Letting Go

Don’t let go. Never. Please don’t leave me. I’m right here. Please. No. I love you. I love you enough. I love why it No. No. No. Come back. Please come back. You promised me forever.

You promised. You promised me forever. You know what scares me? Nothing scares you. You’re the strongest woman I know. I’m serious. Okay, tell me. I’m scared of being this happy. Why would happiness scare you? Because every beautiful thing eventually ends. Not everything. Most things do.

Then we’ll be the exception. Promise me something. Anything. If life ever gives you a choice between saving yourself and saving me, don’t. No, don’t. Just answer. What kind of question is that? My dad ever asked me to choose. Can’t keep his mind on you. Oh yes. He give up all his comforts just to see why I don’t ask you serious questions.

Cuz I’m hopelessly in love with you. You really are very badly. I noticed. Oh god. Don’t panic. You’re proposing again. Maybe you proposed last month and I’ll keep proposing until the wedding. Normal people propose once. I’m not normal. Clearly. What if you change your mind? Never.

When a man loves a woman can’t keep his mind else relieved. Whoa. Careful. I’m okay. Come back this way. Fine. Anna on help me. Hold on. Please. Look at me. Yes, you can. Don’t let go. Never. Please don’t leave me. I’m right here. Please.

No. I love you. I love you. I love why. Please, please, please save it. No. No. No. Come back. Please come back. You promised me forever. You promised. You promised me forever. You promised. You

gather here today with heavy hearts to celebrate a life that ended too soon. He was a man of faith, a pillar of this community. May he find eternal rest in God’s embrace. Though death separates us physically, love never dies. It remains. Has she cried at all? Not once. I’m worried. My son, my only son.

Why did you leave me? Ada, you need to let it out, please. My God, to thee. Near to thee. You said we grow old together. You lied. This Oh, God. Please stop. Wake up. Enough. This joke isn’t funny anymore. You hate being late.

You wouldn’t miss your own wedding. So wake up, I’m here. Look at me. I’m here. Please, please answer me. Ona, please don’t leave me. [gasps and laughter] Cry. My my daughter. Cry. Don’t keep it inside. You promised forever. You promised. You promised.

I will not do that. HE IS NOT DEAD. HE WILL COME BACK. ABU, I will wait for you my love. I know you’re not hungry, but I still made your favorite. You always complained about my cooking.

Now nobody complains. Everybody says I should move on. How? Tell me how they all went home and left me here alone. It still smells like you. Don’t disappear. Please. When last did you eat properly? I’m fine.

No, you’re not. We’ve been taking turns checking on you. You’re disappearing. I’m right here. I’m I’m breathing. That’s not living. It’s enough. Ona loved life. He wouldn’t want this. Stop, Ada. Stop telling me what Ona would want. He’s not here. You’re here. I’m here, but he’s not. The crulest part of grief is that the world keeps moving while your heart stays behind.

[laughter and gasps] That’s Adah Nuosu, the CEO. Yes, she always comes alone. Tonight is a celebration of love, success, and gratitude. Please enjoy yourselves. You danced terribly. And you still married me. True. You always hide in corners. Ona,

no. No, you can’t be here. Then why can you see me? I miss you. I know. Every day. I know. Dance with me. I thought I’d never dance again. You dance with me every day. I keep waiting for you. Why? Because you promised forever. Are you angry with me? For what? For still being here? No.

I don’t want anybody else. I want you. I mean it. If love was enough, you would still be alive. That’s not how life works. Who is she dancing with? Nobody. Oh god. Ada, don’t interrupt us. Ada, look at me. He’s right there. Nobody is there. No, no.

He He was here. Ona, where are you? Come back. Please. This is one. I want one more bit. I’m here. I want him. I still belong to him. Come on. Good morning, Ma. Morning. You beat everybody again. At least work doesn’t leave. Okay, Mom. We’ll come.

You’ve been here since dawn. There’s a lot to do. There’s always a lot to do. You still keep his picture. Of course, it’s been over a year. So, I just get my schedule for the day. Okay, Ma. Ma, everybody has gone home. I’m aware. It’s almost midnight. So, Ma, you should go home. I’m not leaving. Ma, please go home. Leave it on my desk.

I’ll sign it in the morning. When last did you take a day off? I don’t remember. Exactly. Good night, Shoma. Okay. Good night, Ma. Good night, Chuma. You see, everybody leaves eventually, but you’re still here. Today would have been our anniversary. We were supposed to be planning children, not funerals.

You robbed me. You let me. You promised you wouldn’t. No, we’re not doing this for night. We work. My cousin is getting married. Congratulations to her. You’re coming. No, that wasn’t a request. I don’t do weddings. It’s been 2 years. I said no. You can’t keep a void in life. I am living. No, you’re hiding. Do you know what hiding feels like, Ada? Then don’t tell me what I’m doing.

I’m not your enemy. I’m trying to save you. Then stop forcing me to remember what I lost. The wedding is Saturday. I’m not coming. You are. We’ll see. LET’S CELEBRATE LOVE TONIGHT. I love you forever. Forever. Forever. Forever. Beautiful bride. You came.

I told you I would. You took long enough. You look nervous. I’ve never been married before. I missed your laugh. I never stopped laughing. You did. I waited for you. I know. I still wait. How long? What? How long will you keep waiting? until I see you again forever. Ada,

where is he? Oh, it happened again. Yes, it felt real. I don’t want memories anymore. I want him. People say memories are enough. They only say that because they’ve never buried the person they needed. I have news. Me, too. Same here. My husband got transferred to Lagos.

 We’re moving to Port Harpa and I’m relocating to London. All of you? Yes. Oh, that’s good. I’m happy for you. Please don’t look at us like we’re abandoning you. We’re not. You are. Maybe a little. We’ve spent 3 years trying to keep you afloat. I know. And we’ll still be here from different cities.

  Do you know what I think? What? I think Ona would be angry with all of us. Why? For letting you stop living. Everybody keeps saying that. Everybody. But Oneka isn’t here to tell me himself. Then what if he already has? What does that mean? In your dreams. I don’t want to talk about my dreams.

Why? Because waking up hurts. The hardest part isn’t losing someone. It’s waking up every morning and losing the marble again. We love you. Don’t shut everybody out. Promise us. I’ll try. What if I don’t know how? Then learn without him. Yes. I’m going to miss you. You’ll be back. I hope so. Promise me something.

 What? Give life another chance. You all have the same script because we’re all worried. I’m fine. No, I’m scared you’re disappearing. I’m standing right here. That’s exactly what scares me. I love you. I love you, too. Please don’t become a ghost. Final boarding call for flight. It’s just us again.

Just us. Everybody left like you. No. I’m sorry. You didn’t leave. You died. I hate this. I hate this life. I hate being alone. What? No, not again. Hello, Haydah. Ona.

Oh god. Ona. On don’t leave. Please don’t leave. You look tired. I am. Why? Because you’re gone. You have to wake up. No. No. Don’t say that. You have to. I don’t want to. You deserve happiness. Not without you. Especially without me. I can’t. You can. I can’t. No.

No. Stay. Wake up, Ada. Wake up on. I miss you. Today’s business leader of the year award goes to Ada No. You have three meetings today. Make it four. You need rest. No, my dear. I don’t.

Good morning. Let’s get to work. An extraordinary woman, a visionary leader. Please welcome Adaen Wu. Would you like to say a few words? Success is strange. It gives you everything and sometimes takes away the only thing you ever wanted.

This award is dedicated to someone who believed in me before I believed in myself. His name was on. Hi. She is gorgeous. Forget it. She never dates. Congratulations. Thank you. You looked uncomfortable on stage. I was good. Good. Real people get uncomfortable. Interesting theory.

David Admy. I know who you are. That sounded dangerous. It wasn’t meant to. That’s the first smile tonight. You’re observant. I make a living observing opportunities. Dinner tomorrow. No. Saturday? No. Next week? No. Most people pretend to think about it. I prefer efficiency.

 So, that’s a permanent no. Very permanent. We’ll see. No, we definitely will. When a man loves a woman, another delivery. Can’t keep his mind on nothing else. Oh, yes. He’d give up all his comforts just to hold her near. persistent. He’s handsome. Not relevant. Rich, still not relevant.

Single. Chioma. Okay. But when was your last date? Exactly. you came. I don’t know why. I’ll take that as progress. So, tell me about yourself. I work. That’s not a personality. It’s most of my life. Who broke your heart? He didn’t break it. What happened? He died. I’m sorry. So am I.

You know something? What? You spend too much time being serious. I run companies. Exactly my point. When last did you do something completely irresponsible? I don’t do irresponsible. That’s tragic. There she is. Who? A woman hiding behind all those board meetings.

She’s gone. No, she’s just scared. Your dinner. I finally figured out your favorite meal. You did? Of course. Impressive. What happened? Nothing. Ona used to order this. I’m sorry. You don’t have to apologize. Does everything remind you of him? Almost everything and me.

What about you? Do I remind you of him, too? I understand. No, I understand. Beautiful, right? Agree. It almost feels unreal. Ada, sorry. I’m here. Where did you go? Nowhere. You disappeared. The last beach vacation I took was with him.

Sometimes I feel like I’m dating three people. What? You, your grief, and Ona, I can’t compete with a ghost, Ada. Ghosts never disappoint anybody. I never asked you to compete. Then stop comparing. Welcome home. Home. That’s the idea. Look at us normal people. Softy, I love you.

Ada, I’m sorry. I didn’t ask for an apology. The last person who said that was on. Yes, of course. I love a woman whose heart still belongs to somebody else. I don’t know how to stop. I know. And that’s what scares me.

Ada, you’re not going to believe what happened today. Ada, where are you? Why is this always happening? Welcome home. That’s it. What? I just closed the biggest deal of my career. Oh, just Oh, I’m sorry. Stop apologizing. Do you know what hurts? What? I’m here, but you never really see me.

That’s not true. It is. I’ve spent almost 2 years proving I love you. And somehow he still wins. This isn’t a competition. It feels like one. You still smile when you talk about him. You still cry when you remember him. You still love him. Answer me. Yes, I still miss him. And there it is. I’ve spent 2 years trying to become

enough and I never will be. How do you build a future with someone who’s still living in yesterday? I tried. I know. I really tried. That’s the tragedy. I love you. That’s why I have to leave. No. Ayah. I deserve to be loved completely,

not partially. And you deserve peace. But I’m not the man who can give it to you, David. Everybody found happiness except me. Good morning beautiful. Hello Ada. My name is Acha Hassan. A mutual friend gave me your number.

Not again. Don’t bother. She’ll reject you. I don’t think so. Adonasu, that’s me. You’re even more intimidating in person. That’s better. What is that smile? Would dinner be too ambitious? Probably. What about coffee? still ambitious. So, you’re saying there’s a chance? Maybe.

You know what’s funny? What? You smiled more this month than you did all of last year. That’s impossible. You’ve made me so happy. And you? Me? You’re getting better at what? being present. I think you’re helping. I know I am. I haven’t done something this silly in years. You’re welcome.

Don’t get used to gratitude. I could get used to this. To what? Us. Us. Careful. Why? Feelings can be dangerous. Only if they’re one-sided. I have a question. That sounds dangerous. It probably is. Do you trust me? Yes. Completely? I think so. Then tell me the truth about what are you falling for me? Acca

answer. Yes. Say it again. No, please. Yes. Again. You’re impossible. Yes. Let’s celebrate love. WHAT? NO. MY GOD. What are you thinking about? Nothing. You look beautiful.

Ona, I miss you. I know so much. Please don’t go. Please don’t go. Ida, where is he? No, not again. How often? What? How often does this happen? Sometimes.

Sometimes you’re still waiting for him. I thought I was helping you heal. I didn’t realize I was helping you wait. Please don’t do this. You I love you, but every time you look at me, you’re searching for me. I’m trying. I know. And that’s why why this hurts because you really are trying. But grief

is still winning. Two good men. Two. I’m done. I won’t hurt anybody else. No more dating. No more love. Now I have chances. It’s just you and me now. Ha. Business icon Adi Nou has once again been named among Nigeria’s most influential entrepreneurs. Your interview starts in 10 minutes. Good. Your award ceremony is tonight.

Fine. Will you attend? Maybe. And Mr. Bellow called again. Tell him no. I already did. He should believe you. He said he’d keep trying. Then he’s wasting his time. Good evening. No, just one moment. I’m not interested. You don’t even know what I was going to say.

I do. What was it? Dinner. Okay, that was impressive. Thank you. So, dinner? No. Coffee? No. Breakfast? No. You’re impossible. I’ve heard that before. One conversation. No. 5 minutes. No. 1 minute. 60 seconds. Fine. You agreed. Congratulations.

  I know about Onaka. Then you know why this won’t work. Actually, I think that’s exactly why it might. What does that mean? It means I’m not trying to replace him. I can’t compete with a memory. I wouldn’t even try. Most men do. Most men lose. You’re different. Thank you. You should laugh more.

You should talk less. Never. I love this. Me, too. Focus. I’m trying. No, you’re overthinking. Maybe you’re right. Frame that sentence. I think you’re happy. I think you are. I don’t know. We’ve been together almost a year. I know. And I’d like forever a No. No.

After all this time, I thought I was better. So did I. I love you. I know. That’s the problem. You love me with your heart, Ada. But you still love him with your soul. Three good men and everybody went with him. Enough. I’m done. No more love. No more men. No more chances.

Business mogul Adai Nosu has announced the expansion of her foundation into three additional states. You have six meetings today. Good. You’re smiling. I am. I’m tired. Maybe you’re happy. Let’s not get carried away. Any plans this weekend? No. Date? No. Vacation? No.

You’ve been single for years. Exactly. And that’s healthy. It is for me. Some people get one great love. I already had mine. I stopped looking for another love when I realized I was lucky enough to experience one. Thank you for coming. It’s a beautiful event. Whoa. Easy there, superhero. Next time maybe try flying lower.

You must be Adon Wu and you must be very brave. Why walking up to strangers confidently? I practiced on children first. Good. What? That laugh. Not this again. What again? The flirting. You heard me. Oh, Ada. I

wasn’t flirting. You weren’t? No, I was distracting you. Why? You looked sad. That’s a strange thing to say. It’s a true thing. No. Good morning. Are you following me? I’ve been sitting here for 2 hours. Convenient. The usual, please. You have a usual. I come here often.

Everybody has a usual. I don’t. That’s concerning. So, so what? This is less sad than last time. Do you always say whatever you’re thinking? almost always. That sounds dangerous. It saves my time. I disagree. I know dinner. No. Coffee. No. Breakfast. No walk.

No, you you don’t understand. Then explain. I don’t date anymore. Why? Because people get hurt. It’s fine. I’m tired of hurting people. Fair enough. See you next week. What? You’re interesting. You don’t even know me. I think that’s the exciting part. No.

Yes. This is getting suspicious. I like books. So do millions of people. Then maybe Abuja is smaller than we think. You are impossible. I’ve been told. You’re definitely following me. I was here first. You rehearsed that a little progress. What? You didn’t run away.

  Don’t get excited. Too late. I guess so. Ready to pay? You know this isn’t a date. I know. Good. Because I’d leave. We’re just two people talking. That’s surprisingly refreshing. When last did you have a friend? What kind of question is that? A good one. Years.

That’s sad. I know. I missed having one, too. You Everybody loses people. Tell me about him. No. Okay. His name was Oneka. He was my best friend, my safe place, my home. When he smiled, the world made sense. And then one day, he was gone. Everybody says, “Move on.” Like it’s a switch.

They’re wrong. You don’t move on. You move forward. Real love never leaves. The goal isn’t to forget. The goal is somehow to carry it without letting it crush you. What I would never There she is. Who? The real Ada that’s what ona used to say. Oh, I’m sorry. Stop apologizing. Do you know something? I hate him.

What? Not because of who he was, because he never leaves. I walk into every room and somehow he’s already there and I’m tired. Are you leaving? I don’t know. Please. I love you. And that scares me because I can feel myself becoming another man who loses to a memory. I don’t talk too much.

Then fight for us. Not me, us. I don’t know how. Then let’s learn. How are you feeling today? Like I’d rather be anywhere else. Good. Good. Honesty is a good place to start. This was his idea. It was traitor. [crying and snorts] When Onyeka died, what did you lose? Everything.

Everything. Everything. my future, my family, my happiness. And who told you that? What? Who told you your life ended with his? No. Then why have you spent 15 years living as if it did? Grief is love with nowhere to go. Healing is teaching that love a new direction. What happened that day? I told you. No, you told me facts.

  I want the truth. It should have been me. He jumped me because of me. He died because of me. If I hadn’t slipped, if I hadn’t gone near the water, he’d still be alive. I don’t. Did Ona choose to save you? Yes. Or did you force him? No. Then why are you serving a life sentence for a decision he made out of love? Because I don’t know how to forgive myself.

You stubborn woman. I wish you could see yourself the way I do. You’re worth fighting for. Write him a letter. I can’t. Dear on, I’m so angry you left me. I know it wasn’t your fault, but I’m still angry. I missed weddings. I miss birthdays. I miss life. And I think I use missing you as an excuse because if if I heal up,

I thought it meant I’d lose you. I confused healing with betrayal. I thought smiling again meant loving you less. What do you think on for you to live? He gave his life trying to save one and I stopped living. I’ve been honoring his death instead of honoring his love. Now we’re finally beginning.

You always love this place on I’ve missed you. I know so much every single day. I know. I’m sorry. For what? [bell and music] For surviving. That’s what you’ve been carrying. It should have been me. It should have been me. No. I ruined everything. You didn’t ruin anything. I saved the woman I loved.

 I would do it again. Even knowing what would happen every single time. I don’t know how to let you go. Then don’t. I’m already here. You don’t have to lose me to live again. You carried my memory. Now carry my love. I will. I’m scared. Letting go isn’t leaving me behind, Adah.

  It’s taking the love with you and finally moving forward. I’m still scared. I know, but he’s waiting. I love you. I know. And that’s why I’m asking asking you to go. Thank you for loving me. Live. Goodbye. I’ll always love you, but it’s time.

Ada, I choose you. What? I choose life. I choose happiness. And I choose you. You have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear that. Ask her. All right. All right. I will. Oh, Chike. You already chose me. But I’d still like to ask. Oh, yes. He’d give up all his comforts just to hold her near.

 Will you marry me? Yes. Yes. Yes. Some loves teach you how to dream, others teach you how to live. I was blessed enough to experience both. When a man loves a woman, can’t keep his

mind on nothing else. Oh yes. He’d give up all his comforts just to hold her