Ajayi, Esther lives in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti. TYWA stories may be slightly edited for grammatical accuracy and to better serve TGF readers. The originality of the story is 100% intact. - TYWA 2025
Should I unveil it, rather than wear it all the time? For how long?” Imelda whispered to herself, tears trailing down her cheeks. She was caught in a painful soliloquy, torn between choices and weighed down by her thoughts.
A woman in her early 30s, Imelda was visionary and inspiring. Fair in complexion and of average height. She had always dreamed big, striving to build a name for herself through hard work. Relationships and marriage were distractions to her. Yet, despite all her efforts, her progress felt slow and unsatisfying. She wanted more growth.
One afternoon, by chance, Jane, her old university friend, walked into her store to buy a few items. Jane promised to visit again, and true to her word, she returned a few days later.
During their second meeting, they reminisced about their school days and shared stories of their present lives. Imelda opened up about her struggles in business and how nothing seemed to work.
Jane listened carefully, then said, “I have to help you.” She took Imelda to an old woman known for her spiritual gifts.
The woman handed Imelda a mysterious mask. “Wear this mask at exactly midnight,” she instructed. “Ill fortune will not find you. But make sure you remove it by 3:00 a.m. sharp. If you follow this, good fortune and customers will come your way.”
Imelda followed the instructions exactly. Miraculously, things changed. More customers came daily, money flowed in from all directions, and she was finally able to rent a warehouse and expand her stock. Her joy was boundless.
“Thank you, Jane,” she said with bright eyes. “It really worked!”
But one morning, while dressing up, she realized she could no longer see her reflection in the mirror. Panic set in. She rushed to Jane, sobbing. “This is outrageous… terrifying!”
They returned to the old woman, desperate for answers. But the woman simply shook her head. “There is no remedy. You will continue to have wealth, but your reflection is lost forever.”
Imelda stood in silence, filled with regret. “Who do I even tell this to?” she muttered, her voice hollow.