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Salomay Ngum, Prior Lake, MN (2025)

07/19/2025

The Poor Widow Episode 8

Many months passed and Jecintha never heard from the DPO. She was surprised at first, but as time went on, she stopped thinking about him. She focused on her new life. She had peace of mind. She enrolled her children in a nearby school and they were doing well. Junior even came top in his class. Their clothes were neat, their books were complete, and they looked like children from a comfortable home. Jecintha woke up every day with purpose. She wasn’t rich, but she was proud. She was raising her kids with her own hands and her own sweat.

Her new shop also started growing. The neighbours liked her because she was respectful and cheerful. She sold foodstuff and provisions. One day, she brought out her frying pan and started frying akara in front of the shop. The aroma filled the air and attracted more customers. Before long, people were stopping by every morning to buy hot akara and pap. Some even said, “Mama Junior, your akara sweet die.” She would smile and thank them. Her confidence returned. She was no longer the sad widow who slept outside shops. She was now a strong and respected businesswoman.

She started saving again. This time, she opened an account with a real bank. Every week, she dropped a little. She told herself, “One day, I’ll build a house.” Her dreams became bigger. She was no longer afraid. She had built a life for herself and her children without begging anyone. She didn’t miss the DPO. In fact, she had completely forgotten him. She forgot the things he gave her, the life in his house, and the fear that once held her captive. All she remembered was how she ran for her dignity—and how she survived.

Exactly one year after she left the DPO’s house, she received a strange call. It was an unknown number. She picked the call carefully. “Hello,” the voice said. “It’s me… the DPO.” Her heart skipped a beat. She didn’t know what to say. “Good evening, sir,” she replied slowly. The DPO’s voice sounded calm. “I’m not calling to disturb you,” he said. “I just want to see you. Can we meet at a restaurant? Just to talk. I won’t force anything.” Jecintha was silent. He continued, “Even if you say no, I won’t be angry.” She said she would think about it.

After the call ended, Jecintha sat down for a long time. Her mind was filled with questions. Why was he calling now? Why after one full year? Was he trying to pull her back into his life? Or had he changed? She didn’t understand his plan. But his words kept ringing in her head. “I won’t force you.” That part surprised her. The DPO she knew before was a man of pressure and control. Now he was talking like someone who just wanted to talk. She didn’t know what to do. She wanted to ignore him, but curiosity held her.

That night, she didn’t sleep well. She remembered the time she spent in his house. Yes, he helped her. He fed her children. He paid school fees. But everything came with a price. That price was what made her run. But now he was acting like he didn’t even remember the deal. “Is he playing mind games?” she asked herself. “Or has he truly changed?” She looked at her sleeping children and smiled. They were the reason she worked hard. She didn’t want anything to destroy their peace. She didn’t want to enter trouble again because of one man.

The next morning, she opened her shop as usual. Her customers came to buy akara and provisions. She smiled and laughed with them, but her mind was not settled. Her neighbour, Mama Sade, noticed and asked, “Mama Junior, why you dey look deep today?” Jecintha just laughed and said she was tired. Deep inside, she was thinking of whether to go to the restaurant or not. In the afternoon, she told herself, “I will go. I will hear what he wants to say. But I will never return to that life.” She wanted to hear him out on her own terms.

She sent him a text: “I’ll come. Let me know the time and place.” The DPO replied immediately. He gave her the name of a quiet restaurant in town and told her to come around 4pm the next day. Jecintha didn’t know what to wear. She didn’t want to dress too fine, so he wouldn’t think she was trying to impress him. But she also didn’t want to look poor. She picked a simple gown, combed her hair, and applied a little powder. She looked at herself in the mirror and said, “You’re not going there as a beggar. Be strong.”

The next day came quickly. She got to the restaurant by 4pm and found the DPO already waiting. He stood up when he saw her and smiled. “You look good,” he said. “Thank you,” she replied calmly. They sat down. He didn’t touch her. He didn’t speak with pride. He simply looked at her and said, “I just want to say I admire your strength. You left everything and still made it. I’m proud of you.” Jecintha looked at him in surprise. She wasn’t expecting those words. He continued, “I have a plan for you and me from the first day I saw you and it is time to reveal it."

For a while, there was silence. She didn’t know what to say. The DPO looked at her again and said, “I don’t want anything from you anymore. I just want to be your friend, if you’ll allow me.” Jecintha nodded slowly. “I’ll think about it,” she said. As she walked out of the restaurant later that day, her heart felt light. She didn’t know what would happen next, but she had faced her past and didn’t fall. She was proud of herself. She went home and hugged her children tightly. No matter what, she knew she would never be the same again.

To be continued

07/15/2025

The Poor Widow Episode 7

Jecintha sat down late one night and opened her savings book. She had been saving part of her profit every week. Slowly, the money had grown. When she calculated everything, she was shocked to find that she had enough to rent a small apartment and start a simple life again. She didn’t know whether to cry or smile. She had come far. From sleeping on the street to detention, and now, she had money in her name. But something was bothering her. The DPO had reminded her of their agreement, and she knew her time was running out.

She looked around her shop and sighed deeply. She loved her shop. It was her joy. She had built it from a simple table into a full supermarket. The customers loved her. People came from far to buy from Mama Junior Supermarket. Leaving it behind would be painful. But she also knew she couldn’t keep living in fear. Every day she stayed in the DPO’s house was like waiting for a bomb to explode. She didn’t want to be forced. She didn’t want to be used. She loved her business, but she loved her peace of mind more.

Jecintha started planning quietly. She didn’t tell anyone. She went to another part of town and met an agent. The man helped her find a two-bedroom apartment in a quiet area. It wasn’t big or fine like the DPO’s house, but it was neat, safe, and private. She paid the rent and furnished it gradually, using her savings. She bought beds for her children, a small table, and some kitchen items. She moved things little by little, pretending they were for the shop. Every time she stepped into her new place, she felt relief. It felt like freedom.

The hardest part was saying goodbye to her shop. She had grown attached to it. It was her pride. But she knew she had no choice. She would rather lose the shop than lose her dignity. One day, she gathered all her remaining personal things and packed her children’s bags. She waited for the right time. Then, on a Thursday morning, when the DPO had travelled for a meeting outside town, she made her move. With the help of a keke man she trusted, she and her children quietly left the house without noise. It was a risky escape.

Before she left, she placed a handwritten letter on the table in the DPO’s living room. She wrote, “Dear Sir, thank you for everything. You changed my life. You gave me a new beginning. But I can’t give you what you want in return. It’s too hard for me. Please forgive me. I have decided to leave with my children. May God bless you for all you’ve done.” She folded the note, placed it under a flower vase, and left. As the keke drove away from the compound, she looked back with tears in her eyes, but she didn’t regret leaving.

When she reached her new apartment, her children were excited. “Mummy, is this our new house?” Junior asked. “Yes,” she replied with a smile. “This is our home now.” The children hugged her, and for the first time in a long while, Jecintha felt truly free. That evening, she cooked for them and watched them eat with joy. Even though she didn’t have much again, she was happy. She could sleep without fear. She could breathe without waiting for someone to knock on her door and ask her to pay with her body. She was finally in control again.

But something strange happened. Days passed, and the DPO didn’t call. He didn’t send anybody. He didn’t even ask around. Jecintha waited, thinking he would come for her in anger. But nothing happened. One week passed, then two. Still, no word from him. She became confused. “Why hasn’t he called?” she asked herself. “Doesn’t he care that I left?” It felt strange. She expected him to be angry or chase her. But it was like he didn’t even notice that she was gone. At first, she was happy. But soon, she became worried. It was unlike the DPO to keep quiet.

Jecintha couldn’t stop thinking about it. “Maybe he was only pretending to like me,” she thought. “Maybe I was just one of many women he has helped.” The silence from him was too loud. She thought he would try to get her back. But instead, nothing. She began to fear that maybe he was planning something silently. “Is he angry and waiting to strike later?” she wondered. “Or has he moved on already?” The worry wouldn’t let her rest completely. She wanted peace, but now her mind was filled with questions. Still, she told herself not to panic yet.

To keep her mind busy, she looked for another shop to rent close to her new apartment. It wasn’t like her former supermarket, but it would be a new beginning. She wanted to start selling again. That was her talent. She went to the market and bought a few items. People in the new area didn’t know her story, so she was able to blend in easily. She introduced herself as Mama Junior and slowly began building a new life. It was not easy, but it was peaceful. Her children were her strength. They kept her going.

Every night before sleeping, she would look at them and whisper, “We are safe now. That’s all that matters.” Even though her heart still had small fears about the DPO’s silence, she reminded herself that God who saved her before would protect her again. She didn’t know what the future would bring, but she was ready to face it. She had escaped shame, pain, and fear. Now, all she wanted was to be a mother, run her business, and live in peace. Whether the DPO returned or not, she promised herself one thing—she would never go back to that life.

To be continued

07/12/2025

The Poor Widow Episode 6

Jecintha’s life continued to change in ways she never imagined. The DPO kept taking care of her and her children. He paid for everything. Her children were in school, eating well, and living in comfort. It felt like a dream. Jecintha still didn’t believe how far things had turned around. The man who once tried to pressure her in detention had not touched her once. Instead, he was generous and kind. Sometimes she wondered if he had changed. Sometimes she feared he was just waiting. But every day, she kept thanking God for giving her and her children another chance.

Her business was also growing. She had already made a name in the estate. Neighbours came to her shop daily. People liked her smile, her honesty, and the way she treated customers. One Saturday morning, the DPO surprised her again. He handed her a cheque. “This is N3 million,” he said. “I want you to expand this shop. Turn it into a supermarket.” Jecintha’s mouth opened wide. “N3 million?” she asked, shocked. The DPO smiled. “Yes. I want you to grow bigger. I’m proud of you.” Jecintha collected the cheque with shaking hands. She didn’t know what to say.

With the new money, she rented the bigger shop beside her small one and joined them together. She painted the new place, bought freezers, shelves, and stocked more goods. She named the place Mama Junior Supermarket, in honour of her first son. The new name and look attracted more customers. People loved buying from her. Now, she sold provisions, drinks, frozen food, toiletries, baby items, and even bags of rice. The business became a blessing. Jecintha no longer looked like the woman who once begged in the market. Her face was fresh, her eyes bright, and her spirit alive again.

She was still living in the DPO’s house, but she had peace. He didn’t disturb her, and he didn’t repeat his old offer. He kept providing, and she kept saving. Every week, she secretly saved some profit from her supermarket. Her plan was simple—gather enough money, get her own house, and start her life afresh. Her children were doing well. Junior had become more responsible. He even helped in the shop after school. Jecintha thanked God every night. But deep down, she still feared the day the DPO would remind her of the agreement she made to gain her freedom.

One evening, the DPO called her to his room. She had just returned from the shop and was about to rest. “Come inside,” he said gently. She entered the room with a calm face, but her heart was beating fast. He pointed to a chair. “Sit down,” he said. She obeyed. He looked at her quietly for some seconds, then said, “You are enjoying yourself, right?” Jecintha nodded. “Yes, sir. I’m very grateful.” The DPO smiled. “You’ve done well. Your shop is moving fast. Your children are fine. You’ve even added weight.” Jecintha smiled politely, still not knowing why he called her.

Then his smile faded. “But you remember our agreement, right?” he asked. Jecintha froze. She nodded slowly. “Yes, sir,” she replied. “Good,” he said. “I’ve given you time. I wanted you to settle in, rest, and heal. But now, I need to start enjoying you too.” Jecintha looked at him in shock. She didn’t know what to say. He continued, “You’re not a visitor here. I brought you in for a reason. I’ve spent a lot of money. Now, it’s time for you to keep your part of the deal.” Her stomach turned. She didn’t expect him to say it so clearly.

She tried to speak, but her mouth felt dry. “Sir, please…” she said softly. “I’m not ready.” The DPO laughed lightly. “Ready for what? You agreed already. You’re eating my food, living in my house, using my money, and running a business I funded. I didn’t do it for nothing.” He stood up and walked around the room. “I’m not rushing you. I’m just telling you to prepare your mind. The time is near.” Jecintha sat still, confused and afraid. The DPO looked at her and said, “Don’t think you’ll escape it. If you try, you’ll lose everything you have now.”

That night, Jecintha could not sleep. She lay on her bed awake. Her children were sleeping peacefully in the next room, but her mind was troubled. The DPO had finally said it. He wanted to start sleeping with her. And there was no way to stop him. She was in his house. Everything she had now came from him. She remembered the pain she went through in detention, the hunger, the fear, the arrest. “I can’t go back to that life,” she whispered. “But how can I give myself to a man I don’t love?”

The next morning, she opened her shop early, but her mood was low. Her customers noticed. One woman said, “Mama Junior, your face dey dull today.” She smiled faintly and said, “I’m just tired.” But inside, she was worried. She was thinking of her next step. “Should I run away?” she thought. “Should I find somewhere to hide?” But where would she go? Her parents had already rejected her. She had no siblings to call. And starting all over again would be hard. “God, help me,” she prayed quietly. “Don’t let me lose everything I have worked for again.”

Jecintha stood in front of her shop and watched people walk past. Her heart was heavy. She knew the DPO was watching her too. He gave her everything she had now, but it came with a price she didn’t want to pay. “I didn’t suffer all this while just to become someone’s property,” she said to herself. “I have to think fast.” As she turned to go back into the shop, she made a decision in her heart: if she must leave, she would go with her children and her dignity. Even if it meant starting from scratch again.

To be continued

07/08/2025

The Poor Widow Episode 5

After Jecintha moved into the DPO’s house with her children, something unexpected happened. The DPO didn’t touch her for weeks. Instead, he gave her and her children everything they needed. New clothes, good food, clean beds, and even a nurse to check her health. For the first time in many weeks, Jecintha could sleep well. She was surprised by the kindness. Her body was still healing from the pain of detention, and she was still emotionally weak, but little by little, she started to feel like a human being again. The suffering she went through slowly began to fade.

The DPO took her shopping one day. He bought her fine clothes, shoes, and even a new handbag. “You must not look like a beggar,” he said. Jecintha looked at herself in the mirror and didn’t believe her eyes. Her skin was beginning to shine again. Her hair was neat. She was no longer the dirty, hopeless woman who once slept in the market. The DPO spent a lot of money to take care of her. But she knew deep down that he was doing all this to prepare her—to enjoy her when the time came.

Her children were also doing well. They were enrolled in a private school close to the house. They wore clean uniforms and carried lunchboxes to school every morning. The same children who once begged for food now had breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. Junior smiled more now. The younger ones played freely and laughed again. Jecintha felt thankful. She was happy to see her children doing well. That alone gave her the strength to carry on. Even though she didn’t like the deal she made, she told herself that her children’s happiness was worth the sacrifice.

One morning, the DPO called her and said, “I just sent N500,000 to your account. Buy more clothes and take care of yourself. You’re a fine woman, and you deserve to look good.” Jecintha thanked him, but deep inside, she had other plans. She didn’t want to continue living like a decoration in the house, wearing makeup and fine clothes just to please a man. She wanted something more meaningful. Something that would give her peace. Instead of buying more clothes, she quietly kept the money aside. Then one day, she decided to start a business.

She noticed that the estate where they lived had no shop that sold foodstuff. People always went far to buy tomatoes, onions, garri, rice, and pepper. An idea came to her. She found an empty shop directly in front of the DPO’s compound. She went to the estate manager and paid for it with part of the money. Then she used the rest to stock the shop with food items. She didn’t tell the DPO immediately. She was afraid he would be angry. But she was tired of staying idle all day, just looking fine and doing nothing.

When the DPO found out, he was surprised. “I gave you that money to enjoy yourself,” he said. “Why are you turning yourself into a market woman?” Jecintha knelt down gently and said, “Oga, I’m sorry. But it’s difficult for me to just sit and do nothing all day. I feel useless when I’m idle. I love selling. It gives me joy and peace of mind.” The DPO looked at her for a while and then sighed. “Okay. Do what makes you happy,” he said. “But just know I didn’t bring you here to open a shop.”

Soon, her shop began to grow. People in the estate loved buying from her. She was always polite, always smiling, and her food items were fresh and affordable. Neighbours came in the morning, in the afternoon, and even in the evening. She kept her shop neat and clean. The business grew so fast that she had to add more items. She started selling bread, soft drinks, eggs, and even tissue paper. Some customers would say, “Madam, we like buying from you. You’re a good woman.” Every time someone praised her, she felt proud and fulfilled.

With the money she was making from the shop, she didn’t need to depend on the DPO for everything anymore. She still lived in his house, but now she could buy her own things. She even started saving again. She opened a small savings account with a microfinance bank and deposited money every week. It gave her hope. Her children were growing fast, and she wanted to give them a better life. Even if her time in the DPO’s house didn’t last, she wanted to be strong enough to stand on her own again. She was slowly planning her future.

Every evening after closing her shop, she would sit outside and watch her children play. “We’ve come a long way,” she would say to herself. Her children looked healthy and happy. Their uniforms were always neat, and their school bags were always full. The pain of the past didn’t disappear, but she was healing. “God, thank you for not letting me die in that cell,” she whispered one night. She still remembered how close she was to losing everything. Now she was beginning to rise again. She was becoming the mother her children needed.

Even though the DPO still had plans for her, Jecintha’s mind was now focused on something else—freedom. She didn’t want to be a kept woman forever. Her plan was simple: save enough money, rent a small apartment, and move out quietly with her children. She didn’t know how long it would take, but she believed it was possible. Her life was far from perfect, but at least now, she had a dream again. A goal. A reason to keep waking up every morning. And that dream, no matter how small, gave her strength to keep pushing forward.

To be continued

07/05/2025

The Poor Widow Episode 4

Jecintha remained in detention as the days passed slowly. Each hour felt like a full day. She was weak, hungry, and afraid. Her body had started to ache all over, and her eyes looked tired and empty. The third day passed, and she had not heard anything from the DPO. She hoped maybe he had changed his mind and forgotten about her. But on the morning of the fourth day, an officer came to the cell and said, “Oga wants to see you.” Jecintha stood up slowly. Her legs were shaking. She had no idea what was waiting for her.

Inside the DPO’s office, the man sat with a thick brown file on his table. He didn’t smile this time. He opened the file and brought out a sheet of paper. “This is your case file,” he said. “You are being charged with armed robbery. If you are found guilty, you could spend several years in prison.” Jecintha looked at the paper, confused. “But I didn’t steal anything,” she said. “I didn’t even enter the shop.” The DPO raised one hand. “I’m not here to argue. I’m here to give you your final chance. Say yes, and this file disappears forever.”

Jecintha swallowed hard. Her chest felt heavy. She had already refused him once. But now, it felt different. The document looked real, and the words the DPO spoke sounded serious. He leaned forward and said, “If you go to prison, your children will suffer. Who will feed them? Who will protect them? They might even die on the streets.” That broke Jecintha’s heart. She imagined her children roaming the streets alone, begging for food, being harmed by strangers. She couldn’t take it. Her body began to shake. “Please… is there no other way?” she asked with a trembling voice.

The DPO stood up and walked around the table. “You are a woman. A mother. Do the right thing for your children. Nobody will know. I will take care of all of you. You’ll sleep in a clean bed, eat good food, and your children will go back to school. But only if you agree.” His words entered her ears like a whisper, but they hit her heart like a hammer. Jecintha turned her face away. She had promised herself she would never give in. But this man was playing with her fears. He knew her weakest point—her children.

Tears rolled down her cheeks. She didn’t want to do it. She felt dirty already, just hearing those words. But she had to think about her children. She hadn’t seen them in days. She didn’t know if they were safe or alive. Maybe this was the only way to be with them again. She took a deep breath and nodded slowly. “Okay,” she said quietly. “I agree.” The DPO smiled. “Good decision. You’ll thank me later.” He picked up his phone and called his boys. “Go to the market and find those children. Bring them straight to my house.”

That same afternoon, two police officers went into the market with a photo of Junior. Luckily, someone recognized him and pointed out where he and the others were hiding. They were found behind a shop, hungry and tired. When they saw the police, they were scared, but the men promised they were taking them to their mother. They followed without argument. The officers took them to the DPO’s house and fed them small snacks. Later, a policewoman came to the cell and said, “Your children are waiting for you.” Jecintha’s heart jumped. It was like she had been revived.

As they drove to the DPO’s house, Jecintha kept looking out of the window. She didn’t speak. She didn’t smile. She only thought of one thing—her children. When they arrived, she saw them sitting quietly under a mango tree in the compound. The moment they saw her, they ran to her, crying and calling “Mummy!” over and over. She hugged them tightly. Her tears soaked their faces. For a few seconds, the pain disappeared. She felt like a mother again. But deep down, she knew what she had agreed to. That joy was mixed with deep sorrow.

The DPO came out of the house, still smiling. “Welcome,” he said. “This is your new home.” He ordered the housekeeper to prepare food for the children. Jecintha followed him inside slowly. Her body was tired, but her heart was heavier. As she stepped into the living room, she looked around. The house was big and beautiful, but it felt like a prison to her. The DPO turned to her and said, “I’ve kept my own side of the deal. Now, it’s your turn.” She nodded quietly. “I did it for my children,” she whispered to herself in shame.

That night, after the children had eaten and gone to sleep, Jecintha sat on the edge of a bed in one of the rooms. Her hands trembled. Her heart beat fast. She didn’t feel safe. She felt like a prisoner who smiled during the day and cried at night. “Is this how my life will be?” she asked herself. But she didn’t cry. She was too tired to cry. The DPO entered the room later. She stood up, not knowing what to say or do. “You’ll get used to this,” he said. But Jecintha knew she would never get used to it.

She lay on the bed that night, staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep. The children slept in the next room peacefully. That was her only comfort. “I did it for them,” she repeated again and again. “I did it because I love them.” But a part of her felt like she had lost herself. She had entered into something she couldn’t run away from. And even though the roof above her was fine and the bed was soft, her heart remained broken, and her spirit was still trapped. Peace had not come—only silence.

To be continued

07/03/2025

The Poor Widow Episode 3

Jecintha had now spent five nights in police detention. Her strength was fading fast. Her body felt weak, and her clothes were dirty. Her mouth was dry, and her head pounded with pain. Each day felt like a punishment she didn’t deserve. She sat quietly in a corner of the cell, praying and hoping for a miracle. No one had come to check on her. She didn’t know where her children were. Each time she remembered them, her heart broke. “God, protect them for me,” she whispered. She had committed no crime, yet she was suffering like a criminal.

That afternoon, a policewoman came and opened the cell. “Madam, the DPO wants to see you,” she said. Jecintha stood up slowly, using the wall for support. She didn’t know why the Divisional Police Officer would want to see her. Her heart began to beat fast with fear. She was taken to a big office inside the station. The DPO sat behind a table. He was in his forties, fair-skinned, and well-dressed. When he saw Jecintha, he smiled and offered her a seat. She sat down, confused. “You’re Jecintha, right?” he asked. “Yes, sir,” she replied, her voice weak and shaky.

The DPO looked at her carefully. “You’re a beautiful woman,” he said. “Even in your current condition, I can see you used to be very fine.” Jecintha kept quiet. She didn’t understand where the conversation was going. “You’ve suffered,” he continued. “And I believe you’re not a thief. You’re just unlucky.” Jecintha nodded slowly. “Please sir, I want to go. My children… I don’t know where they are.” The DPO leaned back and said, “That’s why I called you. I can help you. I can take you to my house. I will care for you and your children.”

Jecintha looked at him in surprise. “Sir… you will help me?” she asked. The DPO nodded. “Yes. I will give you food, clothes, and shelter. I’ll put your children in school and pay their fees. You’ll never suffer again.” Jecintha’s eyes watered with happiness. She almost cried on the spot. It felt like God had answered her prayers. “But,” the DPO added, “I won’t do it for free.” Jecintha’s heart broke. “What do you mean, sir?” she asked, even though she already knew. He looked at her straight in the eye and said, “You will sleep with me. That’s the deal.”

Jecintha’s heart dropped. All the hope she felt vanished. She looked at the DPO and saw a man who didn’t care about her pain. “Sir, please,” she begged. “I’m just a widow. I have suffered too much. Help me for the sake of God.” But the DPO shook his head. “Nothing goes for nothing,” he replied coldly. “I like you, and I can change your life. But you have to give me something in return. If you agree now, I’ll take you to my house this evening. If not, I’ll return you to the cell. It’s your choice.”

Jecintha sat there in silence. Her heart was broken. Her health was getting worse. She was hungry. She didn’t know if her children were safe or if they had been kidnapped. She had no one to help her. Now this man was offering a way out, but with a terrible condition. She didn’t want to lose her dignity, but she also didn’t want to die. She didn’t know what to do. “Sir, please help me,” she begged again. “Please, don’t let me go back to that cell.” The DPO stood up and said, “When you’re ready, you’ll know what to do.”

Then he called the policewoman again. “Take her back to the cell,” he ordered. Jecintha stood up slowly, tears running down her face. As she left the office, she felt like a broken woman. She was not just tired physically, but emotionally and mentally. When she got back to the cell, she didn’t speak to anyone. She sat in the same corner and closed her eyes. “Why is this happening to me?” she asked herself. “What did I do to deserve this kind of life?” But no answer came. Only silence. And her hunger kept growing stronger.

That night was the worst she had faced since her husband died. She felt pain in her chest and weakness in her legs. Her stomach ached from hunger. She didn’t even have the strength to cry. She closed her eyes and tried to sleep, but the DPO’s words kept ringing in her head. “I can change your life… if you sleep with me.” She kept thinking of her children, especially Junior. “Are they alive? Are they eating? Are they crying?” she wondered. The pain of not knowing their condition was worse than the pain in her own body.

The next morning, the DPO sent another message. “Tell her she has three days to decide. After that, I will charge her to court and make sure she goes to prison,” he said. When the policewoman brought the message, Jecintha didn’t say a word. She just nodded and turned her face to the wall. She had three days to choose between her dignity and her freedom. Between her body and her children’s future. It was not an easy decision. Her heart was heavy, and her spirit was tired. “Lord, help me,” she whispered. “I don’t want to fall.”

But even in that cell, Jecintha made up her mind. She would not sell her body for survival. No matter how hard life was, she didn’t want to become someone she wouldn’t be proud of. She would rather suffer than lose her self-respect. Her answer to the DPO’s offer was a clear and painful no. Whatever would happen next, she would face it. Even if it meant going to prison for a crime she did not commit. “I didn’t come this far to lose myself,” she said to herself. “I will survive, somehow.”

To be continued

Salomay Ngum

07/19/2025

07/15/2025

07/12/2025

07/08/2025

07/05/2025

07/03/2025

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