1983

They started preparing for their wedding when Tade turned nineteen and was about to leave the village for the university to study Agricultural Science.

The dreaded day soon arrived. After the bride's price had been paid and all other marriage rites were completed, the bride was lead to the groom's family home where the rest of the ceremony and celebration would continue.

When Shade arrived at her husband's family home, her feet were first washed according to tradition by the women in the family. She was then taken to a room where the couple was expected to consummate their marriage, while their families and guests would wait outside to know if the bride was a virgin or if she would be sent back to her parent's house in disgrace.

Shade entered the room and saw Tade was already waiting for her looking forlorn. He was sitting on the bed which was the only furniture in the room. The bed had a pure white bed sheet spread on it.