Months had passed since Chuks had told Oena about the job opportunity in America. Initially, the amount needed had seemed unattainable. But Chidinma refused to see it that way. Instead of focusing on the amount, she focused on how much she could save each day.
Little by little, step by step.
The market traders had begun to notice his determination.
“Chidinma, you’re always the first to arrive and the last to leave,” one woman joked. “Are you planning on buying up the entire market?”
Chidinma just laughed. “If I buy the market, I’ll give you a stall.”
But deep down, she knew why she was working so hard. She wasn’t just selling fabrics. She was building a bridge to her husband’s future.
One hot afternoon, as she was arranging her colorful fabrics, a customer approached. The woman examined several materials before finally choosing three expensive Ankara fabrics. Chidinma carefully calculated the total price. The sale was larger than most of those she had made in the previous weeks.
The moment the woman handed her the money, Chidinma felt a silent wave of relief.
That evening, when she returned home, she sat down next to the metal box. For the first time, the quantity inside seemed different to her.
It looked complete.
Her heart began to beat faster. She continued counting the money, over and over. Tears slowly filled her eyes.
He had done it.
The money was enough.
The next morning, Oena woke to find Chidinma already dressed and waiting for her at the table. A strange excitement shone in her eyes.
“Why are you smiling like that?” he asked suspiciously.
“Eat first,” she said.
Oena frowned. “Why do I feel like you’re hiding something?”
“Just eat.”
After breakfast, Chidinma got up and went to her bedroom. She returned with the metal box in her hand.
Oena looked confused. “What is that?”
He placed it gently on the table and opened it. The box was filled with bundles of money.
Oena stared at him silently. “What is this?” she asked slowly.
Chidinma looked him straight in the eye. “Your future.”
Oena blinked. “I don’t understand.”
She pushed the box toward him gently. “The visa, the documents, the flight.”
Realization slowly dawned on her face. “No,” she said softly.
“YES.”
“You don’t…”
“Yes, I did.”
Oena looked at the money again, then back at her. “How long have you been saving it?”
“Since the day Chuks called.”
Oena jumped up. “This is too much work for you.”
Chidinma shook her head. “It’s not work. It’s an investment.”
“You’ve been suffering all this time.”
“I wasn’t suffering,” she replied calmly. “I was building our future.”
For a moment, Oena couldn’t speak. Her eyes were filled with disbelief.
“You did it for me.”
“For us.”
He sat down slowly again. “I don’t deserve you.”
Chidinma reached across the table and took his hand. “Stop saying that.”
“But it’s true.”
“No,” she said firmly. “You are my husband. Your success is my success.”
Oena’s eyes filled with tears. For the first time since losing her job, she felt hope again.
The following weeks were filled with preparations. Oena immediately began taking care of the paperwork. There were forms to fill out, interviews to attend, and endless paperwork to complete. But this time, everything seemed possible. Every step brought him closer to his dream.
Chidinma accompanied him whenever she could. Sometimes they waited for hours in crowded offices, surrounded by other hopeful travelers. Yet, even in those long lines, Oena often glanced at her wife with silent admiration. Without her, none of this would have been possible.
The day finally came when her visa was approved. Oena held the passport in her hands as if it were a fragile treasure.
“I can’t believe this is true,” she said.
Chidinma smiled proudly. “It’s true.”
But happiness was accompanied by a painful reality.
Oena would soon have to leave.
The night before his departure passed in silence. They sat together on the small balcony of their apartment. The lights of Lagos twinkled in the distance. For a long time, neither of them spoke.
Finally, Oena broke the silence.
“I wish you would come with me.”
Chidinma smiled sweetly. “Someday I will. But not now. Not yet.”
He looked at her seriously. “As soon as I get settled, I’ll take you to America.”
“I know.”
“I promise.”
She nodded. “I believe you.”
But deep down, they both knew the distance wouldn’t be easy.
The airport was crowded. The next morning, families were hugging each other tightly. Children were crying. Travelers were hurrying to the boarding gates. Chidinma walked silently beside Oena, holding her hand tightly.
When they reached the airline counter, the reality of the moment hit them hard.
It was really happening.
Oena checked in her bags. Soon it was time for the passengers to head to the boarding gate. Chidinma felt a tightness in her chest.
They were facing each other.
“So that’s all?” Oena asked softly.
“YES.”
He looked her in the eyes. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I do.”
“You already did.”
“As?”
“Believing in us.”
Oena hugged her tightly. For several seconds they remained embraced in silence.
“I’ll call you every day,” she whispered.
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