Different centuries have come and gone, but there's more to this 21st century. Though it is characterized with so much advancement in technology, medicine and healthcare, energy and environment, transportation, communication, education and the likes, it also ushered in a lot of decadence, mostly among the youth and teenagers. The use of phone has done them more harm than good. The peer group influence too is on the high side. It's highly disappointing how they jettisoned their parents' warnings, trainings and ethics, just at the slightest advice of their new friends.
I never imagined Abigail could end up like that? She is just 17 years old. A bright and promising girl from a clergy family. I remember how she used to lead all her classmates in school, her excellent attitude to life, her resilient spirit. In fact, we all used to see her as one in a million children. Her final results in school was a testament; she performed excellently in all her papers, she had 8 As with only one 'B'. She was the only person in our school that had more than 300 in her JAMB scores. She was indeed the joy of the community. Many dignitaries couldn't but be present in her school for their valedictory service. They all came to honor her. She received several awards and got a scholarship for her tertiary education.
Her mother couldn't hold her joy as she jumped up and screamed, 'thank you Lord.' Friends and family began to congratulate Abigail and tears streamed down her face. Oh, what a tear of joy, we all echoed, until we began to notice she was unhappy. What could be wrong on this special day of hers? Is she sick? Did anyone talk down on her? We all kept wondering until she was called upon as the senior prefect girl to give a vote of thanks. With resounding claps, we ushered her to the podium. All of a sudden, Abigail slumped and fainted before the audience. "Help! Help!" We all screamed as they rushed her to the nearest clinic. "People of this world are wicked o!" Her church members murmured that what happened her was spiritual. "They must have seen her glory." "It is nothing but a spiritual arrow." "People are wicked o." The event became chaotic; people were saying different things. The principal managed to bring the event to a close. While the students were scattered on the street, some hung in threes to discuss, and others, including some of the dignitaries, paid her a visit at the clinic to know what was happening.
After what seemed like an eternity, the doctor finally emerged from Abigail's room, looking solemn. Her parents, already worried, sensed something was amiss."Please, doctor, what's wrong with our daughter?" Abigail's mother asked, her voice trembling. The doctor took a deep breath before delivering the news: "Abigail is pregnant." Abigail's parents were stunned, their faces pale with shock and disappointment. Her mother's eyes welled up with tears, while her father's expression turned stern."How could this have happened?" her father muttered, his voice laced with anger and dismay. The news spread like wildfire, engulfing the entire town in a matter of hours. People whispered in hushed tones, pointing fingers and speculating about Abigail's situation.
"Abigail, the clergy's daughter, pregnant at what age" someone exclaimed. "What a scandal!" The town's gossip mill worked overtime, churning out theories and judgments. Abigail's reputation, once celebrated, was now tarnished. As news reached the church, Abigail's father faced scrutiny from his congregation. Some called for his resignation, questioning his ability to lead. "How could he allow this to happen to his own daughter?" a church member asked. Abigail's mother struggled to come to terms with the news, her mind racing with thoughts of her daughter's future. She felt like she had failed as a parent. Abigail, still recovering in the clinic, was oblivious to the chaos outside. But soon, she would face the consequences of her actions, and the harsh judgments of those around her. Months passed, and Abigail's pregnancy became increasingly visible. The once-celebrated student now walked with her head bowed, avoiding the judgmental gazes of her community. The shame and stigma surrounding her situation seemed to grow with each passing day.
Unfortunately, the harsh economy and her dad's resignation made livelihood so difficult for the family. Though Abigail's parents saw the toll the situation took on their daughter, they could not but decide to send Abigail packing to her situational husband, a 20years old young adult, to chew what they had bitten. So pathetic, the boy did not even have his own apartment to keep her but his parents'. Abigail resulted to selling pepper in front of her in-laws house and her academic journey ended. I wondered what I could have done if I were her parent. Though disappointed, I would have faced the situation and persevere with her and not her flowers either as it did. I would have guided her through the pregnancy for safe delivery. Then, support her till she weans the baby and continue her academic pursuit. I will encourage and support her till she seeks again and gains admission into university. I know she must have learnt her lessons the hardest way, which I think is enough for her and any other girl that want to tread her path.
All photos are mine.
