Months had passed since Chuks told Oena about the job opportunity in America. At first, the amount needed had seemed impossible. But Chidinma refused to see it that way. Instead of focusing on how big the amount was, she focused on how much she could save each day.
Little by little, step by step.
The market traders had started noticing her determination.
“Chidinma, you’re always the first to arrive and the last to leave,” one woman joked. “Are you planning to buy the whole market?”
Chidinma simply laughed. “If I buy the market, I’ll give you a free stall.”
But inside, she knew why she was working so hard. She wasn’t just selling fabrics. She was building a bridge to her husband’s future.
One hot afternoon, while arranging her colorful fabrics, a customer approached. The woman examined several materials before finally choosing three expensive Ankara designs. Chidinma carefully calculated the total price. The sale was bigger than most she had made in weeks.
As the woman handed her the money, Chidinma felt a quiet wave of relief.
That evening, when she got home, she sat down beside the metal box. For the first time, the amount inside looked different.
It looked complete.
Her heart began to beat faster. She counted the money again and again and again. Tears slowly filled her eyes.
She had done it.
The money was enough.
The next morning, Oena woke up to find Chidinma already dressed and waiting at the table. There was a strange excitement in her eyes.
“Why are you smiling like that?” he asked suspiciously.
“Eat first,” she said.
Oena frowned. “Why do I feel like you’re hiding something?”
“Just eat.”
After breakfast, Chidinma stood up and walked into the bedroom. She returned holding the metal box.
Oena looked confused. “What’s that?”
She placed it gently on the table and opened it. Bundles of money filled the box.
Oena stared at it silently. “What is this?” he asked slowly.
Chidinma looked directly at him. “Your future.”
Oena blinked. “I don’t understand.”
She pushed the box slightly toward him. “The visa, the documents, the flight.”
Realization slowly spread across his face. “No,” he said quietly.
“Yes.”
“You didn’t…”
“I did.”
Oena looked at the money again, then back at her. “How long have you been saving this?”
“Since the day Chuks called.”
Oena stood up abruptly. “This is too much work for you.”
Chidinma shook her head. “It’s not work. It’s an investment.”
“You’ve been suffering all this time.”
“I wasn’t suffering,” she replied calmly. “I was building our future.”
For a moment, Oena couldn’t speak. His eyes were filled with disbelief.
“You did this for me.”
“For us.”
He slowly sat down again. “I don’t deserve you.”
Chidinma reached across the table and took his hand. “Stop saying that.”
“But it’s true.”
“No,” she said firmly. “You are my husband. Your success is my success.”
Tears filled Oena’s eyes. For the first time since losing his job, he felt hope again.
The weeks that followed were filled with preparation. Oena began processing his documents immediately. There were forms to complete, interviews to attend, and endless paperwork. But this time, everything felt possible. Each step brought him closer to the dream.
Chidinma accompanied him whenever she could. Sometimes they waited for hours in crowded offices surrounded by other hopeful travelers. Yet even in those long lines, Oena often glanced at his wife with quiet admiration. Without her, none of this would have been happening.
Finally, the day came when his visa was approved. Oena held the passport in his hands like it was a fragile treasure.
“I can’t believe this is real,” he said.
Chidinma smiled proudly. “It’s real.”
But the happiness came with a painful reality.
Soon Oena would have to leave.
The night before his departure was quiet. They sat together on the small balcony outside their apartment. The city lights of Lagos flickered in the distance. Neither of them spoke for a long time.
Finally, Oena broke the silence.
“I wish you were coming with me.”
Chidinma smiled softly. “One day I will. But not now. Not yet.”
He looked at her seriously. “As soon as I settle down, I’ll bring you to America.”
“I know.”
“I promise.”
She nodded. “I believe you.”
But deep inside, both of them knew the distance would not be easy.
The airport was crowded. The next morning, families hugged each other tightly. Children cried. Travelers rushed toward departure gates. Chidinma walked beside Oena quietly, holding his hand tightly.
When they reached the airline counter, the reality of the moment finally hit them.
This was really happening.
Oena checked in his luggage. Soon it was time for passengers to proceed toward the departure gate. Chidinma’s chest tightened.
They stood facing each other.
“So this is it?” Oena said softly.
“Yes.”
He looked into her eyes. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I do.”
“You already did.”
“How?”
“By believing in us.”
Oena pulled her into a tight embrace. For several seconds, they held each other without speaking.
“I’ll call you every day,” he whispered.
continued on next page
For complete cooking times, go to the next page or click the Open button (>), and don't forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends.
