Part 3
But what really happened to Abiola?
The Principal continued her story…
“From what I gathered when I went to their home this morning, Abiola committed suicide inside her room last night. The mum went to her room after their morning prayer to find out why she did not come out for the usual family prayers and found her stone dead!”
At this juncture the Principal could not hold it further and had to make use of the handkerchief in her hands as she buried her face on the table. More weeping, sighing, sobbing… among the staff.
After what seemed like forever, the Principal continued her story…
“Abiola dropped a letter for her mum on the floor, or she was probably holding it in her hands when death overpowered her. In the letter she appreciated her mum for all she did to take care of her and her younger brother since their father died five years ago.
She acknowledged that her mum really worked hard to make sure that she and her brother were enrolled in the best school around, and that they lacked nothing, which could make them feel the absence of their dad”.
“Why then did she take her life?” Someone asked.
In answer to that question, the Principal said…
“That is why I called every one of you here. We all failed Abiola! (at this juncture she stood up). After appreciating her mum, Abiola went ahead to explain the reasons why she decided to end it all. I may not go into all the detail but the summary is that the girl has been battling with low self-esteem and prejudice since the day she was made a prefect till yesterday when she could not bear it any longer.
I learnt that one of you here told Abiola’s mum that she was supposed to be the Head Girl but Nifemi was chosen instead because, she (Nifemi) smiles a lot while Abiola has a stony face.
The Principal continued her story…
“From what I gathered when I went to their home this morning, Abiola committed suicide inside her room last night. The mum went to her room after their morning prayer to find out why she did not come out for the usual family prayers and found her stone dead!”
At this juncture the Principal could not hold it further and had to make use of the handkerchief in her hands as she buried her face on the table. More weeping, sighing, sobbing… among the staff.
After what seemed like forever, the Principal continued her story…
“Abiola dropped a letter for her mum on the floor, or she was probably holding it in her hands when death overpowered her. In the letter she appreciated her mum for all she did to take care of her and her younger brother since their father died five years ago.
She acknowledged that her mum really worked hard to make sure that she and her brother were enrolled in the best school around, and that they lacked nothing, which could make them feel the absence of their dad”.
“Why then did she take her life?” Someone asked.
In answer to that question, the Principal said…
“That is why I called every one of you here. We all failed Abiola! (at this juncture she stood up). After appreciating her mum, Abiola went ahead to explain the reasons why she decided to end it all. I may not go into all the detail but the summary is that the girl has been battling with low self-esteem and prejudice since the day she was made a prefect till yesterday when she could not bear it any longer.
I learnt that one of you here told Abiola’s mum that she was supposed to be the Head Girl but Nifemi was chosen instead because, she (Nifemi) smiles a lot while Abiola has a stony face.
