Letters To My Love

Chapter Three: Apart But Connected

Life was never a smooth ride. While the world has often been described as not being a bed of roses, it can indeed be seen as one. Roses, with their delicate petals, spoke of love and beauty, while their thorns hinted at the inevitable pain and suffering. This duality of roses symbolised the world’s complex tapestry—full of both beauty and hardship.

For Uremma and Obinna, this metaphor felt especially true. Even though their journey together was marked by challenges and periods of separation, their love remained steadfast. The ups and downs they faced were akin to the thorns among the roses—difficult but part of the same beautiful experience. The distance between them sometimes felt unbearable, and their longing for each other grew more intense with each passing day. However, their letters provided a lifeline, a means to stay connected and hopeful. Through their written words, they found solace and encouragement, reinforcing their belief in one another and in the strength of their love. Despite the hardships, the beauty of their bond remained as vibrant and enduring as a bed of roses.

Uremma’s Letter:

Dear Obinna,

Today was a tiring day. The distance between us feels like a tall mountain, and I wish I could just reach out and hold you even if it’s just for a moment. But then I read your letters, and they give me strength. Your words are my lifeline, and I cling to them tightly, for they lift me out of my stress and fatigue.

I keep dreaming of the day when we’ll be together again, walking hand in hand, and sharing our dreams and fears. Until then, I’ll keep writing, pouring my heart into these letters, knowing that our love can withstand any obstacle.

Forever yours,

Uremma.

Uremma’s days were filled with work and routine, but she felt that something was really missing. The absence of Obinna was the reason. The nights were the hardest for her, as she yearned for Obinna, his cuddling and kisses. To cope with her longing, Uremma poured her emotions into her art. She painted beautiful scenes of their memories, including the joyful moments they shared, like their horseback rides and their first kiss under the rain. One of her most cherished paintings depicted them as children, running freely and naked in the rain during a school break, their laughter and sense of freedom captured in vivid colours.

Each brushstroke was a reflection of her longing and love, capturing the essence of their shared past and the depth of her emotions. But even as she poured her heart into these paintings, she found comfort in their letters, which became her solace. The words they shared and the promises they made to each other provided a sense of closeness and hope. Through her art and their letters, she managed to keep the flame of their love burning brightly despite the distance between them.

Obinna, too, found the separation difficult. He often stayed up late, reading and re-reading Uremma’s letters, finding strength in her undying love. He wrote to her about his days in the company where he worked, the moments that made him think of her, and the dreams he had for their future. He described how he envisioned a cosy study where Uremma could paint, surrounded by the beauty of their garden, a space that would inspire her creativity and reflect the warmth of their bond. Obinna also wrote about the little things that reminded him of her, like the scent of hibiscus that brought back memories of their romantic walks and the songs that played on the radio, making him long for the day they could dance together again. His letters were filled with both big dreams and small, tender moments, creating a mosaic of love and hope that kept them connected despite the miles between them.

Obinna’s Letter:

Dear Uremma,

I miss you more with each passing moment. The nights are the hardest. Each night, I lie awake, wishing you were here beside me. I long to stroke your long, flowing hair. Your face and form are ravishing; your eyes sparkle like stars at night, and your smile glows like fireflies, illuminating the dark with their soft, enchanting light. I feel your absence most at night, and despite the heat of the night, I feel cold like a fish in a fridge, but your letters make me believe that the distance we share now is temporary, and it warms me.

I think about our future a lot. I imagine us living in a beautiful house with a garden full of flowers you love, a pond filled with white ducks, and the sound of our children’s laughter mingling with the bouncing ball which they played in our small football field. I see us growing old together, sharing our lives, our joys, and our sorrows. This thought keeps me going, knowing that every day brings us closer to that dream.

With all my love,

Obinna.

Their letters served as a refuge, a place where they could express their deepest fears and greatest hopes. Each word was a loving caress, a promise, a vow to stay strong and hold on to the love that bound them together despite the distance.

 

Letters To My Love

Chapter Two: Memories

Weeks flew by as Uremma and Obinna exchanged letters, each one a piece of their soul, filled with childhood memories and dreams of their future together. They looked back on their early adventures of hunting squirrels and lizards in their school compound, climbing the ube tree during breaks, throwing sticks at the fruits, and even swimming in the small pool that gathered at the gate whenever it rained. They laughed over shared memories of building makeshift rafts from old planks and sailing them in the nearby stream, or pretending to be pirates as they explored the expansive fields behind their houses. They recounted tales of playing hopscotch with stones, flying kites until the sun dipped below the horizon, and sharing secrets in their special hiding place behind Obinna’s family’s barn, a cosy spot surrounded by tall elephant grass where no one could see them.

They recalled the joy of having picnic parties in their schoolyard, where they would pretend to be royalty and serve each other imaginary feasts, and the fun of building giant castles out of clay and sticks, transforming their backyards into magical kingdoms. They also reminisced about the sheer delight of playing tag with their friends, hiding behind trees and laughing until their sides ached, and the fun of organising friendly soccer matches with improvised goalposts.

A particular memory surfaced: long afternoons spent sitting beneath the shade of a sprawling mango tree, their world filled with the sound of birdsong and the gentle rustling of leaves. With eyes closed, they would imagine faraway lands, their minds soaring like the kites they loved to fly. In these tranquil moments, they decided to try crafting their own simple flutes from bamboo stalks after seeing flutes being played at village festivals. The sweet, melodious tunes they produced transported them to realms of wonder and imagination. Their fingers deftly moved over the flutes, filling their little world with a sense of peace and happiness.

They also fondly recalled their inventive games with cans and wires. Fashioning these simple materials into DIY phones, they pretended to have long-distance conversations. Their laughter echoed through the air as they walked far apart, speaking into their improvised devices and pretending to hear each other’s voices.

One vivid memory stood out—the afternoon rain that had enveloped them one day. As the sky darkened and the first gentle drops began to fall, Uremma and Obinna felt an irresistible pull. The rain, at first light and refreshing, soon turned into a steady downpour. They exchanged a mischievous glance, the kind that needed no words, and without hesitation, they pulled off their dresses, leaving them in just their undergarments. With a shared laugh, they dashed out into the open, the cool droplets splashing against their skin.

As they ran through the rain, they felt an exhilarating sense of freedom and joy, the water pooling around their feet as they danced and splashed. Their laughter echoed through the air, mingling with the sound of the rain. It was a moment of innocence and playful abandon, where the world seemed to stand still, leaving only the thrill of the rain and the happiness they shared. Oblivious to everything around them, they were completely lost in the moment, their hearts swelling with pure delight. The rain felt like a refreshing embrace, washing away all their worries and leaving behind only the simplicity of their untroubled childhood.

They vividly remembered the moment their Mathematics teacher caught them, drenched and still laughing. Faces flushed with excitement, they tried to play innocent, pretending that their laughter was merely the result of a mosquito bite. The way they both tried to hide their tears, only to be scolded even more for looking like they were about to cry, became a cherished memory that still made them smile. Even as they stood before their teacher that day, their faces the perfect picture of feigned innocence, the joy of their rainy adventure still twinkled in their eyes, impossible to conceal.

Their letters were filled with more memories: They reminisced about the excitement of attending village festivals with their families and the challenge of solving complex riddles posed by their elders. They shared stories of playing whot and ten-ten, and participating in local wrestling matches and races with other children. They remembered making and flying paper planes, building sandcastles by the riverbank, catching grasshoppers in the tall grass, and the joy of gathering around bonfires to listen to folktales told by their grandmothers. They fondly recalled vibrant market days when colourful Ankara fabrics were displayed, transforming the market into a sea of bright patterns and designs. Watching the skilled tailors turn these fabrics into beautiful outfits was a mesmerising experience that filled them with awe and admiration. They also shared their hopes for what lay ahead, cherishing the bond that grew stronger with each written word. As children, they had often dreamed together—Uremma aspired to become a renowned artist, and Obinna aimed to be a successful engineer. Now, they wrote about how they had achieved those childhood dreams, Uremma with her beautiful paintings celebrated far and wide, and Obinna with his innovative engineering projects making a difference.

Through their letters, they encouraged each other to continue pursuing new heights, envisioning a future where their achievements would continue to intertwine, creating a life filled with love, peace, creativity, and success.

Obinna’s Reply:

My dearest Uremma,

My love, your letter was a breath of fresh air, bringing warmth to my stressful days. Life here is busy, but the thought of you gives me the strength to carry on each day. I wish I could create teleportation technology that would let me be with you every minute, as I miss your touch, your warm embrace, your fresh breath which smells sweetly like blooming roses. Know that you are always in my thoughts, and I can’t wait to hold you in my arms again.

Don’t forget to paint a picture of us running naked in the rain one afternoon during break, swimming in the water as it poured. I still laugh remembering how we both tried to play innocent when our Mathematics teacher caught us. Remember how we tried to hide our tears, only for him to scold us even more for looking like we were about to cry over a mosquito bite? Oh, the way we both pretended to be brave, while secretly wiping away tears, was something to behold!

With all my love and a few good chuckles,

Obinna.

Their letters brought their shared past to life with vivid imagery. Uremma often recounted their horseback rides, quiet nights spent watching the stars, catching fireflies that glowed like tiny lanterns in the night, and picturesque road trips. One evening, dressed in a colourful Ankara dress with matching Ankara pumps and a beautiful Ankara handbag beside her, she sat by the beach to write another letter, recalling a particularly special day.

Uremma’s Letter:

Dear Obinna,

Do you remember our first ride on your uncle’s horse? My face glowed with glee in the moonlight as we mounted the white horse. Even when your uncle asked us not to go anywhere, we didn’t listen. We galloped off into the darkness for an evening ride. As we rode, I held your waist tightly, the wind sweeping my hair into a tangle.

I was a little cold, but it felt wonderful after being busy all day. I was exhilarated by the thrill of the speed. As we weaved into the bend, my hands on your waist, a cheek against your back, I felt on top of the world. We halted to rest in a grassy meadow along a bubbling, rushing stream. That day was supposed to be a casual evening ride, but the skies had other plans. We dismounted as soon as it started drizzling and let the horse drink from the cool water. Hand in hand, we walked to a large udara tree on the bank of the stream for shelter. Sitting beneath the branches, we gazed into each other’s eyes. The moonlight created an enchanting atmosphere. It was there, under the canopy of leaves and the rhythm of the raindrops, that you kissed me for the first time.

The magnetic force of our love had drawn our lips together. That kiss, Obinna, is engraved in my memory. It was sweet, unexpected, and perfect in every way. Even now, thinking about it brings a smile to my face and warmth to my heart. Moments like these will always remain rooted in my mind, as I will always want to drink from your sweet kisses for the rest of my life.

Yours forever,

Uremma.

Each letter became a cherished moment of their love story. As they reflected on the past, they also dreamed of a future filled with laughter, love, and shared adventures. They envisioned a life where their hearts remained intertwined, creating new memories together. They imagined sharing Sundays filled with the delicious aroma of jollof rice, fried plantains, and spicy stew wafting through their home, cooking together in the kitchen, playfully stealing tastes from the pot. They saw themselves sitting side by side on the veranda, enjoying the cool evening breeze while savouring their homemade meals.

They pictured themselves playing games, laughing loudly as they competed in Ludo and other board games. They imagined dancing to their favourite Afrobeat songs in the living room, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. They saw themselves taking evening strolls, holding hands, and stopping by roadside suya spots to enjoy spicy meat together, the warmth of the moment filling their hearts. Their letters were not just a reflection of their past but a promise of a future where love, joy, and togetherness would fill their days, creating a life that was as lively and full of love as their cherished Nigerian culture.

 

Letters To My Love

Chapter One: A Walk in the Park

The last rays of sunlight painted the sky in shades of orange and pink, casting a warm glow on everything they touched. Uremma felt restless in her soul, yearning for fresh air and open space. So, she grabbed her small white handbag, which swung gently at her side. A gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of grilling suya, stirring Uremma’s hair as she strolled towards the park. She unwrapped her strawberry lollipop, its sweet aroma filling the air, and the taste bursting like sunshine on her tongue.

Her floral pink dress fluttered around her, and her long, dark hair cascaded down her back like a luxurious waterfall. As she entered the park, she noticed benches scattered here and there, some occupied by couples and others by solitary figures lost in thought. It seemed that more benches had been added to the park. She made her way to her favourite bench by the lake and sat down, watching the birds flit over the shimmering water, their wings catching the sunlight. The scene was serene: children’s laughter filled the air as they chased each other around, their joyful shouts blending with the happy chirping of birds. Nearby, white ducks glided across the water, their movements smooth and graceful as they swam in unison, occasionally dipping their heads to catch a bite, leaving ripples in the water. As she watched the beautiful sight, a sense of peace settled over her.

Relaxing comfortably on the bench, she pulled out her favourite blue fountain pen and a blank sheet of yellow paper. Thoughts of Obinna, her childhood friend turned lover, filled her mind. Obinna, now working as an engineer in Canada, had been a constant presence in her life since they were children. She began to write, her words flowing as effortlessly as the breeze that gently rustled the leaves around her.

First Letter:

Dear Obinna,

As I sit here watching the sun sink slowly beyond the horizon, I can’t help but think of you, my love. Do you remember our first walk to the Green Park? I can almost feel your warmth beside me as we walked through the same park on that first day. The way the birds flew over the water, chirping happily, and the ducks danced sweetly. The sun dappled through the trees, casting playful shadows on the grass. The sound of your laughter, carried on the wind, was like music to my ears. It was that moment I knew that I could never do without you.

Your absence is a void that absolutely no one can fill, but writing to you makes me feel your presence closer to me. As I write to you, it’s as if you’re right here, sitting across from me, for I can hear your laughter and the lovely stories you told that made my heart bloom like beautiful peach petals falling gracefully. Words can’t express how I feel for you, but I hold on because we will be together soon with nothing pulling us apart.

Yours always,

Uremma.

Folding the letter neatly, she placed it into an envelope adorned with blooming flowers at the edges. She addressed it to Obinna, her heart full of longing. Each word she wrote came straight from her heart. It was a reminder of the love they shared.

Letters To My Love

Part 1: Uremma and Obinna 

Letters To My Love

Author’s Note

Letters To My Love captures the beauty of enduring love and the heartfelt emotions expressed through both handwritten letters and digital messages. In our rapidly evolving world, filled with quick messages and digital connections, there’s something uniquely touching about taking the time to express emotions thoughtfully, whether on paper or through screens. Writing love letters gives you the chance to pour out your love, write out your thoughts, using your most flourishing handwriting in the most cherished way known only to you and your love. Everyone has their own love story to write, whether as a letter, story, or even a poem. You just have to pick up your pen or any writing materials to pour them all out in whatever form you like.

This collection features Uremma and Obinna’s fictional tale of enduring love, alongside a glimpse into Night and Richie’s non-fiction love story, which today has grown into endless love, a love so beautiful. Their story includes both heartfelt communications via WhatsApp and traditional letters. Both stories celebrate the art of love in its various forms and remind us of the power and importance of heartfelt communication, whether traditional or modern. Through these stories, I hope to remind you of the lasting power of love and help you appreciate its beauty.

 

Letters To My Love

 

Dedication

To all those who cherish the art of writing love letters and the timeless magic of true love, this story is for you. May it inspire you to believe in the power of words to connect hearts and bridge distances.

Letters To My Love

 

Letters To My Love

 

 

Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu