On June 14th, 2023, about six months into my new job, I went out for lunch at a fast food joint, a short walk from the office. After chatting briefly with the chef, I ordered noodles and egg. While waiting, a young man in a guard’s uniform from a nearby plaza joined us. A few minutes later, without warning, a car crashed into us, reversing into the spot where we were sitting. Inside the car was a woman, and her baby. The impact was quick, like something out of a movie.
I was initially shocked; but once I realized I was still breathing, I managed to get up. I soon felt a consuming pain in my right leg. The chef was unharmed, but the young man was severely injured when the car pushed him into the plaza wall. He passed away the next day from internal bleeding.

I spent two months recovering from my injuries. The recovery process was mind wrecking for me. However, the support from my manager, family, girlfriend, and friends, kept me going. In the end, I returned to work, thankful for my survival and the care I received.
I’ll never forget how close I came to losing everything.

Author’s Biography

Ojonugwa John Attah is a Nigerian poet, street and nature phone photographer, and educational collaborator. His writings have appeared online and in print. He has also won some awards for his writing and photography.