Left That House Without Looking Back”
When I got my job in Abuja, I felt like life had finally started working for me.
I was still young, but the job paid well. For the first time, I could take care of myself properly. I rented a self-contained apartment in a quiet estate. It wasn’t too big, but it was clean, peaceful, and perfect for someone living alone.
I liked my space.
My neighbors were friendly too. The kind of people that greet you, check on you, and make you feel comfortable. That was how I met her.
She was calm. Respectful. Always smiling.
We started talking casually, nothing serious at first. Just greetings, small conversations, and occasional help here and there.
Then slowly… we became close.
One day, she told me,
“You’re living alone. Let me help you.”
At first, I didn’t understand what she meant.
Then she started doing small things.
She would make soap for me. Sometimes cook. Sometimes clean.
I didn’t even have to ask.
To me, it felt like help.
Simple kindness.
I didn’t suspect anything.
Before I knew it… she had access to my place.
At some point, she even had a key.
Looking back now, I ask myself…
Why did I allow that so easily?
But at that time, I didn’t see any problem.
I was comfortable.
Too comfortable.
Everything was normal… until that day.
I came back from work, like every other day.
Tired. Hungry. Just wanting to rest.
But immediately I entered the house… something felt off.
The place was unusually arranged.
Too neat. Too perfect.
Not the normal cleaning I was used to.
This one felt… different.
Then I noticed something else.
A smell.
Strong. Unfamiliar.
Turaren wuta.
It was everywhere.
In the room.
In the sitting area.
Even close to my bed.
My body became uncomfortable immediately.
I can’t explain it, but something inside me just told me…
This is not normal.
I started moving around slowly, looking at things carefully.
That was when I saw it.
I touched one part of the wall… and something fell.
A charm.
I froze.
I didn’t even need anyone to explain it to me.
In that moment, everything became clear.
The help.
The closeness.
The access.
It wasn’t just kindness.
My heart started beating fast.
I didn’t shout.
I didn’t call anyone.
I just stood there… thinking.
Because one thing was clear to me:
This was not something to joke with.
That night, I didn’t sleep well.
Every small sound felt louder.
Every movement made me alert.
I kept thinking…
What exactly has been happening in this house when I’m not around?
The next morning, I made a decision.
No delay.
No second thoughts.
I packed my things.
Important ones first.
Then everything else.
Within that same week…
I left that estate.
I didn’t confront her.
I didn’t ask questions.
Because some things… you don’t wait to understand fully.
You just leave.
Till today, I still think about it sometimes.
How close I allowed someone to get.
How comfortable I became without questioning things.
How easily I ignored signs.
That experience taught me something I will never forget:
Not every kindness is safe.
Not every person that helps you… means well.
Sometimes…
You don’t need full explanation.
You just need sense.
And that day…
My sense told me one thing clearly:
Leave.
And I did.
Without looking back.