I am the first child of my parents. I have two sisters and two brothers. Right from childhood, I knew I had to work harder than anyone else if I wanted a better life.
We were very poor. My father was a farmer whose harvest rarely yielded much. My mother was a petty trader, and I often helped her by hawking in the afternoons. Sometimes, I even skipped school just to hawk so we could eat.
Neither of my parents went far in education. My father managed to finish primary school, but my mother never attended at all—she always said she disliked school.
But I had dreams. Big dreams. I wanted to lift my family out of poverty and secure a bright future for myself. Every day I told myself that one day, things would be better.
I focused on my studies and made sure I always came first or second in my class. People often said I was fair and beautiful, but I didn't let it get to my head. I loved making friends, though some people thought I was too forward.
By eighteen, I was in SS3, preparing for WAEC. My body had matured, and life was gradually taking shape. But one evening, I came back from school and met my parents jubilating. To my surprise, the house was filled with foodstuffs and goodies, and I saw them counting a huge amount of money.
My heart leapt with joy. That very morning, I had gone to school on just three spoons of rice. I had rushed back home immediately after closing so I could hawk, only to meet plenty of food waiting at home. I was more than excited.
"Where did all this come from?" I asked in amazement.
"Come and enjoy first," they replied, still rejoicing.
After I had eaten to my fill, they called me aside.
My father cleared his throat. "Sarah, you should be happy. Because of you, our suffering is about to end."
I didn't understand, so I just kept quiet.
"Do you know Alhaji Jamal's son who just returned from abroad last month?" he asked.
I shook my head, trying to connect the dots.
"No problem," my father continued. "He will come this weekend to see you."
"For what?" I asked in confusion.
"He sent a proposal," my father said slowly. "He wants to marry you. He promised to take care of you and your siblings. He also said he would send you to school—any level you want. You know we cannot afford to send you to the university. Sarah, God really loves you. Our story is about to change. Just be a good girl and don't disappoint us."
My world suddenly went quiet.
To be Continued....