Ten-Ten

There are two things around your birth that you were told: one, that you were born exactly 8 minutes after your great grandmother drew her last breath, and two, that you didn’t cry. For hours, the doctors and nurses did everything to keep you alive. It’s why they called you Mmelionwu.

Your mother lost every other pregnancy after you. After 2 years and 4 unsuccessful attempts, she stopped trying.

Two days before your 6th birthday, you were playing with the Sobowale’s daughter. Ten-ten. You missed the landing that one time you jumped. Your head narrowly missed the pavement as you fell. But your mother panicked. That year, your birthday party included a Thanksgiving service in your house.

You have had more near misses since then. Random, sometimes could be explained, sometimes not. When you were getting married, your mother warned Tega. Told him to be very watchful around your birthday. Things happen.

The other night, you had a dream. It was definitely your great grandmother. You had seen her pictures. You bear a striking resemblance, and when you fell at 6, you developed a scar at the side of your head, in the exact spot your great grandmother had. She looked young and happy and wanted to go for a swim with you. You needed to run home to mother to ask for permission. That was when you woke up. To a text from your mum asking you to avoid water bodies. Beaches, swimming pools, anything. You brushed it off. Your mother was too superstitious and you were tired.

You were turning 35. You went out to dinner with Tega. That sushi place you love. You had to cancel the karaoke because your stomach hurt. You just wanted to lie in bed. You liked the sushi but the sushi didn’t always like you. Tega tucked you into bed. You would go to the Karaoke bar when you felt better.

You dreamt again of your great grandmother wanting to play ten ten with you. At first, you laughed it off, two grown ups. But you agreed. You missed your landing when you jumped. This time, you hit the pavement. Tega woke up to an empty space where you normally lay. You had gone to the restroom to throw up and passed out, hitting your head on the toilet sink as you fell.