MIRACLE (1)

Yinka sits in the garden on a beautiful, bright day feasting her eyes on vivid hues of the blossoms , the sparkles of the stream, the myriad greens of foliage  and grass in the sun and shadow.she smiles as she hears the rustling of leaves, the splash of water over rocks , the calls and songs of birds and the hum of insects at work.  She takes in a deep breath and lets it out slowly.

"Yinka!",

She smiles as she mentions her name, so softly, so dearly just like he says it and rubs the tips of her fingers on her lips ,just like he did-lovingly.

"Mummy!"

She turns to see Miracle running towards her with a big broad smile of his on her face laughing hysterically and dancing in the sun.

"Miracle ! My dear,"

She whispers to herself as her daughter run into her outstretched arms. She holds her closely and allows her thoughts to crawl stealthily away, reminiscing.
She knew it was love after guarding his cell for several weeks, watching his behaviour and feeling that deep attraction for him.

"Was it the way he looked at her with love and warmth? Was it the peace and joy she saw in his eyes?'- the eyes of a convicted murderer on death row.
 These thoughts flooded her mind for weeks and she couldn't lay a finger on it. Nights after nights of sleeplessness,  endless suicidal thoughts and disgusting memories of an abusive childhood clings to her sanity. Yinka wanted to be free from her demons, she desperately longed for the inner peace he had.
One day...

"Yinka"
He called out to her so faintly ,she assumed it was her imagination.

"Yinka"
He mentioned again and that got her attention.

"How do you know my name?"
She asked defensively. He smiled and pointed to her badge.

"oh !" was all she could utter feeling very stupid.
He chuckled and beckoned to come closer.

"You look very distressed and tormented. It's in your eyes. The fear and uncertainty lingers in your very soul. Let me introduce you to my friend , Jesus. He will help you."

" I don't need you or anybody to help me ! I'm FINE!"

She yelled at him and stomped off.

"Murderer!"

The word seemed to hang in the air. He held the bars tightly till his fingers hurt and closed his eyes as the word 'murderer' run wildly in his mind like an untamed horse, he picked up the whip of strength and fought back with scriptures on God's love and forgiveness.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

* Based on a true life story and inspired by a documentary on Wives of criminals non death-row.