Image: The Mighty

“Girl, you are the luckiest feminine species in the world. An exquisite combination of beauty and brains, and on this special occasion, I can only wish you the very best.”

It was Joan, my American roommate, during my freshman days in college.

“Annie, big, big congratulations! I am so happy for you, girlfriend. And honestly, Joan has said it all. You have everything going for you and if I wasn’t your best friend, I swear I’d be jealous of all you have achieved at such a young age. Sister, I am absolutely delighted for you and I wish you and Greg the very best married life has to offer” My childhood friend and bestie, Mena concluded the toast.

Glasses were raised amidst squeals and giggles and oouuhhs and aaaahs. My girlfriends, most of whom would be on my bridal train in just 3 days were excited. They had cause to be. My impending nuptials was the talk of the town. Greg and I were one of the few college school sweethearts who would make it to the altar. Our fathers were business tycoons who were revered in the private sector.

While Greg was an Investment Banker, I had bagged a degree in Aeronautic Engineering from Princeton. I had always loved my books, so I had gone ahead to obtain two Masters’ degrees after I graduated at the age of 21. And now, I was going to marry the love of my life at the age of 25, when some of my friends didn’t even have the semblance of a stable relationship. My wedding would feature on Bella Naija, Ovation and all the other blogs and publications that mattered in the social landscape.

I looked around once again, taking in the little spectacle before me. The music was blaring now, and Joke was doing a terrible imitation of the Shaku Shaku dance. I would have burst out laughing like the other girls if the thought of what I was going to do later tonight didn’t weigh so heavily on my mind.

Mena…she would be crushed. And, mum and dad? I tried to blank their memory, but it haunted me. They would be devastated. I was their only child. But they would be fine. Eventually. Or maybe not.

Not again…I struggled with my thoughts. I couldn’t change my mind now. One day, they would understand why I had to do this. Better this way than go through with a sham wedding.

It had to be done. Tonight, I end it all.

P.S: This short story was written to draw more attention to the spate of depression leading to suicide in our society. A person can appear to have it all, yet be suicidal. Please, if you are depressed and need someone to talk to, do call Nigeria Suicide Prevention Initiative on +234 8062106493 or +234 8092106493.