WHEN THE RAIN STOPS FALLING.

EPISODE 4:FIGHTING FOR US

Every morning, I woke up with a quiet determination, holding onto the promise that I wouldn't let this storm define my life. Oyinye's gentle, trusting gaze in the mirror as she slept next to me served as a daily reminder that I had to be stronger than I ever imagined. On some days, I felt like I was running on fumes, and every step was a struggle against the weight of responsibility and exhaustion.

I entered an environment at work that required creativity and unwavering dedication in addition to standard chores. I began studying the fundamentals of business management by enrolling in evening classes. My thoughts would occasionally become clouded by fear: What if I wasn't suited for this new world? What if, under the strain, everything I tried failed? But I was motivated to keep going by Oyinye's smiles when I got home and the idea of creating a secure future for us both.

I occasionally took comfort in the peaceful hours of the night when I arrived late to our tiny flat. During those times, I would sit at the flimsy kitchen table and write down thoughts and ideas in a journal, creating a plan for a better life. I whispered to myself that although loss had forced me into an unfamiliar place, it had also stoked a strong will to restore my identity as a dreamer, a nurturer, and a giver.

Despite the unrelenting fight, I learnt priceless lessons from each setback. I gained skills in compassionate negotiation, defending myself against criticism, and—above all—fighting for the future I wanted for Oyinye and myself. Hope started to grow even in the face of uncertainty; it was little, tenacious, and unwavering, like the first rays of morning piercing the deepest night.