Never Keep Your Eyes Shut!
I told my baby sister to never keep her eyes shut except she’s asleep.
Not even as she washes her face.
I told her that the spirits of sad people lurk around, in search of listening ears.
They will not speak to you unless you shut your eyes for too long and your fear summons them.
In that moment when you open your eyes and look around to be reassured that you are alone, your gaze meet theirs and they see the fright in your eyes.
The fright encourages them to unburden themselves. To talk about the painful lives and deaths they’ve had.
That was years ago.
Tens of exes and heartbreaks ago.
Today I sensed her watching me, as I have for several weeks now.
I pretend to be unaware of her presence till I’m done having my bath.
As I step out of the bathroom and walk into the room towards her, she asks;
‘Sisi, why do you keep your eyes closed when you wash your face, are you not afraid of the troubled spirits?’
She has her eyes closed as she tries to mimick me. My adorable baby sister, always eager to follow whatever lead I take.
“No” I reply, coming closer and passing my fingers through her hair. I look deep into her eyes and I say “Their stories cannot terrify you if you’ve become one of them.”
She gasps and tries to move back, but it’s too late.
I see the fright in her eyes and I know the time is right.
So I hold her firmly to my side and begin to tell her tales.
Stories about my many painful lives and deaths.
-EbeleChukwu.
