Chapter 12: A New Life Takes Shape

A Stable Home and a Fresh Start

Elsie had ecstatic moments on the day she moved into her new apartment. After months of hard work and continuous efforts, she saved up to be able to afford a small but cozy two-bedroom apartment in a safe neighborhood. This place may not have been luxurious, but it had her name written on it, a place where finally she could assure some stability to her children.

The move itself was quite a whirlwind. Cynthia and some colleagues from work helped her pack and move belongings. While they carried everything into the new apartment, Elsie couldn't stop smiling. This was the start of a new life, a life where she and her children would flourish.

Weeks later, with the children finally coming home from the village, it was an emotional journey, full of waiting and joy. It was the much-anticipated moment as Elsie arrived, and there they were: her children running towards her with beaming expressions.

"Mother!" Ada shouted as she threw herself into her mother's arms. "You're back!"

As they rushed to her little pack, Elsie bent and hugged her children to her bosom, having a swelling heart filled with love. "I am back," Elsie said, voice quivering with intense emotion. "And this time, I'm taking you with me."

Pa Nwoko watched the scene with a feel of pride and sadness. "You've done well, Elsie," he said lovingly. "I am proud of you,".

Elsie looked at her father-his eyes washed with appreciation-. "Thank you, Papa," she said. "For everything. I couldn't have done this without you."

Emmanuel pulled Elsie aside. The look on his face was one indeed of seriousness. "Mama," he said, "I had wanted to say something to you."

Elsie knelt down to him suddenly, her heart pounding staccato beats. "What is it, my brave boy?" she asked.

Emmanuel made his deep breath: "Chief Okafor visited Grandpa," he explained, "and said I should come to stay with him. He said I will learn his business for 5 years in Onitsha, after which he will settle me."

The eyes of Elsie widened and gaped in surprise. Chief Okafor happened to be one of the biggest men in the village and the opportunity was a once-in-a-lifetime offer. She beheld Emmanuel, pride welling in her heart. "That's awesome, Emmanuel," she said. "What do you think about it?"

Emmanuel, with his look of steely determination, nodded his head. "I want to do it, Mama," he said. "I want to learn so I can help you and Ada and Emenike."

Elsie brought him to hug her so tightly that drops of tears began to flow from her eyes: "What a child I am so proud of," she whispered. "You are going to do great things, my brave boy."

Climbing the Corporate Ladder

Back to Lagos, Elsie continued her career, which was getting richer and richer by the year. She has been promoted in the finance department as an assistant manager. To be able to flow in the corporate ladder, she decided to attend seminars and workshops. She was eager to to learn more.

Cynthia, on her way home from work, found herself at the door of Elsie's apartment. "You are becoming quite the businesswoman," Cynthia told her, obviously with much admiration. "I'm proud of you, Elsie."

Elsie smiled, "Thank you, Cynthia," she said. "I couldn't have done this without you."

The seminar made a great deal of difference for Elsie. For that matter, she sat, heads tall and careful in listening to the speakers, making notes on everything said, and also leaning in to ask questions of the speakers in the Q and A. With each passing moment, Elsie's confidence grew; she was achieving after all the full purpose for her life.

Emerging from the seminar that day, she ran into Mr. Adeyemi, the very senior manager who had first seen the promise within her. "Elsie," he said, sounding really respectful. "I heard you were here. You're making quite the name for yourself."

Elsie smiled, "Thank you, sir," she said. "I am just trying to be the best I can be."

Mr. Adeyemi nodded, serious. "Keep it up," he said. "You're going places, Elsie. I can feel it."

Rebuilding Self-Esteem

Indeed, every dawn seemed to herald a new horizon into the horizons of recovery and rebuilding, and so it was for Elsie as she rebuilt her self-esteem. She no longer looked at herself as a victim but as a strong and capable woman who overcame tremendous odds. Her colleagues looked up to her, and more than ever, she grew in confidence day by day.

There was one afternoon when she led a corporate seminar and then suddenly realized that her colleagues were stealing glances and complementing her for speaking with authority and clarity. Her voice remained steady and confident throughout. At the end of the meeting, several members approached her to praise her leadership.

"Awesome, Elsie," said one of them. "You indeed know how to lead a team." Elsie smiled and swelled from within. "Thank you," she said. "None of it was possible without all of you."

Walking back toward her office, she knew she had done it again; she had come a long way, and now, she knew she could do more.

Face Challenges Directly

 A small but never-complete and unending part of life's journey is from disgrace to dignity; Elsie knew this in her heart. After all the harassment and betrayal, the rise and fall of self-doubt, she came out stronger every time after such a trial.

One day, while she sat before a report and scrutinizing it word for word, the telephone rang and she heard Emmanuel's voice at the other end. "Mama," he told her excitedly, "I completed my first project under Chief Okafor. He says I did an excellent job!"

For an already proud Elsie, that just made her heart swell a little more. "That's awesome, Emmanuel," she said. "I'm really proud of you."

She unhooked the telephone and let her brain swim in the thoughts and memories of all she'd overcome-the loss of her husband, betrayal by Leo, harassment at the hands of Mr. Gbade and Mr. Akin. Every assault had dared prove too much for her, but she had flung herself at each one, chin up.

She understood now that there would be many more such encounters in the future, but she was prepared for them by far. She wasn't that woman anymore who had sunk because of her past. She was not weak, nor was she incapable, but she was determined to move ahead.

For her children, for her future, she would not sleep until she realized her dreams.