The Escape II

He laughed hysterically. He was glad seeing her like that. Only for this moment, she went quiet as she lay there. Thoughts raced across her mind, how long was she going to stay here? Her husband was well known, and they would tag her as an ungrateful woman. Slowly, 

her eyes shut. Somewhere from deep down in her mind, images of a distant past flooded her mind.

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“Hello? I’m home” Collins kissed his wife on the lips and smiled “How was your day, 

love?” Romoke beamed with excitement. “It was good”. They had it good and comfortable. Collins was happy, and so was she. Romoke called out excited “Food is ready” Collins widened his eyes at the food on the table, properly pounded fufu with Afang soup and spiced snails scattered inside the bowl. He turned to face her “My wife, my only wife, this looks good! Thank you…” Romoke blushed 

again. She enjoyed when her husband sang her praises. She wouldn’t have it any other way. 

“Babe, you know I mentioned ‘Iyabo’ would be arriving tomorrow morning”. Collins could barely concentrate as he sucked on the juicy turkey bone with a loud noise. “ehn 

ehn? I had forgotten o…ehn no problem”

The doorbell rang repeatedly, Iyabo was here.

“Ehen, my oga! How are you? See how big your stomach has become. I can see my daughter is treating you well. I hope for your sake you are taking good care of her?”

Collins laughed ,“Yes ma”.

Romoke giggled under her breath at her husband’s terrified expression.

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Romoke opened her eyes, holding her head like it was going to fall apart. She looked around and remembered it was a dream. Collins had locked her in the room. She had been too weak to fight her husband the previous night. She thought she had it all figured out, but at this point, she hated him even more. Collins had become a monster and she couldn’t understand why. Her body had given up. She wanted to run away but he was going to find her somehow. She dragged herself off the bed, reaching for her nightdress as she stood up.