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that hope was an option but faith was a reality. I was in total darkness for three days and three nights. I heard voices like “she is dead; let us send her to the morgue.” Let us wait for a little while. Give her up to the fourth day.” I could hear them. I wish I could tell them I was alive, but I couldn’t. My life was trapped in a dead body. My body was warm yet I wasn’t breathing. I could feel everything around me but couldn’t talk or see. Hearing the death of Hajia Sekinatu gave me total blackout. I collapsed and went into a kind of comma science is yet to explain. At the Police Hospital, Doctors did everything possible to understand my condition and possibly find a remedy to it. They never succeeded and now hoped for a miracle. I knew death was closer to me than life. I had only a day to be visible to the living, or else I was to be declared medically dead. In my spirit I asked God whether He was still watching. I felt a cloth being rolled to cover my face, then I heard a thin strong voice saying “open your eyes.” There was no time to doubt it. I just did it and it worked. “She is alive! She is alive! This is a miracle.” The Nurses and Doctors sang praises as if a new born baby had arrived. Tears dripped down my cheeks, and for once I felt a family around me. Lawyer Klufio came in with tears in his eyes, hugged me and said, “I love you Adobea.” He looked at me and said you are no more going back to your cell. I am taking you home. I was surprised but not happy, because there was an unfinished business in my cell. Stella was my cousin and I had to get to the root of the issue. “I can’t go back to that cell too.” I said to myself. I needed to be happy and move on with my life: but what would happen to Stella now? My life’s story gave her hope. I prayed to God to grant her inner peace. I loved Stella with all my heart despite her father taking away my joy. A girl at my age, knew vengeance was for the Lord.

for three more days to fully gain consciousness. As promised, Lawyer Klufio took me to his house. He was a single man with a beautiful house. He only had a security man and a house help who also doubles as his Cook. He was such a fine gentleman. In his hall were pictures of him and a lady who was fair in complexion just like him. I concluded that was the wife. But was he alone. At the opposite end of the entrance to the hall was a wedding picture of Lawyer Klufio and the same lady. Out of curiosity I asked him, “is that mom?” He smiled and said yes. I further asked: “has she gone to work?” No! He replied. He took his handkerchief and wiped his eyes of some coming tears. He gently cleared his throat and said, “She is dead.” I held his hand and said I love you Daddy. He looked into my eyes, hugged me and said I love you too Adobea. Lawyer Klufio was married for seven years without a child. In the eighth year the wife died of severe liver infection. It had been two years since the wife died and he was still mourning her. I stayed in that house for a month attending Court proceedings because I wasn’t acquitted and discharged yet, I was only granted court enquiry bail pending investigations. Each day we went to Court we prayed for a miracle. My stay at Lawyer Klufio’s end was a blessing that was short lived. It was brought joy to both of us. I gave him hope again. I always told him I wanted a mother. He promised getting one after I was acquitted and discharged. I was so happy because soon my new found father was going to marry again. On our next visit to the Court, the Judge ordered I was given another family to cater for me because staying with my own Lawyer was hindering investigation. The Judge gave Lawyer Klufio two weeks for me to be given out for adoption. One week after the Judge had made the proclamations, I realized Lawyer Klufio’s health was deteriorating, and symptoms that lead to the death of his wife two years ago were the same thing happening. I became scared. I prayed every evening for God to intervene. Another death can’t be recorded in my sight again.

so I decided to fetch some water in the kitchen. I opened my door and I heard voices coming from the kitchen. I became frightened; so I tiptoed and got closer. My beat increased as the sound suddenly ceased. Jesus Christ, help me; I prayed solemnly. The voices started again, this time round they were thicker. I still wanted to see the faces behind those voices. My experiences in life made me fearless but cautious. Some few steps to the door the voices became clearer. They were voices coming from the house help and the security man. I took my time and listened to every conversation that went on between them. I had to leave back to my room terrified because what I heard alone was enough to set the world ablaze. The house help and the security man were lovers and they intentionally killed Lawyer Klufio’s wife through food poisoning. The poison was put in her juice any time she was served. That gradually spoilt her liver’ leaving her with severe liver infection. Their next target was to kill Lawyer Klufio through the same procedure. The mission was to take over the entire house. This was too big for me sleep with; I couldn’t wait till morning; but kept my patience and prayed for God’s protection for Lawyer Klufio.

, went straight to Lawyer Klufio’s room, knocked on his door but was informed by the house help he left earlier to a meeting. I became confused and felt feverish feverish all of a sudden . The house help became worried, got me some water and a pain killer. She later escorted me to the washroom so I could take a shower . She served me breakfast afterwards and I patiently waited for Mr. Klufio. It was a weekend and I knew he wouldn’t go far without informing me.

excited; he said “my daughter I have good news for you.” I also said, daddy I also have news that will interest you a lot. “Don’t worry my daughter, I will hear that later. For now I have found you a new family.” Just then the door opened. “Adobea, meet Uncle Theophilus Mensah. He will be your father henceforth.” Lawyer Klufio ended his statement and the world ended for me. My new daddy was Stella’s father, my Uncle… (