When I once asked why he stood up at that hour, he said he was praying quietly over our marriage.
I accepted that explanation because I wanted to believe I had married a spiritual and protective man.
Eight months passed without conflict, and the strange rule slowly blended into the background of our daily routine.
Yesterday morning, everything changed because of something small and ordinary that should have meant nothing at all.
Obinna left early for what he called an urgent business trip to Abuja, promising to return the following evening.
I planned to attend a friend’s bridal shower later that day, so I stood before our bedroom mirror selecting jewelry carefully.
I chose a pair of expensive diamond earrings he had given me during our fifth month anniversary celebration.
As I tried fastening one earring, it slipped from my fingers unexpectedly and bounced against the thick bedroom rug.