HER PAST

Norisa Akpan, the daughter of a rich Mayor of Calabar in Colonial Nigeria. The story is set in 1995, just before the start of the Millenium when she was 60 years old.

Norisa just lost her mother Dame Comfort Akpan aged 88 years who was buried a fortnight ago and she was in her bedroom arranging her belongings and sorting out valuables when she stumbled on a safe box in her inner room wardrobe with a key tied to the handle. Thinking it was probably money or some precious metal or stone her mother had stached away, she decided to open the box.As Norisa inserted the key into the lock and turned it, the safe box creaked open, revealing a trove of secrets and memories that had been hidden away for decades. Norisa's eyes widened as she lifted out a stack of yellowed letters, tied together with a faded ribbon. She recognized her mother's handwriting on the envelopes, but the addresses were unfamiliar.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Norisa untied the ribbon and began to read the letters. They were written to a person named "My dearest Ekong", and the contents made Norisa's heart skip a beat. Her mother, the formidable Dame Comfort Akpan, had been in love with this Ekong person, and the letters spoke of a passion and devotion that Norisa had never seen her mother exhibit before.

As she read on, Norisa discovered that Ekong was a young man from a neighboring village, and that her mother had met him while on a visit to her aunt's house. The letters chronicled their whirlwind romance, which had been cut short by the objections of Norisa's father, the Mayor.

Norisa felt like she was uncovering a part of her family's history that had been deliberately hidden from her. She wondered why her mother had kept these letters all these years, and what had become of Ekong. Was he still alive? Had her mother ever seen him again?

As she delved deeper into the safe box, Norisa found more secrets and surprises. There were photographs of her mother and Ekong, taken in secret, and a small, exquisite gold locket with a photo of Ekong inside. Norisa's mind was reeling with questions and emotions, and she knew that she had to uncover the truth about her mother's past.Norisa's eyes widened in wonder as she gazed at the treasure trove of secrets she had uncovered. She felt like she was living in a dream, as if the letters, photographs, and locket were revealing a part of her mother's life that she had never known existed. She wondered how her mother had kept this secret hidden for so long, and why she had chosen to reveal it now, after her passing.

As she delved deeper into the letters, Norisa felt a sense of awe at the depth of her mother's emotions. She had always known her mother as a strong and stoic woman, but these letters revealed a vulnerable and passionate side that she had never seen before. Norisa's heart swelled with love and admiration for her mother, and she felt grateful to have discovered this hidden part of her life.

Comfort and Ekong's love blossoms despite the objections of Comfort's father, Appa, who deems Ekong unsuitable due to his lower social status. Appa's disapproval forces Comfort to keep her relationship with Ekong a secret.

As Norisa reads on, she learns about the depth of Comfort and Ekong's love for each other. Ekong's letters reveal his kindness, devotion, and passion for Comfort. Despite the obstacles they face, the lovers remain committed to each other.

However, Appa's opposition eventually takes its toll on Comfort. He threatens to disown her and have Ekong arrested if she continues to see him. Comfort is torn between her love for Ekong and her duty to her family.

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Comfort is forced to give up Ekong. The separation takes a devastating toll on Comfort, who becomes depressed and withdrawn.

Norisa is deeply moved by her mother's story and feels a sense of regret and sadness. She realizes that her mother's sacrifices were made out of love and duty.

As Norisa reflects on her family's past, she comes to terms with the secrets that were kept hidden. She finds closure and a newfound appreciation for her mother's story, which serves as a testament to the enduring power of love.

The story concludes with Norisa feeling a sense of hope and renewal, inspired by her mother's courage and resilience. Though Comfort and Ekong's love was never meant to be, their story will live on through Norisa, a reminder of the transformative power of love.

As she delved deeper into the letters, Norisa discovered a poignant love story between her mother and Ekong. The letters revealed a deep and abiding love, one that had been forbidden by Comfort's father, Appa.

Norisa's eyes welled up with tears as she read about the obstacles the lovers had faced. She couldn't believe that her mother had kept this secret hidden for so long.

Determined to uncover more, Norisa continued to search the trunk. She found a small, intricately carved box, adorned with delicate patterns and symbols.

As she open........