#CHARLIE

I remember that day like it was yesterday.

High above the scarcely present clouds, the sun shone mercilessly.

However, it did nothing to warm the chilly atmosphere the dry winds had blown all the way from the desert.

It was that time of the year in Kaduna once again.

The fierce rays of the sun didn't bother us one bit even as it beat our bald heads with a vengeance.

The chilly harmattan only warmed our hearts the more.

We were little kids, and since we didn't have to be in school that day, we would do the only thing that came naturally to us.

We would PLAY!

We never got tired of playing hide-and-seek. It was always fun to seek out those miscreants I called my friends from the numerous spots our compound offered.

However, it was now Kabiru's turn to seek.

Just like him, the rest of my friends had discovered my favorite hiding spots, so I decided to up my game.

I was going to hide in the well. I figured out it would be a good spot since no one ever bothered to look in then. If only I had known.

When he started to count, I made sure everyone else had gone to their spots to ensure no one saw me.

I climbed into the well and gradually lowered myself using my hand and feet.

This was a very easy task for me, as I had always used this same technique to scale the high fences found in our neighbourhood.

I struggled to contain my laughter as my friends searched all over the compound for me.

It was fun but I wish I had known.

Soon enough, they gave up their search and decided to try their luck elsewhere.

I felt so smart. If only I knew.

I gradually made my way up but something didn't feel right. I had been resting my entire weight on my ankles and wrists, and I could feel them giving up.

I continued till I got so close to the top. But I couldn't go any higher. I was tired.

That was when I got scared.

In my fright, I yelled out the names of my colleagues. The echo from the well only increased my fears.

When I beheld the black waters that seemed to be reaching for me, my desperation increased.

I called for help once more. Luckily, my friends returned, but they could do nothing for me.

They were scared too. So many of them were so scared that they ran away once they realized the danger I was in.

A handful of them went in search of the adults while the others remained at the well to offer words of encouragement.

But none of it was of any use.

There was no strength left in my limbs right then and I gradually felt the walls of the well slipping out of my grasp.

I thought of my lovely mother. I hoped I would see her again.

I remembered my little brother. I had promised to let him ride my bicycle once he was big enough. I hoped I would see him too.

I looked up at Kabiru once more and saw the fear in his eyes before I felt myself falling.

I hit the water with a loud splash, and in my fear I thrashed around as I made valiant attempts to remain afloat.

It was pointless.

The icy waters burned as they filled my lungs, and it wasn't too long before I felt my soul slipping away.

I think it was the cold that got to me first but I was certain I was dead.

This is #Charlie_Charlie from the grave, asking you to watch your children while they play.

And since it isn't much fun over here, I'd also appreciate it if you told your teenagers to stop calling my name!

#charlie
#CharlieCharlie
#Charlie_Charlie