01/04/2026
An Ode To Sensitivity
They call it a great strength
I say it is my weakness
They say that I should be grateful
I say that it is a curse
But on some days I catch myself loving it
Craving it , indulging it
I sit in its embrace , my soul leaps for joy and my heart is glad.
Is it really a curse?
To feel this deeply
To stare at the sunset and sunrise like it is the most beautiful thing on the earth.
To share a meal with a loved one and enjoy the tingles and warmth it brings.
To hear the cruelest of words and sit in the pain it created for hours knowing fully well that you still couldn't hate the one who uttered the words.
I do not know whether it be a curse or a blessing.
What I do know is that it is as beautiful as it is draining.
A painful beauty.
31/03/2026
Good evening everyone ☺️
I know I haven't been posting for awhile
I've been busy with school work so I stopped writing DECEIT for awhile.
But I'll still drop something once in awhile
Thank you 💓
30/01/2026
DECEIT
Chapter 5
The ride to Enugu was a silent one. I think Chidi figured that I needed the quiet.
My mind wanders to last night after the bombshell was dropped. I couldn’t believe he had suggested that I leave my home to a strange land. Aunty Bisi was so joyful that I was leaving. Uncle wole was a little indifferent and I wonder why.
I sighed as I watched the trees pass by. Ginika had cried this morning after she found out , she literally clung to me like a leech until Chidi had to tear us apart.
“Shade cheer up , Enugu is not a bad place” Chidi said trying to lighten up my mood.
“ But I don’t know anyone here. I’ll be so lonely” I muttered, tracing invisible lines on the window
“ You’ll make new friends in no time. You’re a lovable person” He says
Another sigh escapes my lips but I don’t respond to him. I don’t want new friends , I want Ginika . I want to go home , I miss the smell of my room already.
This place was foreign to me , the people here spoke a language that I couldn’t understand. The Igbos that Nànà detested, I was now in their hometown. I didn’t know why she hated them so much. She was always having issues with Mr Okafor over one thing or the other. Often times , Mr Okafor was right but Nànà never backed down without throwing some insultive words.
Anyways I hated their arguments so I guess I would try my best to avoid any form of argument.
We drove for over 4 hrs before we finally got to Chidi’s residence. My feet were sore and my head hurt. After shoving my luggage into my room , I immediately climbed unto the mattress and drifted off to sleep.
A low humming sound woke me up. The ceiling fan was still swirling but the hum wasn’t coming from it.
I rubbed my eyes groggily as I slipped my feet into my slipper, ready to discover where that sound was coming from.
I followed my ears to the walkway and up the stairs. The sound became louder as I walked through the hallway upstairs. I wondered how many rooms were in Chidi’s house as I walked along.
I stopped in front of a door and listened, the sound was louder from here. I placed my ears on the door to confirm and indeed it was coming from this room.
‘What was going on here? ‘ I thought as I held the door handle and pushed it open.
My eyes widened as it took in Chidi’s expression as well as the lady beneath him.
Why does Chidi have a mic inside this lady’s private areas??
I slammed the door shut and ran to my room.
I should have just stayed in my room instead of playing Dora the explorer.
How was I going to face Chidi now after this ?
I need to wash my eyes ,no ,my brains. I need to forget what I just saw.
I locked my room because I knew he would come knocking after awhile.
I tucked myself in bed ,trying my best not to scream.
What is wrong with the people around me?
©️ Author Nia
22/01/2026
©️ Author Nia
The blood splattered across the room, some streaks smeared on my cheeks.
I watched in agony as he ripped open her chest and brought out something very delicate looking. I couldn't scream,couldn't yell. It felt as though my lips were sealed closed.
He laughed and I shivered, dragging my tired body to the far end of the room in fear.
“I'll come for you ,Adalia. You can't escape “ He cackled
I shook my head vehemently, desperate to make it stop. Slowly , his face began to morph into something else or rather someone.
I drew in a sharp breath when I stared directly into my own eyes.
She smirked at me.” You killed her. You ripped out everything from her. It's all your fault”
“Nooooooo”
I woke up with a jolt. I glanced around in fear , there was no one in sight. It was just me in my room but why did it feel so real?
Why do I stare at myself every night and accuse myself of murder?
I shook my head, bitting my fingers.” I'm not a murderer. No”
But deep down , I knew it was a lie. I knew who it was that I murdered and how I murdered her .
I could picture it vividly - her pale face and shocked expression.
Would I ever be free from this terror?
Can I truly be free from my own self?
22/01/2026
DECEIT
Chapter 4
The rest hours in school felt like hell. My classmates would occasionally stare in my direction, some would scoff ,others laughed.
I was now know as the girl whose uncle was a ra**st. Not Shade nor the brilliant girl , just the girl with a ra**st uncle.
I kept my head on my desk , too timid to meet anyone's gaze.
" Shade, you know it isn't your fault right?" I heard Tolu say
I didn't want to talk at the moment so I just kept quiet.
I felt him shift in the chair beside me then I felt his hand on mine and I opened my eyes.
I stared at our hands entangled wondering why he held my hand. Could it be out of pity?
He began to move his thumb up and down on my hand , gently brushing across. I thought he was going to initiate a conversation but he didn't. He just sat there with me in silence till our teacher came in.
We all rose to our feet as a sign of respect.
When her eyes met mine , she looked stunned like I wasn't supposed to be in school.
I don't understand, it wasn't my fault that my uncle decided to stick his p***s into someone's mother.
Yes , we were taught s*x education so I knew what a p***s is except how it looked in person of course.
"Shade , kindly grab your stuffs and head home" Miss Bimbo , our teacher said slowly
I opened my mouth to protest but decided against it. It would be best if I leave, the stares were beginning to p**s me off.
" I'll see her off ,Miss Bimbo " Tolu volunteered
Miss Bimbo gave a nod then began to address the class like we weren't present.
Tolu carried my bag and led me out of the class . Each class we passed, students stared and laughed, pointing fingers at me like I was an artifact.
"Don't pay any attention to them, They're all foolish" Tolu said
" All of them?" I found myself asking
"Yes "
" Even you?" I asked again, this time staring at his face as we walked
He glanced at me ." Especially me ,Shade"
Has my name always sounded this sweet when he says it or was today a special day?
I'm probably just being dramatic but the way Tolu said my name made me feel weak in the knees.
" We're outside the school compound, you can go back now" I say to him when I noticed we've walked a distance from school.
" I'm not leaving you till I get you home" He responded
" I forgot that you always take a task seriously " I say with a smile
" You should smile more often "
I sigh." Nothing makes me happy anymore"
He slips his hand into mine." I can make you happy, Shade "
" Are you flirting with me ?" I ask somewhat appalled
He laughs." I wouldn't call it that tho. You're just pretty , smart and maybe I am flirting with you. Why ?? You hate me?"
" No , I don't hate you..."
"..So you love me then?" Tolu interrupted
I scoff." No "
He chuckles." I'm glad I decided to walk you home"
" Speaking of home, why did you take this route ? It's so long" I whined
" Because I'll have more time with you" He responded
"Why?"
" You had a bad day , I want to make it better before you head home"
Whatever this was , I can't lie anymore, I'm loving every bit of it. This moment shouldn't end , Jọwọ Oluwa (please, Lord).
" So what do you plan on doing to make my day better?" I ask
" What would you love to do?" He asked instead of responding
I hum thoughtfully for awhile. " iluwẹẹ (swimming)"
He paused in his track then stared at me ." Shade swimming??"
" Why do you seem surprised?" I asked,confused
"We're just in uniforms , no extra clothing " He said , staring at me like I grew a horn
" We have under wears na , We'll swim in that " I blurted without thinking
" No" He said firmly
" We're not swimming in underwear , pick something else "
He looked really p**sed so I hesitated to speak. His brows arched up as he waited for me to speak.
" You yelled" I mutter , looking down at my feet
" I'm so so sorry Shade " He said almost immediately
I raised my head to look at him. I wasn't expecting an apology nor the look of remorse on his face right now.
" Shade , I'm...."
" It's fine , I need my bag please " I say ,suddenly remembering what Nànà told me one time.
He looked confused." I said I'll take you home "
" Thank you Tolu , you can stop here now" I said grabbing my bag from him
He moved towards me and I screamed making him pause.
My eyes widened as I watched his expression go from confused to anger.
I don't give him time to respond as I fled.
Yes, I ran away
I dunno why I had to scream like an idiot.
But Nànà's words hunted me
'Shade, If a boy is overly friendly with you, he just wants to lie with you. You better run when faced with such situation .Ògbón ju agbára (Wisdom is better than strength)'
I ran all the way home not minding how people looked at me.
They probably thought I had gone mad but I couldn't care less.
After running for awhile , I finally got home
I didn't mind Aunt Bisi's face when I walked in almost breathless. I quietly slipped into my room and sat on my bed trying to catch my breath when my door creaked open.
Chidi walked in slowly. He didn't look happy to see me as he usually was. He had been away since trying to manage some important things in the company but he always made sure to send us money.
I smiled at him but he didn't smile back.
Then I knew something was wrong " What's wrong?" I asked
" There's a slight change of plans Shade" He said calmly
" Change of plans ?? Is it the court case with Aunt Bisiola’s mom??"
" Yes , I'm taking you with me to Enugu. You can't be here anymore" He dropped the bombshell.
© Author Nia
17/01/2026
I knew you'd hurt me
Your actions told me before your lips uttered the words.
How you'd scoff at my thoughts like they were meaningless fantasies
How you made me feel like I wasn't allowed to dream
How you'd tell me repeated that it was all up in my head
Your hands didn't understand what holding someone meant
So when you touched me , I felt like I was in a snare
The worst part ??
I loved you and I felt like everything you did was perfect.
The bruises, the scars, the burns ,the cuts
Every scoff , every grin tore my soul from within
I could speak nor cry
My heart rewrote the meaning of love
I drowned in your embrace everyday knowing that you were stealing all the light
Now I'm left with the scars
Now I'm all a wreck
How could you ?
I can't even ask
I know who hurt me
It wasn't you
It was me
I hurt myself because I bent to your rules
Submitted to your ploys
I was a pawn
You were the master player
Even now , I'm still in love with the monster that you are...
08/01/2026
DECEIT
Chapter 3
I woke up to the sound of loud voices, angry voices. I looked around for my best friend and found a note by my beside. She had left after I slept of yesterday evening. I smiled a bit, knowing that she probably felt satisfied watching me sleep.
The voices grew louder making me frown as I drag myself out of bed. Glancing at my window, I could clearly see that it wasn’t yet the break of dawn, it was probably 4am or 5am. What could be so urgent that these persons couldn’t wait till 7am to argue about.
As I step out of my room , the dimly light corridor makes me a bit nervous but I walk slowly towards the sitting room.
“Shade , where are you going?”
My breath hitches as I froze in place, my hands trembling. My head begins to throb. It couldn’t be who I thought it was, I watched them lower her casket into the ground – the sight of her in the casket was still engraved in my heart.
I ignored the voice and moved towards the sitting room, my hands on the walls trying to navigate properly .
When I got to the sittin room, I met Uncle Wole and Bisiola-Mrs Okoringa’s daughter in a heated argument.
Aunt Bisi was wailing inconsolably on the floor , her headwrap could be seen few feet’s from her slipper.
“You no dey shame ?” Bisiola said
“ Shame for watin nau?? Na me force am?” Uncle Wole retorts
I didn’t want to know what was going on because to be honest ,Uncle Wole’s business was his business. What i wanted to know was why they felt that could disturb the neighbourhood because of their shenanigans.
“ Aunty Bisiola” I called, my voice wavering
She whips her head in my direction, her eyes take in my features and her gaze softens.” Shade , did I wake you?”
I nod because I don’t want to talk.
She mutters something under her breath then faces Uncle Wole.” I’ll be back, shameless He-goat”
She hisses then walks towards door, her buttocks waving goodbye at us before the door slams shut.
I sigh in relief and make my way to my room , ignoring whatever Uncle Wole was saying to me because it didn’t really matter. Not right now , not even when its 7am nor in the future.
Oh how wrong I was !!
When I opened my eyes later that morning , the sky was clear and the chirping sounds of birds could be heard.
I yawned ,stretching my hands upwards whilst slipping my feet into my slipper.
I got out of bed and walked straight into my bathroom. Grabbing the tube of paste and brush ,I dragged the paste lazily across the bristles on my toothbrush till I was satisfied with the amount I had. I capped the paste tube, setting it in place and began to brush my teeth. As I moved the brush up-down my teeth, I let my mind wander to what happened earlier this morning. I know I heard Nànà’s voice this morning but it certainly couldn’t have been her ghost moving about the house. What did Uncle Wole do that would warrant Aunt Bisiola to come barging into our home by such unholy hour to create a ruckus?.
I spit the paste out of my mouth and waited a few minutes before rinsing out the paste from my mouth. Apparently waiting for a while helps the fluoride in the paste do its work. Perks of having a serious student as my friend.
After bathing and putting on my uniform I moved straight for the door leading outside the house because breakfast wasn’t on my list this morning.
I moved slowly to school ignoring all who stared at me. I couldn’t understand why they were staring , was it because I lost my mom ? Or they wanted to ask me how I was adopted?
Either ways , I didn’t care. They could stare all they want.
I could hear murmurs like “chai , poor girl” “ their family is cursed” “Ọlọ́run má jẹ̀ẹ́ (Godforbid) ”
I walked unfazed till I got to the school compound. I hadn’t even gotten to my class when a sachet of water flew across my face merry missing my face by inches. I glanced in the direction of where it came from to find Audu -my class bully, he pointed his finger at me and started laughing hysterically calling on everyone to come out and look at the adopted child whose uncle was a ra**st.
The whole block was now staring at me but I wasn’t paying attention to what was going on because one word was stuck on my mind – “Rapist”.
Someone pulled my into the class and sat me down. I glanced up to find Tolu- my seatmate staring at me softly.
He gradually explained what Audu was on about. Apparently Uncle wole had r***d Aunt Bisiola’s mom at her farm yesterday after and the family was taking the matter to court.
I laid my head on the desk wondering if truly I was cursed. Maybe our family was cursed.
©️ Nia’s Blog
02/01/2026
DECEIT
CHAPTER 2
I could hear voices but I couldn't tell what they were saying or who was speaking. My mind was a haze , my head reeling. I tried to open my eyes but my eyelids felt too heavy. I let myself drift back into the darkness.
The first thing I see when I opened my eyes was Aunt Bisi's face with a sly smile dancing at the corners of her mouth. I blink to make sure I was seeing properly but her face was still there. I tried to sit up but she pressed me back onto the bed. My heart began to race in my chest.
"Shade , Everything would be fine. For now, you just need to rest" She said softly.
I shook my head vehemently. The Aunt Bisi that I know has never spoken to me in such a kind manner before even when Nànà was alive. It was always insults with her so something must be wrong. Maybe she wants to kill me
" Is she awake?" I hear Ginika's voice and I relax in relief.
" Yes Darling" Aunt Bisi responds
'Something is definitely wrong' I thought
" Shade, you had us worried" Ginika says ,taking my hand in hers as she plops onto the chair by my bedside.
Aunt Bisi trugdes out the room, probably to inform Uncle Wole that their sister's bastard was awake. I couldn't care less anyways.
" Darling ke ?" I ask immediately Aunt Bisi walks out the door
Ginika chuckles." Órè, I'm also surprised. She's been acting like this since she found out you had passed out"
" She probably wants to gain the favour of outsiders by pretending to be nice" I say, my nose scrunched up in disgust.
" Well I don't care about that please. How are you feeling?" She asks,concern written on her face.
I smile."Ìfẹ mi , I'm fine "
" Oh I know you're fine now. Stop calling me that , people are thinking we are Àwọn Obìnrin Obìnrin" Ginika giggled
I laughed. I already feel better with Ginika here. She's been my friend since primary school and even now that we were in different classes in secondary school, We still had a bond like no other.
" So I have good news" She announced, smiling sheepishly
I already knew what or rather,who it was about.
"Taiwo sent me a letter" She says with glee
I scoff." Who still writes letters ,Nika?. I've always said that this your crush is daft."
She glares at me." Or maybe he's too smart that you can't understand him. Do you want to hear the gist or not?"
" Ah, I'm all ears oh. Wo! , Can't you see I can't even run away even if I want to?. Please start talking" I retort.
"So he wrote about my eyes and how he thinks they're pretty. He also talked about paintings , you know how he loves artworks ." She continues to ramble about random things but I couldn't keep up because I always zone out.
I don't know how it started but for the longest of times, whenever I was engaged in a conversation, I'd zone out momentarily so people often thought of me as a rude child.
"Earth to Shade" Ginika says, snapping her fingers
" I'm so sorry" I mumble
She looks at me gingerly." Shade , you remind me of something Miss Kehinde talked about last week."
I groan." That your teacher that's always talking about sickness and diseases."
" She mentioned something about ADHD" Ginika continues like I hadn't even spoken
" It stand for Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It's a neurodevlopmental condition that is marked by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsively. I think you have that disorder"
I twirled my fingers around my head and snap them." Godforbid. Ginika , that big thing is what you're wishing me. You're not a good person"
She laughs." Shade stop being dramatic please. I know you didn't understand. All these art students."
"Don't worry , We'll meet in court,Mrs Ginika Taiwo"
"Abeg oh , We're not married yet"
I smile when I notice her dimples. She was obviously very happy about being called Taiwo's wife, I wonder how having a crush felt like.
It's not that I was heartless or anything but I had never had or felt whatever Ginika was feeling for Taiwo. I had always been focused on my academics so I never had time to admire the boys in my class.
Ginika continued to talk about the so called disorder and I listened without interrupting because this was obviously her doctor-patient moment.
I smiled at her whenever her eyes meets mine even though my brain weren't processing the words coming out of her mouth.
I felt my eyelids become heavy and as much as I wanted to indulge my best friend, I had to give in to my body's request.
Interpretation corner
Òrè - Friend
Ìfẹ mi - My Love
Àwọn Obìnrin Obìnrin - Le****ns
Wo - An exclamation also means See
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