22/10/2025
BED OF ROSES EPISODE 1
Sophia adjusted her gold wristwatch as she stepped out of the bedroom, her perfume filling the room with a soft floral scent. Her husband, David, was standing by the mirror, fixing his tie with practiced precision. He looked at her reflection and smiled.
“Another shopping trip today?” he teased, eyeing the designer handbag on the bed.
Sophia chuckled, brushing her long braids behind her shoulders. “You know me too well. My friends are waiting at the new mall. Besides, you like it when I look good.”
David walked over, slipping his arms around her waist. “Of course I do. But sometimes, I think you forget that beauty isn’t just in clothes.”
Sophia rolled her eyes playfully. “Not this sermon again, Pastor David.”
They both laughed, their voices echoing through their well-furnished duplex in one of Lagos’ new estates. Their two children, Michael and Grace, were in the living room, giggling as they played. Life, at that moment, felt perfect; steady jobs, a beautiful home, a healthy family, and love that seemed unshakable.
Friends often pointed at them as the example of a perfect couple. To Sophia, their marriage was truly a bed of roses.
But two weeks later, David returned home earlier than usual. His steps were slow, his face clouded with worry. Sophia, arranging the dining table for dinner, looked up with a bright smile.
“You’re back early. Don’t tell me traffic magically disappeared in Lagos today,” she joked.
But David didn't laugh. He pulled out a chair and sat heavily.
“Sophia…” he began, his voice low. “I lost my job.”
The spoon in Sophia’s hand clattered against a plate. She turned slowly, her eyes wide. “What do you mean you lost your job?”
“They downsized,” David replied quietly. “The company has been struggling for months. My department was one of the first to go.”
Sophia dropped into the chair opposite him, her arms folded. “What but you have served that company for 8 long years, that's cruel!"
"Well it happens, life must go on, David replied."
So… what happens now?”
“I’ll start applying tomorrow,” David said quickly, trying to sound confident. “It’s just a setback. I’ll find something soon.”
It's ok, don't worry everything will be fine again, Sophia said smiling.
Months passed, but no decent job was forthcoming. One afternoon as David sat at the dining table, staring at his laptop. The screen glowed with yet another rejection email. He sighed deeply and rubbed his forehead.
Sophia walked in, setting down a tray. “Eat something before it gets cold,” she said softly, sliding a plate of rice and stew toward him.
“I’m not really hungry,” David murmured.
“You’ll need strength if you’re going to keep applying,” she insisted, pulling out the chair beside him. She took the spoon, scooped a bit, and held it out playfully. “Come on. Don’t make me feed you like Grace.”
David chuckled and took the bite. “Thank you, Sophia. You’ve been carrying too much already.”
She reached across the table, brushing his hand. “We’re in this together, David. Don’t think like that.”
Thank you, he said as he began to eat reluctantly.
At church the following Sunday, one of Sophia’s friends leaned over during service. “So, your husband is still at home? No job yet? Hmm. You’re a strong woman, sha.”
Sophia forced a smile, her eyes flicking to David who was ushering the children to their seats. “He’s working on something,” she replied firmly. “Don’t worry about us.”
She came home that day and started thinking deeply, "I'm i really that strong? or just pretending? I miss my vacations, my shopping sprees, my good life, and I've been reduced to a woman carrying it all" She told herself as she cried herself to sleep.
8 months passed and Sophia was still carrying the family, One evening, as she dropped a bowl of egusi soup on the table, she exhaled heavily!....
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BED OF ROSES EPISODE 1
TO BE CONTINUED!...
