There was just something deep within me that I was feeling. This feeling started a few days ago every single time l left my apartment. As the day went on, it grew more intense and severe. As I walk down the streets of Lagos, dealing with the traffic and crowds of people, I always have that feeling back, and this time, it is sharper than it has been.
"Probably it was just a false feeling", I said to myself, trying to calm down the anxiety that had filled up my mind. The more I tried, the more it grew, getting worse to do so. Each time I take a step, I can feel this sensation around me.
Walking as far as I can through Mopelola Street, which is known for being so quiet and always avoided by many people. But this time around, something pushed me through to the street. My footstep keeps marching forward but in quietness and straining to try to listen to other footsteps that are behind me. I can feel it, someone is right behind me.
I increase the speed at which I walk as this time, it is not just an imagination but something not far from being a reality. The more I walked faster, the more the feelings grew stronger and stronger. Of course, I increased my speed as this time around, it was beyond a feeling or an imagination. I am sure, someone is tracking every move.
Branching to a small bakery to get a fresh baked bread and trying to act normal it was obvious as my anxiety covered every single part of me.
"Sir, is everything all right?" The baker asked in curiosity, as probably she noticed the way I acted nervous all through the bakery.
"Yeah, it's nothing. Just stressed out" I responded. But deep within me, I knew I wasn't tired, I wasn't stressed out, I was feeling frightened.
Of course, in a bid to feel more safe, I took another route to get to my apartment faster and hoped to lose track of anyone following me. But with each step I took, I can still feel it more strongly being followed. Yes, I can feel it strongly, someone is watching me, and this is not paranoid.
Finally, I got to my apartment, rushed inside and instantly locked the door behind me in a bid to feel more safe and secure. At least, in my very house. Immediately, I received a message on my phone and that came from my best friend, Solomon.
*Hello, Adese, How is your day going? I need a break from work. From Solomon". Instantly seeing the message, I begin to think through it. Should I call him or not?
Solomon has been a very close friend of mine for years and is always someone I run to whenever I need someone to talk to.
"Solomon, I am having a frightening day as it looks like I am being followed by someone". I replied to his message, At least in a bid to calm down my nervousness.
Of course, I trust the best friend I gave. He replied immediately.
"ADESE, hope it is not an imagination?"
I thought for a second, probably he is right. Probably, I was just imagining something that was not there. I sat down, trying to calm all my nerves and to try to shake off the terrifying feelings and hours upon hours, the tension began to slowly fade away. Hours later, I was so sure it was all imagination after all until I heard a knock on the door of my apartment.
At that particular time, I looked so terrified and frozen out. I was not expecting anyone, and even if I was, no one would visit me without letting me be aware. With a shaky voice, I muttered some words out "Who is there?"
There was silence for a long period of time, and this increased the tension I was feeling. A few minutes later, I heard another knock and this time, it was louder and more frequent.
I grabbed my phone immediately to dial Solomon's Number before I took a look through the window outside. I can see a shadow moving around the street of my apartment.
I instantly dial Solomon's Number because I can't hold it any longer.
"Solomon, I think this is real. I am been followed and currently, now, it's looking like the person is right in front of my door as I am speaking with you"
"Really, Okay, ADESE, I will be with you in a few minutes. Make sure you did not open the door to anyone no matter what." Solomon responded.
Thinking about what I would do, I heard another knock. But this time, I was very careful not to make any sound or move as in agreement with the advice Solomon gave me.
"Hello Adese, I am outside, come open the door" It was Solomon.
I was confused because I glanced outside; I didn't see Solomon; instead, I saw a man holding a delivery package.
At least, I felt more relieved as I opened the door.
"Sir, Your order is ready," he said. I was shocked because I didn't make any orders.
"I didn't order anything", I replied the delivery man.
"The order has been paid for," he said as he handed over the delivery package and walked away.
I was terrified and curious about what might be in the delivery bag; opening it, I saw a piece of paper inside. Written on the paper read, "You are not imagining, this is not paranoid, and this is not over".