From Gunshots to Flashbacks

One night, too many thoughts

Ever packed your bags before danger even arrived? Last week's gunshots brought back childhood memories I never thought I would revisit

Last week, I heard gunshots in my area. The sound alone was enough to make hearts race. People were confused, peeping through windows, panicking and wondering what was wrong, many questions but no answers.
The next day, we heard that some people had been kidnapped and a few things were stolen. The whole thing just scattered the area.

That night brought back some serious childhood memories. There was a time they told us herdsmen were coming to attack our area, that they were at a particular spot and were approaching our area, instead of running away before they arrived, everyone was getting ready to run when they came, we were even calling to ask if they've started coming and were they are, so we could prepare as fast as we can,
how funny and foolish we were😂
People were warming up bikes, cars, even their legs, like we were preparing for a marathon.

My family were fully part of the drama. My dad was going round and round the compound, warming his car like a mechanic. He wanted to make sure the engine would not disgrace us if it was time to zoom off😄
My siblings and I were inside, folding clothes and packing our bags like we were going on holiday.
As for my mum, she was in her room lying down, quiet, meditating, only God knows what was running through her mind.

I remembered years back, how some people once ran from their village because of the same herdsmen. They came to our area with nothing, no clothes, no slippers, nothing at all. There's no food, and nobody to turn to, it was like starting life over again for them.
I started thinking, "God, is this how my own life is about to change too?"
So I began packing my things small small. I didn’t want to land in a new place and start looking for sponge and wrapper. I wanted to be ready.

Fear was doing press up in my chest. I even started praying and asking God for forgiveness. I told myself, If anything happens and I don’t make it, at least I’ll be able to explain everything to God clearly.

That night made me think of people who go through this kind of fear every day people running from their homes, losing everything, starting life all over again. It’s not easy at all. But sometimes, what can we do? Life just throws things at us.

But still, I really pray they find peace, joy, and comfort wherever they are. And for those of us still living in fear, may better days come soon.