Dear Norkor,

I know you are an avid reader of silent beads, so you will see this letter. First of all, let me thank you for your kindness when I was unwell. The fact that you went out of your way to take care of me when we were just getting to know each other is something I will never forget. I always say that despite all my terrible encounters in relationships, there are many good women out there. Now that I have met you, I know I have been right all along. You are a true gem, my dear.

I still remember the first time I met you. No, let me put it right. I am talking about the first time I saw you. I was sitting in church when you walked into the auditorium. Norkor, I felt your presence before I set eyes on you. Believe it or not, but we were destined to cross paths that day. The grace with which you carried yourself captivated me. And your beauty. Oh, your beauty. It stunned me. The fact that you rocked short hair with a nice haircut, and wore no makeup but still stood out like a true queen was what held me transfixed.

After church service, you should see me rushing to come and talk to you. Only to find that you were gone. Why didn’t you stick around a little longer that day? The way I felt that day, I imagine that is how Moses must have felt when he saw Canaan but couldn’t step foot there. I was heartbroken. However, I told myself, “I will meet her again. I won’t miss any service until I do.” The next Sunday came but you didn’t. Still, I didn’t lose hope.

Your face was imprinted in my mind. From 2022 right through 2023, I didn’t give up hope of seeing you again. If I knew your name, I would have gone around asking after you. I didn’t, so my only hope was to stumble upon you on another fateful Sunday. By the time 2024 began, I had become used to going to church every Sunday. Even when the circumstances didn’t favour me, I still made it.

I remember that Sunday in February 2024, I was on my way to church as usual when I got a flat tyre. I was so frustrated, my dear, because I didn’t want to be late for church. After many grunts and intense physical exertion, I fixed the tyre and drove speedily to church. As I was about to enter the chapel, I saw a lady walking towards me. Imagine my shock when I saw that it was you. It was a delight to behold your beauty once again, after searching and pining after you for almost two years. And like the graceful woman you are, you smiled sweetly and walked past me.

At that moment, I said a little prayer; “God, thank you for the flat tyre. Your ways are indeed not our ways.” God went the extra mile for me here when the ushers sat us next to each other. My heart was so filled with gratitude, knowing you wouldn’t slip out of my grasp this time around. I know I appeared calm but I was giddy with excitement when we started talking. We were in church but those moments we stole to have little conversations were worth it.

When you mentioned your name to me, I caressed it gently with my tongue lest I mispronounce it, “Norkor. Norkor. Norkor.” I don’t know what it means but I know it is a name fit for a queen. I asked you to give me your number but you were reluctant. I had to promise, “I won’t disturb you with calls. I just want to know you.” It was only after that that you agreed. That was when I realized that you were protecting yourself from something. I sensed the wall you built but I am a patient man.

I had hope when I reached out to you after church and the conversation flowed as if we never left each other’s presence. We’ve had many interesting conversations since that day. That’s how I knew you are a reader here on this page too. One of the things we have in common. I am not saying this to flatter you but you have shown me the care and kindness in all my relationship life. To think that we are just friends.

READ ALSO: My Life Has Never Been The Same Since I Saw My Boyfriend And His Best Friend In Bed

I fell very ill early in March. Unfortunately, I live alone so I had no one to take care of me. Norkor, although you were at a distance, you came through for me in every way possible. You checked up on me regularly to ensure I took my medication. You didn’t just ask me to eat, you sent me soup via a dispatch rider. I honestly didn’t expect all this from you. Once again, thank you for your kindness. I am truly grateful.

Norkor, I have had my fair share of heartbreaks and disappointments when it comes to romantic relationships. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I am perfect but  I believe I give my best when it comes to relationships. It’s just unfortunate that my best was not enough to protect me from hurt. But all that is in my past now. It’s been two amazing months of knowing you. And the good lord knows I will be delighted to know you on a deeper level.

However, I keep hitting the wall you’ve erected around you. If the wall was thin, I would have held on to a shred of hope that I have a chance with you. However, this wall you’ve erected is so thick. I want to know your story but you are not ready to tell it. I understand. Some things take time to unravel. If whatever you’ve been through in the past is one of those things, then I want you to understand that I am a patient man. I waited for two years to see you again. What’s a little more to get to know all of you?

My dear, while I wait. I want you to know that you can bring down your walls around me. I am a safe space. And I hope to prove it to you in time.

Sincerely,

—Gerald

If you have a compelling story to share with us, you can email it to us at [email protected] or send us a voice note on WhatsApp number 0593290182.

#SB