s not you… I just need to go," I whispered and ran inside, brushing past a confused James. I found the restroom and collapsed against the door, breaking down in tears.
I had waited so long to hear him say those words. Why did it have to be now, when I had less than a day left? Why was fate so cruel to me when I had done nothing wrong? I tried to help people and be a good daughter but received only cold shoulders and hatred in return. Finally, I had the love of the one person I cared about most, but I wouldn’t live to enjoy it.
I cried for Michael, for the pain he would feel, for the life I couldn’t have, and for the short, miserable existence I had endured. When I had no more tears left, I stood, washed my face, and composed myself before heading out.
Chapter 8
Heartfelt Confessions
I immediately bumped into a tall, light-skinned girl in a swimsuit.
"I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there," I apologized, wiping my nose.
"I heard you in the restroom. Are you okay?" she asked.
"Yeah. I’m guessing you’re Lily. I’m…"
"Kora. I know. I’ve heard about you. I was heading downstairs to join you guys when I saw you run into the restroom," she explained.
"Oh, okay," I replied, embarrassed. We walked toward the pool, where Michael stood, seemingly waiting for me and ignoring James. The sky was clouding over, and I knew we had little time before it rained.
As soon as Michael saw me, he ran over and held my shoulders, looking into my eyes with a heartbroken expression. Lily walked past us to her brother, who looked at me curiously before turning to her.
“I made you cry. I'm sorry,” he said, looking remorseful. I sniffled and met his gaze. He was my handsome best friend who had always been there for me, protecting me from bullies. Despite his good looks, he never showed interest in anyone else but me. Now, I realized he loved me just as much as I loved him.
Tears streamed down my face again. I fell into his arms, sobbing, and he held me tightly. “I didn’t mean to hurt you like this,” he kept repeating.
I shook my head. “I love you, Michael. I’ve always loved you so much it hurts.” I felt his breath hitch, and he hugged me even tighter.
“You do?” he whispered shakily.
“Yes, I do. So much,” I confirmed. I needed him to know how important he was to me.
“I love you too. With everything I am,” he whispered back.
I pulled away slightly. “We need to talk as soon as we leave here,” I said sadly. He searched my eyes, fear evident in his.
“Okay,” he replied.
“Let’s have fun for now before it rains. Your friends are waiting for us, and I still need to change,” I said, taking the swimsuit he handed me. I pushed him toward James and Lily, who were watching us curiously, then headed inside to change.
Chapter 9
Facing the Inevitable
We stayed until late because it rained as I predicted. James insisted on driving us home. He and Michael managed to load Michael’s bike into the car. I learned that James and Lily were half Nigerian, half American, and had only recently come to Nigeria.
Lily hugged me, making me promise to come back for my birthday. I felt guilty for lying to her, knowing I wouldn't be able to fulfill that promise.
“Will your parents be home now?” James asked as he parked in front of our house.
“They won’t be back until later,” I replied, enjoying the air conditioning.
He looked surprised. “Your parents leave you alone that long? What about relatives or friends? How do you eat?”
“We have money for food, and I cook. Some neighbors look out for us,” I answered, omitting the fact that those neighbors didn’t like me.
James shook his head. “You’re welcome at my place anytime. In fact, I insist you come over every day.”
“We appreciate that,” Michael replied as we all got out. They unloaded the bike, and I was distracted by a noise from the backyard.
“Thanks for the ride,” I said to James, but he was also distracted by the noise.
“What’s going on?” he asked. Michael and I had no idea.
“You should go. It’s probably nothing,” Michael said as we started walking into the dimly lit yard.
“I’m not leaving until I know you’re safe,” James said determinedly.
I moved forward to investigate but was stopped by Michael. James stood by my other side. Ignoring their protests, I rushed ahead, too curious to stay back.
I saw Mommy Ifè crying along with many neighbors. I noticed Iyá Ramota and Mommy Bisi, her gossip buddies, in the crowd too.
“What happened?” Michael asked Chibueze, one of our neighbors who didn’t like me.
Chibueze frowned but didn’t answer. I stepped forward. “What happened?” I asked, feeling a growing sense of dread.
Mommy Ifè’s face twisted in hatred and fear. “It’s the witch!” she shrieked, pointing at me. “You killed my husband! You caused it, you witch!” Mommy Ogechi screamed, running towards me with others following.
Michael dropped his bike as James tried to pull me back to the car, but the mob reached us first. They dragged me away, hitting and spitting on me.
“Witch! Murderer! Devil’s child!” they yelled. “You told me my husband would die. Now he’s dead because of you!”
“I didn’t kill anyone, please!” I begged, but they kept hitting me. I was punched in the face, fell, and hit my head on a rock. I knew this was the end.
Gunshots rang out, and the mob scattered. I saw Michael on his knees, looking from me to a body on the ground—James, who had been hit by a stray bullet.
“Michael,” I tried to speak. He walked to me and knelt beside me, crying. “Please, don’t leave me, baby. Please,” he wept.
Tears fell from my eyes as I tried to touch his face. Darkness took over. “I love you,” I whispered before everything went black.
Chapter 10
Final Goodbyes
"Do you think Michael will be alright?" I asked, staring out at the desolate landscape with James.
"Eventually, he will be," James replied, still gazing into the distance.
"I wish I could see him one last time before my time runs out. I never got to say goodbye. How unfair is that?" I said sadly. "I really miss him. It's been a year since that day."
After the incident at the compound, I thought it was truly the end. But fate wasn't done with us yet. We found each other in a place where we kept reliving our memories, and in doing so, we often forgot where we really were or that we weren't actually alive.
It surprised me when, during my last memory at James's place, I had a brief vision of James and me in this land. I even felt the love I had started to feel for him in this strange world.
I realized that we weren't dead yet; we were in a coma. And we had been in this state for a year.
In this place, we didn't need to eat since we weren't in our bodies. I still couldn't fully grasp the logic of this realm, but I guessed it was where people go when they fall into a coma—a desolate land.
When we first arrived, we wandered for a long time, searching for others. But strangely, it was just us, which made me wonder what else fate had in store. I had a feeling that fate wasn't done with me yet.
"Well, we both relive our memories every day. I get shot repeatedly. It's like a punishment," James sighed, running his fingers through his hair in frustration.
"At least you get to see your sister again, just like I get to see Michael," I said.
He looked at me with a sad expression. "I guess you'll always love him more than me. Even now, you yearn for him when I'm the one here."
I grabbed his arm, panic rising. "That's not true. I love you both. I've spent time with you in this lifeless place. I've relived memories with you and felt that love. In one of my memories, something happened that has never happened before. I not only felt the love I feel for you now, I also saw us here, in this dead land. I didn't understand it at first, but now I do," I said, fascinated by my experiences.
"It doesn't matter anyway, does it? You'll finally be gone, and where does that leave me? Alive and forced to live without you," he said shakily. His eyes were filled with sadness, but they remained dry because we couldn't cry here. Still, I was sure that in the hospital, his face would be wet with tears.
I placed my hands on either side of his face and, with my heart breaking, said, "I'm sorry that I have to leave you both. I wish... God, how I wish I could come back with you. But I have this strange feeling that it's not over yet."
He sighed dejectedly and pulled away. "I don't want to go back without you."
"I know, but you have to," I told him. "You need to be there for Michael and Lily, who I'm sure need you more.”
I had less than an hour left before I would be taken off life support, declared brain dead with no chance of recovery. In just a few minutes, I would truly die.
I guess I misinterpreted my dream. I didn’t die immediately as I had thought; instead, I fell into a coma and slowly progressed to brain death.
Meanwhile, in a month, James would have another chance at life. I wished for the same, but I doubted it would happen.
Still, I knew deep down that I would see James and Michael again. I felt it in my soul.
"Maybe I'll be reincarnated. I'm sure we would meet again then," I teased, trying to make him smile, but he remained serious.
“Reincarnated when? When I'm old and wrinkled?” He sighed, his gaze distant. “I'd rather die with you now and be reincarnated together.”
“I'll wait for you both then. I'll wait,” I promised, even though I wasn’t sure if I had a choice in the matter. I wasn’t even certain what laid beyond this place, and it scared me.
“I'm scared,” I whispered to him. “What if hell truly exists and I end up there?”
He pulled me close to his chest. “I have a good feeling that hell is not where you'll end up. Besides, weren’t you the one saying you’d wait? Why are you suddenly thinking of hell?”
I smiled into his chest. “You know, if we truly get another chance, how would we do it?” I asked him.
He frowned, “I’m confused.”
“Me, you, and Michael together again. I’d have to choose one of you.”
He shrugged. “WHEN that time comes, because it just has to, we will cross that bridge.”
I smiled as we waited for my last few minutes. At the last second, I turned to him and kissed him hard. "I love you James," I told him as I began to fade.
“I love you too, Kora. Please wait for me,” he begged, trying to hold on to my fading body to no avail. I gave him one last smile before I disappeared.
Epilogue
A New Beginning
A Century Later
Aliya always loved riding bicycles; the freedom it gave her was exhilarating. She dreamed of owning a power bike when she turned eighteen. Now seventeen and in her last year of high school, she couldn't wait to graduate.
Her parents finally agreed to let her live far from home. Aliya would never forget their faces when she told them she was applying to NYU. Moving from Australia to New York, nearly a day's journey away, was too far for them. They worried about her living alone in such a bustling city, thinking it was full of crime. Eventually, she convinced them.
"We might be home late from work today. So don't wait up, and lock the doors immediately when you get in. Please, baby, don't forget again," Mom said as she rushed out to work.
"Don't worry, Mom. I will. You worry too much," Aliya replied with a sigh.
"That's a mother's job, sweetie. See you tonight... and—" Mom was interrupted by a car horn. Dad was getting impatient. "There's chicken in the microwave. Make something to eat. Love you!" she said, hurrying to the car.
Aliya cleared the table, washed the dishes, and grabbed her school bag before heading to her car, a gift from Dad on her sixteenth birthday. She drove quickly down the estate road, determined not to be late for school again.
She breathed a sigh of relief upon arriving earlier than expected. After parking and locking her car, she searched her bag for her earpods while heading toward the school entrance. Distracted, she collided with a muscular body and lost her balance, only to be caught and pulled into a strong chest.
Aliya's breath caught as a mix of emotions washed over her. She felt an inexplicable joy and peace and quickly stepped back, bumping into someone else behind her. This new feeling was different, deeper, as if their connection predated their existence. Nearly overwhelmed, she was steadied by the person until she regained her composure, slightly embarrassed.
"Hi," she said breathlessly.
"Hi. I'm Mark. And that's my brother, Jake," the first guy she bumped into introduced, smiling. He had closely shaved brown hair and mesmerizing brown eyes that seemed to look into her soul. He was tall and muscular, probably around six feet.
Aliya's heart melted. She turned to Jake and was stunned to see he was identical to Mark, except he had neatly braided long hair and striking sky-blue eyes with a dimple on his left cheek when he smiled.
"What's your name, beautiful?" Jake asked in a deep, captivating voice, his eyes locked on hers.
Blushing, Aliya resisted the urge to tuck her golden blond hair behind her ears. "I'm Aliya. And I’ll be late for class if you don’t excuse me," she replied, hurrying away, embarrassed. She felt an uncanny familiarity with them which she didn't understand. It scared her.
As she walked away, her heart urged her to turn back but she resisted and ran into the school without looking back.
