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THE GIRL THAT REMINDS ME OF MYSELF.

The screams were reminiscent of mine twenty years ago. The flurry of medics rushing the prepubescent girl to the emergency room strangely gave me a sense of relief. At least she is going to get the immediate help she needs.

“Dr Didi, we are ready for you in the operating room”, I smiled to placate the distressed look on the nurse’s face. I understand her worry more than she realises. I took in deep, steady breaths to ready myself. I cannot afford to let those macabre mental images borne of PTSD make an appearance now. I tried to recall the other coping mechanisms my therapist recommended, but my restless mind could only focus on those familiar screams from the little girl.

Praying to all the divinities that exist, I powered my way to the operating room flanked by other surgeons clad in viridescent scrubs. The six hours flew by. All I could vividly remember was fervently wishing the bitter memories the sight of the bloody blades conjured up did not affect the dexterity of my hands. The future happiness of the girl under anaesthesia largely depended on my skilful hands.

Hours after the thankfully successful surgery, I strolled past the children’s ward in hopes I would get to talk to the girl who reminded me of myself. I usually walked these wards because I loved the bittersweet feeling that came with being reminded that I could help these children in the way I would have loved to be helped. The bitter in the sweet was the reminder that I could not have a child of mine.

I could see from the see-through door that she was staring at the ceiling. If my calculations are correct, she has just been moved from the recovery room. I knocked softly before pushing the door open because I would hate to frighten her. She sat up on the high bed at once. I noticed her short legs did not swing at the edge of the bed in the usual child-like manner of most.

I mustered up the warmest welcoming smile I could offer. “How do you feel, little one?”

She hesitated before answering, “I like your shoe, ma.”

I chuckled sadly.

“You do not have to worry. Those scary people with blades and ropes are gone.”

She only stared cautiously at me.

“Thank you for calling the FGM helpline of my NGO, little one.”

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136 Responses

  1. I remember the first time I got to read this and how the anxious hope of the narrator trying to save the child had me on the edge of my seat and the relief I felt when the child was announced safe, free from her captors and undergoing medical care. It still doesn’t negate the pain and trauma the little one would carry for the rest of their life but the hope that there are people out there doing their very best to help was the best part of reading this. I hope it helps spread awareness.

  22. This is quite remarkable, I enjoyed the way you told your story in order to pass down your message. I’ve never been in support of FGM and I’m sure no one is. You told your story through the doctor’s point of view which is remarkable.

    Most writers would prefer telling it through the child’s point of view, but you were creative enough to venture out of that.

    Beautifully written.

  23. This is a beautifully written piece. I most admire the diction employed and the smooth temporal transition within the story.
    For a moment there, I am so absorbed into the narration that I see myself standing beside Dr Didi. I am, though an observer, fully welcomed into this new world of the writer’s mind through the visual nature of her narration.
    Look how she adequately embodied both characters of the Doctor and child in their essential and natural state without blurring out the maturity of the adult or downplaying the innocence of the child. In any case, she has managed to effectively portray two different facets of the life of a girl child in this plot.
    A beautiful piece, truly!

  28. Don’t just see a young girl and look away,see every young girl has your child and see them as yours to protect. I would love to have a daughter one day and this piece made me realize protecting a girl child doesn’t start from the connection of blood ties but from one’s heart open your heart and see them as yours to protect.

  29. Don’t just see a young girl and look away,see every young girl has your child and see them as yours to protect. I would love to have a daughter one day and this piece made me realize protecting a girl child doesn’t start from the connection of blood ties but from one’s heart open your heart and see them as your daughters, sisters and family. protect all

    1. This is one of the most logical and realistic story I’ve come to read and I must say it is so great.
      I just love it and I’ve read it countless times I just can’t stop. There are people out there who needs help just like the little one. This is great. Kudos.

  47. I read the story twice. And as usual, I am not surprised that you write so well. This is just me reaffirming. The write-up was intriguing. The fact that it was short and I could still get the message. Love your diction too. Take your flowerssssss🤭

  60. This is absolutely beautiful. I love how you managed to tell this from the doctor’s point of view as well as showing the the mindset and thought process of an FGM survivor. Keep up the good work!

  62. Reading this is so heartbreaking. It needs to end culture is no excuse to uphold barbaric practices. We as a society need to come together to end FGM. Thank you for sharing this story!

  63. A brilliant piece, this one is. With the narration technique and the framing of the story, I was totally immersed. Every line created a vivid picture in my head, it’s fascinating haha. Awesome work, Aaliyah.👏

  65. FGM shouldn’t be happening anymore, but the fact that it’s still rampant is disheartening.
    The connection the narrator had with the little girl is beautiful and the fact she did what she could to help made the difference. Also, when you see a victim, you should help as best as you can even when it seems like there isn’t much you can do cause the little things help.
    The write up was very creative and informative. It is very brilliant and kept the readers engaged. 💚

  81. I don’t think I have ever read something as heavy but presented in a lighthearted manner like this, please keep up the good work!!!

  94. Well written and well versed. It really depicts the tenderness of the FGM campaign and you’ve wonderfully done well with your writing to portray it in a welcoming ways for the audience to be well enlightened. You’re so liberally brilliant, Aaliyah. Love you🤍 👏🏾.

  106. The juxtaposition of Dr. Didi and the little girl gave me goosebumps in the best kind of way, I’m looking forward to a continuation!!!!

  108. I love the fact that you decided to talk about this issue and your story telling is incredible. You deserve all the accolades for making us feel what the narrator felt, keep up the good work love. It’s an incredible feeling to see you get better with each story that you write.

  117. Idk about you but the subtle flashbacks scattered throughout the piece gives it a depth that simply cannot be replicated

  120. It is amazing how you were able to take us along with Dr. Didi’s inner thought process without making it pretentious. A beautiful piece with a beautiful message.

  129. I swear as I was reading this, it was almost as if I was the little girl herself. I am so proud of you omo please continue writing❤️❤️

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