Missed chance....CNF #157.

Sometimes, when certain things happen to us, we wish dearly that we could turn back time and have a “do over” but life isn't that simple.

This was exactly how I felt that fateful evening on the 5th of August 2018, after my church evening service when I heard Sister Doris weeping by a corner inside my church building.

She was beautifully dressed as always. She loved to look impeccable and this was one of her qualities that I admired. She always appeared presentable, with a warm smile plastered on her lips. Her friendly vibe was really inviting and it was no wonder that many youths in my church, like myself, wanted to be around her.

I should have minded my business, but curiosity indeed kills the cat, leading me to walk towards her and place my arm around her shoulders in comfort. Shockingly, she became vulnerable, shedding more tears, louder than before.

I should be on my way home right now because my residence was quite a distance from church and getting a commercial vehicle in the evenings can be quite tasking but somehow, I was moved to stay with her. I felt like I could shield her and take her pain away and so I stayed.

I allowed her to calm down before finally asking her what happened. ”I'm so sorry you had to see me like this. I don't usually act this way. It's just that something painful happened and I couldn't control myself”.

”It's alright Sis Doris. Whatever is bothering you so much to the point of years must be disheartening. Do you mind sharing with me? I have time on my hands”, I said to her with a calm smile even though my eyes were quietly darting back and forth to my wristwatch.

”It's Brother Johnson. He is getting married next month to Sister MaryJane”.

”Yes, I'm aware. Plaster Benson made the announcement today. Is there a problem with their upcoming marriage?” I asked, already worried for the intended couple.

*”Em…no…not really. But I was supposed to be the bride and not Sis MaryJane”, she said with a stutter.

”I don't understand you Sister Doris. Can you be more clear with what you are saying because I'm not comprehending at all”

”Brother Johnson had already proposed to me in January but I told him that I wanted to pray about it and he should give some time. The truth is that I didn't pray about it at all. I was carried away with the fact that I was busy being successful. I thought he would always have eyes for me and wait for my reply. But Pastor's announcement took me off guard and now, I have missed the boat on this marriage”.

I stared at her for a full ten seconds before sighing heavily. I could understand what she was telling me. What I could not understand was why it led to such an emotional outburst.

She was the one who was slow to act and grab the opportunity. We all knew Brother Johnson was a diligent person and he had no skeleton in his cupboard as afr as we know. He is also an eligible bachelor with a nice paying job. In terms of spirituality, he was not a slacker. ”So why did Sister Doris keep in on hold indefinitely”, I thought to myself.

”Sister Doris, I am sorry that the turn of events has happened like this but there is no need crying over spilled milk. You need to get your act together and forge ahead. You are beautiful and I'm sure you don't lack suitors. You can start praying for a suitable partner and soon, your heart desires will become reality.”

”Please wipe your tears and be strong. This setback will not hinder your progress. Learn from this mistake and don't be slow to act when such an opportunity comes your way so that you do not miss the boat”.

She nodded, dried her tears and thanked me. I quickly checked the time to find that the time read 8:35pm. ”I have to get going now. I'll see you later”, I said to Sister Doris while walking towards the exit which would lead me to the bus stop. She waved to me and I waved her “bye” in return and kept walking.

On getting to the bus stop, I found a vehicle , boarded it and headed home. Just a few minutes after I had arrived home, I received a text message from Sister Doris starting her gratitude. She also stated that she had learnt her lesson and would not be slow to act when necessary again. I smiled, dropped my phone on my bedside table and went to sleep.

Seven months later, Sis Doris was set to get married. She asked me to be one of her bridesmaids. I agreed instantly because I didn't want to miss that boat and I was really happy for her too.

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Thank you all for reading.

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