A person who smiles on the outside could be struggling within—don’t judge a book by its cover, you just might never know. These are words that we have heard or reckoned with on several occasions, but I guess it never hits so deep until it applys to you. 

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Sade spent her life playing safe. In school, she was awarded the most cheerful student in the class—according to many, her smile was enough to make your day. She was loved by many because of her ability to be selfless and be there for them—majority of the class had experienced one or many instances of her goodness. Additionally, she was well-known to offer the best advice! 

Although, Sade was seen and admired by many, she never had any close friends, as she was already reputed to have everything—a nice house, two wonderful parents, good grades, a beautiful face, a nice figure, fame, a beautiful heart, even great friends—as though she were the perfect role model, no one really thought about being there for her—she had everything, afterall. 

Because Sade ought to be thankful and contented with her “flawless” life, she couldn’t have conceivably existed with any problems—thus, she was compliant to keeping a facade of pretence. She lived her life in faultless demonstration of the world’s expectations of her—keeping a radiant face all the time, staying respectful and dutiful to everyone—a perfect display of disguise. 

One night, it got too gruelling and overwhelming, thus, Sade resolved to unleash her burdens, she was going to inform her mum.  That night, she couldn’t sleep as she was kept awake by her despairing and exasperating thoughts—her mind was at a race that wouldn’t come to an end any soon, her eyes were thronged by tears she couldn’t restrain, her feet were too exasperating to move—she fell down on her knees and wept. 

After an hour, Sade was now in her mum’s room. “Mummy, there’s something I have to tell you.” Sade said softly. Her mum who was still lying in bed with her eyes shut, indicating signs of inconvenience, muffled with an enervated tone, “what is it?” Sade in further attempt to get her mom’s attention tapped her foot. Her mum who was still hesitant, with sluggishness rose to sit up, “Sade why are you still awake by this time, what’s the problem?” She asked with a concerned look. “Mum, I am really tired,” Sade burst into tears, “I am really tired, mum. I have been quite all this while because everyone expects me to be contented with life, to not complain or agonise about anything, but I can’t be quiet anymore, I have no choice now.” Sade was now crying heavily. “Sade,” her mum called, she was now frightened, “Sade, what’s the problem, please talk to me!” Her mum pleaded while embracing her, now she was also crying. “Mummy, I’m pregnant but I don’t know whose child it is!” She screeched.

To be continued….