He Promised Me Work In Lagos, Na Trap I Enter (EPISODE 19)

EPISODE 19 – I Try Leave, Door No Gree Open

The first seed of escape had planted itself quietly in my mind.

I had tried, in small ways, to reach out. To ask about a job. To save a little money. To feel like I had some control over my own life.

But every attempt ended the same way.

The day I finally decided to leave, even for a short while, I packed a small bag. Clothes, phone charger, a bit of money I had managed to save. My heart pounded like it wanted to escape before I did.

I reached the door, hands trembling. I turned the handle.

It wouldn’t open.

I tried again. Harder. Still nothing.

Fear surged, mixing with anger. My stomach churned. I knew I couldn’t force it.

He appeared quietly behind me, his calm voice slicing through the tension:
“Where you dey go, Nkiru?”

I hesitated. I wanted to shout, to run past him. But the weight of hunger, dependence, and fear held me frozen.

“I just… want to try something small,” I whispered, trying to sound casual.

“Why you wan suffer again? I dey here. You no need go anywhere,” he said softly, stepping closer.

I knew then: the cage wasn’t made of locks alone. It was built of fear, comfort, and control.

I had no choice but to step back. My small rebellion ended before it even began.

That night, lying on the narrow bed, I stared at the ceiling.
I was trapped — not with chains I could see, but with chains I felt in my mind and heart.

Episode 20 Coming Soon
The first whispers of real danger emerge. Nkiru realizes that leaving won’t just be difficult — it could be dangerous. She starts planning in silence.