Escape and Epiphany

In a two–part letter following the life of a Nigerian woman, Omobolanle Ayo–Vaughn, readers are transported to emotions for fictional characters who embody the lives of ordinary human beings. "Part 1: I'm Not Sorry" is a breakup letter depicting the life of newly aged Omobolanle, who moves to the States from Nigeria with expectations of getting a better education. Still, upon starting her new life in college, she meets a young man who remains unnamed, recounting trivial parts of their relationship, giving insight into her background and familial experiences. When tragedy hits, she breaks up with him in a letter and decides to run for her life. Ten years later, Omobolanle reappears as a thirty–year–old woman. "Is Sorry Enough?" shows the growth of Omobolanle and her newly found devotion to God. In this letter, she expresses to her new lover how he exceeded her expectations but begs for forgiveness as she self–sabotaged their stable relationship. She explores paradigms and patterns formed in her life, even dating back to when her parents met. Will he forgive her and take her back? In this journey of self–realization, this coming–of–age story includes themes of race, socioeconomic status, friendship, patriotism, love, and God.

-- Mofiyinfoluwa Shobogun