About eight years ago, my life turned into something I never imagined it could. I had gotten to a place where things were shaping up for me. I went from working as a security guard to enrolling in a course at the British Council. After completing the course, I was confident I was going to make something out of my life. The plan was to get a job that paid me better. Then I would attend tertiary school and get a degree. I had everything figured out to the last detail. I was going to do something remarkable with my life. I was so sure of it.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
I remember applying for a couple of jobs that fit the description of the course I studied. One of the companies I applied to assembles tricycles and trucks. The salary was competitive. And the benefits were great. When I looked at the requirements for the job, I knew I was a good fit. I even envisioned myself in my new role. I made plans about how much money I would save and how long it would take me to raise the amount I needed for school.
On the day of the interview, I was all powered up to impress the panelists. I was more than certain I would kill it. I never expected what happened when I arrived at the reception. As soon as I showed up, the people there wrinkled their noses. It was as if there was an awful smell at the place. I couldn’t smell it though.
When I looked at their faces, I got the impression that the smell was really bad. And they all looked at me as though everything was fine until I got there. I was surprised because I had no idea why they were all covering their noses. But I also felt embarrassed to know they were thinking I was the source.
That day, they cancelled the interview. I went home feeling disappointed. I wondered if this was the end of the opportunity. Luckily, it wasn’t. The company fixed another day and invited me for the interview again. I thought maybe the whole thing with the smell was a terrible mishap. I was happy for another shot.
The moment I arrived at the office this time too, people started wrinkling their noses again. Just as the first time, I was confused. I couldn’t smell whatever it was but the reactions I received told me they were awful. I saw a woman spraying her office to mask the smell. As if that wasn’t bad enough, flies began to gather around me. I was mortified.
On my way home, I didn’t even want to sit in public transport. I felt so uncomfortable that people would cover their noses and I wouldn’t have a clue the kind of scent they were seeking refuge from.
A lot has happened since that day. I have bathed whatever soap there is. I have used different creams and ointments. When it comes to spray, I don’t think anyone knows more sweet-scented ones like I do. I have used everything I can get my hands on. Some of them were even recommended to me. Nothing so far has helped.
When it comes to prayers, I have done it fervently. I have cried and asked God to take away whatever is plaguing me. When that didn’t work, I decided to go the way of our ancestors. Although it was against my beliefs, I visited shrines. I was promised healing but my predicament did not stop.
Eventually, I enrolled in the university as planned. Throughout my stay in school, I didn’t make friends or attempt to socialize with anyone. I kept to myself my entire time there. Luckily, I have a friend who has stood by me all these years. Patrick has been my greatest source of comfort in these troubling times. I don’t know how I would have coped if I didn’t have him.
I don’t know who I wronged to deserve this. All I remember is a lady I used to work with during my private security guard days. We had a little misunderstanding and she told me, “When I make you smell, then you will learn your lesson.” I didn’t make anything of that statement. Even after everything I have been through, I am still not sure if she is the one responsible for all this.
After eight years of spending money on solutions and seeking help from pastors and shrines, the situation has slightly improved. However, people still cover their noses around me, even after I’ve just bathed and used perfume. At this point, I’m not sure there’s anything or anyone out there who can help me.
If this is how my life is supposed to be, then so be it. But if the person who did this to me is reading this story, I am ready to do whatever it takes to restore my life.
