Some people leave this world without warning, like a candle blown out by a sudden wind. You're left holding the unlit wick, wondering how something so bright could vanish so fast. Howdy Freewriters! Welcome to my 5 Minute Freewrite Blog.
2016. That year, I roamed the streets of Nairobi. Not because I didn't have a home, but because my young soul was chasing what I thought was freedom; being far from my parents' scrutiny.
In October 2016, I learned that my cousin; my namesake, was in Nairobi too. Another cousin, who by lineage I could call my "husband" since he was named after my grandma's husband, was the one who gave me the tip. That same evening, I reached out to my namesake by phone, and yes, she was in Nairobi. We decided we'd meet after the weeekend since she and her friends were heading to a party. I was fine with that. I believed we had all the time in the world.
But when the weekend passed, she didn't call. I tried calling her, but her phone was unreachable. I told myself I'd give her a day or two; she'd call back.
On the second day, I got a call. Not from her, but from my Mama. She told me to come home, that it was an emergency. That same day, I boarded a matatu for the 3-4 hour ride home. On arrival, I was met with the news no one wants to hear. My namesake was gone.
She was just 19. Very much healthy.
It was, and still is, a bitter pill to swallow. I have lost relatives along the way, but her loss still lingers. In every milestone, I imagine her achieving one of her own. Every year, on October 20th, as the country celebrates National Heroes Day, I silently celebrate my namesake.
They say that time heals, but time only teaches us how to carry the weight. Cuz, your candle dimmed, but I have mine to share with. As long as I carry your name, I carry you with me. Gone but not forgotten❤️.
Thank you for reading❤️.
