CNF #128....Silver Sylvia.

The disturbing dream I had got me shaken up from sleep. I looked at the time and it was 5:30 am but it felt like I had been sleeping for years. ”What kind of a dream is this?” ”Is it a premonition?” I muttered with shaky lips as my heart palpitated within my rib cage.

I still recall the dream vividly, a clear sign that I'd be haunted by it for days. I disliked having bad dreams or premonitions about the future. I just want to be not responsible for any mishaps that might occur but alas! Who was I kidding? I'm the queen of taking responsibility. That said I knew I had to act or Sylvia might lose her life.

Yes the dream was about a lady friend of mine who attends the same church as me. I like her carriage and persona. She was calm, modest, down to earth and kind and those qualities of hers made me admire her. I often found myself looking out for her amongst the vast head of congregants in church every Sunday.

In my dream, I saw that she was physically abused and she fell to her death. ”No Sylvia cannot for. She is a kind soul. I need to speak to her about this, maybe I can avert any negativity from the dream”. I nodded my head as a form of silent agreement.

I stood up from the bed, carried out my morning rituals and prepared to go to work. I made a mental note to call Sylvia immediately I got to my desk.

”Hello Sister Sylvia, good morning. How are you doing today? Hope you are good and fine and we'll?” I asked rambunctiously on the phone.

Chucking lightly, she gave a ”Yes o, I'm doing fine. No need for so many questions”.

”Oh pardon my exuberance. I just love hearing your soothing voice and I…I also wanted to be sure that allows well with you” I said almost choking a son as the part where she lay dead on the floor from my dreams flashed through my eyes.

Hahaha, okay that's fine. I am all ears. What do you want to share with me. Feel free to tell me okay” she responded.

”I can't tell you over the phone. Let's meet at Sheldon's Cafe by 12pm. It would be a lot better to speak with you face to face”

”Oh alright but hope there's no problem?” She inquired.

”None at all. See you at the Cafe by 12 noon….. bye” I replied her and hung up the call.

Going back to work on the task at hand but my mind was not at peace. My eyes refused staying in the sockets as they kept looking at the clock hands on the wall. Soon it was 12 noon and I stood up to head to the Cafe where I knew that Sylvia would be waiting for me.

Walking inside the Cafe, I saw her seated at a table close to the window. I found myself captivated by her calm demeanor. She looked graceful. I walked up to her, took my seat opposite hers before we exchanged pleasantries.

”Hope you have not been waiting for too long?” I asked.

”No, I got here some minutes ago.” She responded.

”Okay that's good. Have you ordered anything?”

”Yes I have and I took the liberty to order something for you as well. Don't worry I'll foot the bills. I just want you to feel free in sharing what's on your mind” she spoke just as our coffee and cakes were being served.

I couldn't care about the cake and coffee in front of me. All I hoped for was that she would believe me and take the warning dreams seriously so that she can be safe.

” Thank you for ordering. I'll get straight to business. Sister Sylvia, do you have a fiance?” I asked her.

”Yes I do. His name is Gerald and he is an amazing man. Just talking about him is giving me tingles all over. He loves me and I love him too” she replied to me with a broad smile like a child who just received a huge lollipop.

”Hmm, I had a dream where I saw you being physically abused by your fiance. He kept hitting you until you fell to your death. I don't mean to sour your relationship but this fiance of yours might just be a wolf in sheep's clothing.” I said and released the breath I was holding.

I saw her face turn moody, her smile changed from sunny to dull. Then she began to sob. I moved closer to her to pat her back as the tears flowed unhindered. After having enough, she turned to look at me and that was when she let the cat out of the bag. Her relationship was not as beautiful as she had described.

She thought Gerald was a good man until she moved in with him. That was when his true colours began to show. It began with a slap but it soon graduated to punches. She revealed that every time he hit her, he would go all out to beg and use romantic stuffs to appease her. She was hopeful that he would change but for the two years together, he has worsened.

”Why didn't you leave such a toxic relationship?” I interjected.

”The pressure from my family is too much plus he has won my family over. They'd never believe he could hurt a fly. I don't know what I'd do if I leave him.” She replied.

Feeling sad and angry, I made her understand that toxicity in relationship can lead to her untimely death. I gave the instance of a popular Nigerian gospel artist who died from physical abuse.

”Sister Sylvia, your life is more valuable than that toxic relationship. If you take the step to reclaim your dignity, I'm sure help will locate you. I think you need to see Pastor Ken on this issue asap” I told her.

She nodded and we made small talk before leaving the cafe.

Three Months later, I received a text from Sylvia inviting me over to an address in the message. I took a cab to the address and when I arrived, there she was waiting outside for me. We hugged and exchanged pleasantries before she took me inside.

I liked her new look. There was something radiating off of her like the ambience of a new dawn. She took me inside her apartment and we got talking. I discovered that she heed my advice to inform Pastor Ken of her dilemma. She told me that the church was supportive as they helped her pay for an apartment and got her a good job. She finally broke things off with Gerald and she's starting her life anew.

I was so happy for her and the step she has taken to get a fresh start. No one deserves to suffer abuse. I spent some time with her before leaving for my place. I felt glad as if a heavy load was taken off my chest.

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Thank you all for reading.

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