SkewedCrowns

 Slowly the Smiths started adapting to their new lifestyle. Gradually, they gained confidence and found a reason to live once again. Mrs Smith managed to get their old house back, yet a missing void, George disappearance filled their souls. "Only if we could bury him," Edith mumbled.  One sunny afternoon as the two were involved with spring cleaning, a knock from the backyard door was heard. Who could it be, they wondered walking towards it. A dark shadowed male figure was seen through the glass sliding door with transparent curtains, knocking and making an attempt to open. He was persistent and kept asking if anyone was inside. The dog was not barking, and the stranger's voice sounded familiar which creeped the two. Could it be George?  Edith ordered Sarah to stay a distance from the door as she responded to the knock. Since it was midday and people normally used the front door, she wondered why anyone would use that door. As she opened the door, she gasped and fell on h...

 Days turned dark, months into years and the smiles continued fading, creating a moody atmosphere. You can imagine our baby girl is about to turn 10. Such precious moments require happy moods, but our Sarah is grumpy. Making matters worse, the press released a deceased member list of the US Navy personnel & announced that the missing individuals are believed to be dead since they searched everywhere, and no trace was found. "At least Floyd's family laid him to rest, my husband's corpse or legacy is being held with zero dignity," Edith mumbled as she wept bitterly. It was a night routine, soaking the pillow with tears and depression slowly crept in. The Smiths turned from a happy family to a sorrowful one. It even got worse that they could not afford living in their house and became homeless. A caring group of Christians had them sheltered in a nearby church, made provisions for their basic needs and offered psychological help too. Edith and Sarah made positive pro...

 This is the stage where eennie-meennie-minee more doesn't work, believe me. To begin with, I consulted my community swimming coach. Had a two-hour session, which wasn't fun at all. Did I learn something? Nah. Any flops? Dozens of them🤣🤣🤣 Truth be told, swimming wasn't designed for me. I'm only best at playing in water, period. Never ask how good I am, I'm sure with that I'll end up behind bars, thank you. I'll only stick to horse riding, how hard can it be, to think of it; I managed to ride a license free object, bicycle. First thing is first, getting the appropriate cowgirl outfit, easy-peasy. Getting a coach and a horse wasn't difficult but the only problem there is, is that I'll have learning sessions weekends only. Meaning, no more free time.  The stable in situated in the outskirts. With only a month, two weeks, I have to be at my level best and acquire more so as to be a gold medalist. First session went well, just the basics, dress-up, equ...

  Life is so unpredictable. You make it, you fall, you fail... but continue living through it all. Either pained or in favour of what surrounds you; you just have to live. I grew up being an ordinary girl with a simple lifestyle, who knew nothing about the future. Given a chance to select the piece from the life puzzle I enjoyed most, that would definitely be childhood. The innocence, the games, the magical moments, kindergarten... best memories that will be forever treasured. Well, middle school was ok, too much workload I must admit. No one had informed me about assignments and the countless pages of notes. Learnt how to study and that became my lifestyle. Fast forward, high school; my current state. Argh, it's the mixed emotion state, I'd say. Today you happy, tomorrow it's sadness, day after, who knows... Always juggling a lot and developing into adulthood which your brain might be slow to adapt to. Puberty and adolescence, argh... tell me about it. Still, the sun rises...

 The military car engine was ignited heading straight to the camp. The Smiths family had lost some meaning & context of the term family. Few days later, they received a message notifying them that the army arrived safely at their war zone. As summer came to an end, schools commenced. Our dear Sarah had to focus on her studies which somewhat distracted her from her dad's absence. Books, friends and the amount of pressure seemed weak enough to make her forget her dad. She loved daddy Smith so dearly. She would find herself doodling and scribbling more of daddy notes. How she wished the 'mission' would end; so, all the soldiers would return. Every single day she anticipated her dad's return. "Today is the day..." The poor little girl only needed her father. She then made an attempt to call him, but; all she was told was to wait for him to return the call. Which he didn't do, bringing another question. Is he still alive? She then received a letter from him...

"... happy birthday to you! Heep heep hurray!!!" Noises that came from the Smiths' residence. Her 6th birthday wasn't that epic for her father was leaving the next day. Sarah loved her dad so dearly that nothing would come in-between them. The thought of saying goodbye made her not to focus on a whole lot of things. She feared the trauma of her dad failing to come. As people set off for the US Navy assignment; returning is a myth, more like a game of chance. The day was well spent. Time flew, twas an hour for sleep. Sarah woke up the next morning while her dad was just about to leave. With her pyjamas on, unwashed teeth & scruffy hair; she hugged her father tightly, begging him not to leave. "Daddy, please don't go," she cried. To her adorable teddy Cutie, "I will remember him through you," she said with a faint smile. After all, Cutie was a birthday gift from her father. The Smiths got emotional, tearing down & mummy had to gra...

Apparently. I got a lot of complaints as to why the story is hanging in the air. Well, I was giving everyone room to predict the outcome. Nonetheless, I will bring out the clarification of what transpired. I'm sorry fam for leaving you at such a juncture.  This is one story with a different ending: more like the realities of life. Talent went through an emotional roller coaster that needed his life in exchange for peace. Trauma, confusion, suicidal thoughts were his cup of tea. "Only if I can turn back the hands of time..." was the only thing he could think of. The memories of Bud & Buddy turned into nightmares.  His life became futile. So much judgement came from his classmates and yes, he was responsible for gulping it alongside shame. Life couldn't be any better for him. Fast forward, October period; matric farewell. Where glamour & magical moments take place. I can imagine the excitement that was going through the minds of many; sadly, not for our dear own...

Mummy came to pick me up and I was house arrested for a week. I took it as punishment for the sins I had committed. Nothing changed apart from the fact that I was being moved on a wheelchair. Imagine the privileges I had lost due to this condition, which could have been avoided. My week of detention ended, and I was free to exit the house, my first stop was at Bud's house. His mom came to the door, shouted in anger why I was reminding her of her late son. Bud is deceased, I didn't know, no one told me.  How is it possible? To make matters worse, her car was damaged beyond repair. I tried comforting her, but the mood was unbearable, so I left & headed straight home. All I did was cry and ask God why things occured that way. Bud is gone! I cried endlessly for such a loss. I was scared to visit Buddy; didn't know what to expect. One day his mom stopped by and gave me an open invitation to her home. I honoured the invitation; had a wonderful time except for the fact t...

November 23rd twas, just after finishing our end of year exams. Vanessa was history; her family had relocated to the Southern part of the country. Distance relationship did not work in our favour; so, we had to let go the affair. Bud & Buddy including myself planned to attend the epic 'pens-down party' hosted by matriculants.  November falls in the rainy season, so twas showering the entire day. The only plan I had was to get an awesome outfit for the party. I wanted to impress girls so as to find a substitute for Vanessa. Evening came, Bud picked us up with his mother's car. We were welcomed by the blast of music coming from the dj's corner. The state, scene and mood of everything was chaotic. People behaved like animals. My friends and I took shots and yes, we drank excessively. After hours we went home. Guys, always observe the road signs; don't drink and drive, fasten your seatbelt... After half a mile of our journey, we had a collision.  All I could r...

Vanessa did all sorts of things smoking, drinking... you name it all. My friends loved her for they had similar traits. Little did I know that I was in a trap; to be brought down. The pressure started when we had countless outings and it mounted when I was forced into a whole lot of new things. Twas like a bet was placed upon my life, who will bring him down? Being a teenager, I suffered identity crisis. My lifestyle changed drastically. My love for school decreased and so did my grades. I was no longer that Talent; twas as if an alien was living in the inside of me, controlling my every move. My love life on the other hand was smooth flowing, seems like I was enjoying the facade life painted. You can never win in both cases, I lost to academics. Grade 11 was horror, don't know how I scaled through. One moment I was struggling with my subjects, the next; I was a regular when it came to detention. Ask me about alcoholic drinks and I will gladly tell you the best liquor. Inquire ...

Days turned into months, months into years and progress was made gradually and I then managed to own my small private place for yoga and abs. My dream was being made into a reality, before I knew it, my name was out there. Parents began trusting me with their children for after daycare mini exercises and it was an amazing experience.  The irony of it all is that I had zero experience but purely pursuing passion. I later managed to own a complex that was for exercising and various people came, from pregnant women, stressed, disabled, obese and those who want to keep fit. Today, I rank top on world's richest and most famous people, but I started just like an ordinary girl with no resources, just holding on to a dream. I possess countless trophies for just giving back to humanity. I remain your number one fitness trainer, Annastacia. Thank you😊

The scary thing was the reality of what tomorrow holds. Mother Earth, can you give us Moon forever and keep Sun far away for just this weekend; is what I wished for. Didn't care much about having a long night, so long there was no tomorrow, lol. I was restless, I was acting like one one who stole something, scared of being exposed. Don't know how I dosed off. I woke up with a kiss from the sun, yeah; a beam of light dazzling in the room. 'Oh man,' that genie didn't take my request serious, lol. I knew twas time to face my fears; crowds and having fun ~ whatever that is. I had to put behind all my worries and enjoy my delicious breakfast prepared by mummy. I continued with my daily routine, books and research. Immediately after lunch, I prepared for my unknown event. In no time, Buddy showed up. Guess what! For all the places you can imagine, Bud & Buddy took me to a pool party. I didn't like the idea, not because I hate water but the scene. I was for...

Gym fee was considered luxury those days, for it was tough putting food on the table, not to speak of unnecessary wants. I had limited knowledge on exercising and healthy diets. I spent most of my time in the grounds doing sport with various people till my body was used to exercising. With a series of exercises and over a long period of time, I gained knowledge on fitness training due to people I spent valuable time with. I then started training people on a small scale.   Stay tuned for Episode 4!!! Thank you😊

Crushed, broken, hurt... was all that summed me in a nutshell. Every atom of hope was shuttered. From being a genius, star, intelligent and bright kid to a nobody. Imagine, losing all that matters to you in a nanosecond, impossible right? Well, that's my ordeal. Pardon my confusion; my name is Talent. I'm good at nothing, no skills; I'm just a multilingual if that counts of course. I'm just a nerd and a brainiac. I'm part of society's unfavoured sect for we have difficulties fitting in. The world has all kinds of fun which I fail adhering to. Focusing on the future or improving now is what I enjoy the most, also finding answers to how things function. Show me your friends and I will show you who you are, never existed in my vocabulary. I had awesome friends always on the last row of the scoreboard in tests but always acing in life. Lemme introduce them, Ben and Peter. Being in different sects we always found a a way to bond and move on. The other day we ...

Anna, as my dear mom would call me, is what people in my neighbourhood addressed me as. I grew up with a struggling mom who raised me single handedly. Growing up was tough, we had little of everything and never enough of anything. Due to socio-economic factors, I couldn't go to any university. Society always claims, "it takes a village to raise a child," whereas in reality it's one man for himself. I followed my passion which was living a healthy lifestyle and later turned it into a career, being a fitness trainer. Stay tuned for Episode 3!!! Thank you😊

"A glass of water a day is good for the body," says who and why? Blogs, websites, nutritionists, articles and doctors seem to know it all. Myths and reality are just but a bunch of information.  No man is an island, they say; well, I guess I'm the first. I make my own rules, got my own mindset and yes of cause fix my own fitness schedules. My health, my body, my life, my choice... Allow me design Annastacia. Stay tuned for Episode 2!!! Thank you😊

Drumbeats and hailing took place as we waited for the results. Mia, whom I had rated queen became 1st princess leaving me with no atom of hope. My confidence level dropped and all I wanted was to leave the stage. 2nd princess was crowned and my smile was growing faint. I just had to commemorate her. The auditorium went silent as we all waited for our queen to be crowned. I became nervous and a little bit annoyed about participating in the pageant, though I had to fake my smile. The next thing I heard was my name being called. It was like a dream, for a second I thought it was a mistake.  My name was called again, I shakingly went forward to receive my tiara. The crowning and gift award was all like a mirage. It took me a while to accept the situation. Streams of water flowed down my cheeks as I couldn't contain my excitement and amusement.  The crowd cheered and I felt like planet earth had offered me a second chance.  No matter the pain and difficulty life...

My doctor then advised me to use every given opportunity to my advantage. Instead of feeling pity for myself, I chose to impart the world with my 'almost' disability. "I can become a motivational speaker," I thought to myself. After a little while, my doctor spoke softly with a smile "Vincent, all you need is roughly two weeks to come out of this state." It sounded as if two weeks were equal to a couple of decades. My fears were that my team would lose and leave for our home country within those two weeks; still, I had to be optimistic. 'Two weeks,' is what I kept thinking to myself. Days later, after my therapeutic session, I was able to stand for a few minutes. Determination drove me, forcing myself out of the wheelchair and walking was my daily goal, though it wasn't easy. It was as if I had gone back to my childhood days, where I learnt how to walk and falling being a norm. Within a week, I had an appointment with my doctor, where my ...

Trees began moving in an opposite direction, lot of activities took place outside and my dad was playing soft music to  calm me down. We reached our destination without even saying a word to each other. "Lucy, this way!" the director waved as he led me to my room. The hallway was full, everyone looked at me as if it was a vampire that had found it's prey, waiting to devour it. I wanted mother earth to smoother me immediately for there was too much tension. Believe me, my room seemed far away. As I entered, I lay on my bed, took a deep breath and sighed. "My baby, the day you always anticipated for is here," daddy said with so much excitement. I spoke no word, for fear of the unknown endorsed me. "Don't be scared, go have fun. Go shine Lucy..." but, before he could finish talking, all competitors were summoned for a brief meeting. We were given number tags alongside program of events. Everything was becoming real. I looked around to see if I...

I lay low on the ground with so much pain within, paramedics raced and carried me away. "Let's take him to the hospital," are the words that made my faith detoriorate for I had assumed it to be minor injury. My heart sank and every atom of hope faded. I saw myself depending on a wheelchair for life. Tears streamed down my cheeks though no word was uttered. "How am I to reach my goals with this injury, everything is shuttered," I gasped.  I was flown back home and a physiotherapy was assigned to cater for me till I bounced back. Life was never the same, no career, no gym but just medication and treatment sessions. I had reached my rock bottom where returning was a thing of fairy tales. Tears went by and no change occured, same old pain endorsed me. I became rude, grumpy, short-tempered and complaining a lot because the world had deprived me of the only thing I loved, soccer⚽. That alone didn't change the story either instead my situation was becoming wo...