Is this blackmail?
My landlord knocked on my door by 6am. He does not knock, he bangs.
"Amara, your rent has expired since last month. If you don't pay today, pack out."
I was shaking. I lost my job in January. The small Hive money I get, I use it to eat and send to Mama in village. Where will I see 120k for rent in Onitsha now?
I told him, "Sir please give me two weeks."
He smiled. That bad smile.
He said, "I can give you three months free. No need to pay. Just be my girlfriend. Come to my house every evening, cook for me, and stay."
My blood became cold.
I looked at him. He is 58 yeaars old, marrieed with 3 chilldren. His childreen are older thaan me.
He said, "If you don't agree, by 12pm I will bring police to throw your things outside. Your choice."0
Is this blackmail?
I did not sleep that night. I called my friend Blessing. Blessing said "Many girls are doing it, just manage."
But I cannot.
Next morning, I packed my small Ghana-must-go. I left the room. I went to stay with Blessing in her one room self-contained. We are now 3 peopple in one smaall rooom, but I can sleep withoout fear.
I loost my rooom, but I did not loose myseelf.
Some people call it "help", but when someone uses your suffering to get what they want, that is blackmail. And I will not accept it.
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