Ghost Decisions. A book about the dilemma we normally face to choose. Centre the story on a Sierra Leonean student, Sally, who finds herself in choosing the right career path

Sally sat in the dimly lit living room, surrounded by the familiar sounds and smells of her family's home. Her parents, aunts, and uncles had all gathered to discuss her future, their faces filled with a mix of concern and expectation. Her mother, Mrs. Kamara, spoke up first, her voice laced with a hint of urgency. "Sally, you're at a crossroads, and it's time to make a decision. Your father and I have always envisioned you becoming a doctor, just like your uncle. It's a respectable profession, and it will bring you stability and security." Sally's father, Mr. Kamara, nodded in agreement, his eyes fixed on her. "Yes, Sally, it's a good career path. You'll be able to help people and make a difference in our community." Sally felt a surge of anxiety as she listened to her parents' words. She had always been interested in the arts, and the thought of pursuing a career in medicine felt suffocating. She looked around the room, hoping to find some support, but her aunts and uncles seemed to be nodding in agreement with her parents. Her aunt, Mrs. Turay, spoke up, her voice firm but gentle. "Sally, we just want what's best for you. We know you're a smart girl, and we're proud of you. But you need to think about your future, and what will bring you success and happiness." Sally took a deep breath, trying to find the words to express her own desires. "But what about my passion for art?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "I love to draw and paint, and I feel like it's what I'm meant to do." The room fell silent, and Sally's parents exchanged a skeptical glance. Her mother spoke up, her voice softening. "Sally, we know you're talented, but art is not a stable career path. It's unpredictable, and it may not provide you with the security you need." Sally felt a pang of frustration, knowing that her parents didn't understand her passion for art. She looked around the room, feeling like she was being pulled in different directions. Her family's expectations weighed heavily on her, and she didn't know how to reconcile them with her own desires. As the discussion continued, Sally couldn't shake off the feeling that she was being torn apart, her future hanging in the balance.

As the evening wore on, Sally's family continued to discuss her future, their voices rising and falling in a gentle cadence. But Sally's mind had begun to wander, her thoughts drifting to the small studio she had set up in her bedroom, where she spent hours sketching and painting. She remembered the feeling of freedom and joy that came with creating, the way her worries and doubts seemed to melt away as she lost herself in the flow of color and line. But as she looked around the room, she saw the expectant faces of her family, and her heart sank. How could she reconcile her passion for art with their expectations of her becoming a doctor? She felt like she was being pulled in two different directions, her heart and mind torn apart by the conflicting desires. Her uncle, a doctor himself, spoke up, his voice filled with a warm concern. "Sally, I know you're talented, but you have to think about the practicalities. Medicine is a respected profession, and it will give you a sense of security and stability. Art is...unpredictable." Sally felt a surge of frustration, knowing that her uncle didn't understand her passion for art. She wanted to tell him about the way she felt when she was creating, the sense of joy and fulfillment that came with bringing her ideas to life. But she knew that her words would fall on deaf ears, that her family would continue to see art as a hobby, not a viable career path. As the discussion drew to a close, Sally's mother stood up, her eyes filled with a deep concern. "Sally, we just want what's best for you. We know you're a smart girl, and we're proud of you. But you need to think about your future, and what will bring you success and happiness." Sally nodded, feeling a sense of resignation wash over her. She knew that she had a long and difficult road ahead of her, one that would require her to navigate the complex web of her family's expectations and her own desires. As she stood up to leave, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, and for a moment, she saw a stranger staring back at her, a girl torn apart by the conflicting desires of her heart and mind. The room seemed to fade away, and Sally felt herself standing at a crossroads, with two paths stretching out before her. One path was well-lit and straightforward, leading to a career in medicine and a life of stability and security. The other path was shrouded in uncertainty, winding its way through the unpredictable landscape of art. Sally felt a shiver run down her spine as she hesitated, unsure of which path to choose. She knew that she couldn't stay at the crossroads forever, that eventually she would have to make a decision and start walking. But for now, she just stood there, frozen in doubt, as the two paths seemed to beckon her in opposite directions.

Sally sat at the feet of her grandmother, listening intently as she began to tell stories of their ancestors. The old woman's eyes sparkled with a deep wisdom, and her voice was like a gentle breeze on a summer day. "You see, Sally, our people have always been guided by the principles of community and respect for tradition," she said, her hands weaving intricate patterns in the air. "But we have also always encouraged our young people to follow their hearts and pursue their passions." Sally's grandmother paused, studying her face before continuing. "I remember when your uncle was a young man, he too was torn between following in his father's footsteps and pursuing his own dreams. He chose to become a doctor, just like his father, and it has brought him great success and respect in our community." Sally nodded, knowing that her uncle's story was often told as an example of the importance of following tradition. But her grandmother's next words surprised her. "However, I also remember the stories of your great-aunt, who was a talented artist and weaver. She chose to follow her heart and pursue her passion for art, despite the fact that it was not considered a 'respectable' career at the time." Sally's eyes widened with excitement as her grandmother continued. "She became famous throughout the land for her beautiful textiles and carvings, and her work brought joy and beauty to countless people." Sally felt a surge of inspiration and hope as she listened to her grandmother's words. Maybe, just maybe, she could find a way to follow her own heart and pursue her passion for art, without disappointing her family or community. She looked up at her grandmother, who smiled and took her hand. "The choice is yours, Sally. But remember, our ancestors are always guiding us, and their stories can teach us valuable lessons about the importance of following our hearts and respecting our traditions." As Sally listened to her grandmother's tales, she began to feel a sense of clarity and purpose that she had not felt in a long time. She realized that she did not have to choose between her family's expectations and her own desires, but could instead find a way to balance and reconcile them. And with that realization, Sally felt a weight lift off her shoulders, and she knew that she was one step closer to making a decision that would bring her happiness and fulfillment.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the room, Sally's grandmother fell silent, her eyes gazing out the window as if lost in thought. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of birds singing in the distance. Sally sat quietly, absorbing the wisdom and stories her grandmother had shared, feeling the weight of her ancestors' guidance settling upon her. She closed her eyes, allowing the gentle breeze to carry the whispers of her ancestors, their voices weaving together in a soft, soothing melody. "What do you think I should do, Grandma?" Sally asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as if she feared breaking the spell of the moment. Her grandmother's eyes refocused, and she smiled, her face creasing with age and experience. "I think you should listen to your heart, Sally," she said, her voice low and gentle. "You have a gift, a passion that cannot be ignored. But you must also consider the expectations of your family and community. It is a delicate balance, one that requires wisdom and courage." Sally nodded, feeling a sense of determination rising within her. She knew that she had a difficult decision ahead of her, but with the guidance of her ancestors and the wisdom of her grandmother, she felt more confident, more at peace. As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, Sally rose to her feet, her grandmother's hand still clasped in hers. "Thank you, Grandma," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I will listen to my heart, and I will find a way to follow my passion, while still respecting the traditions and expectations of our family and community." Her grandmother's eyes shone with pride and love, and she nodded, her face set in a warm, encouraging smile. "I have no doubt that you will, Sally. You are a strong and brave young woman, and you will make the right decision, one that will bring you happiness and fulfillment." As Sally walked out of the room, she felt the whispers of her ancestors still echoing in her mind, their guidance and wisdom illuminating the path ahead, and she knew that she was one step closer to making a decision that would change the course of her life forever.

Sally sat in her small bedroom, surrounded by the vibrant colors and textures of her artwork, as she pondered the decision that would shape her future. Her grandmother's words of wisdom still lingered in her mind, "Listen to your heart, but also respect the expectations of those around you." She thought about her great-aunt, who had become famous for her textiles and carvings, and how she had balanced her passion for art with the needs of her community. Sally's own passion for art burned brightly within her, but she also knew that her family expected her to become a doctor, just like her uncle. She felt torn, but as she looked around her room, she knew that she couldn't ignore the creative spark that drove her. With a sense of determination, Sally made a decision. She would pursue a career in medicine, but she would also continue to nurture her passion for art. She would find a way to balance both, just as her great-aunt had done. Sally felt a sense of relief wash over her, as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She knew that this decision would not be easy, and that there would be challenges ahead, but she was ready to face them head-on. "I will make this work," she said to herself, her voice filled with conviction. As she stood up and began to pace around her room, Sally felt a sense of excitement and anticipation for the journey that lay ahead. She knew that she would have to work hard to balance her two passions, but she was determined to make it happen. With a newfound sense of purpose, Sally began to make plans for her future, one that would combine her love of art and medicine in a way that would make her family proud, and bring her own sense of fulfillment.

As Sally paced around her room, she felt a sense of energy and purpose that she had not felt in a long time. She began to think about the practical steps she would need to take to pursue her dual passions, and how she would balance her time between studying medicine and nurturing her art. She thought about setting up a small studio in her room, where she could work on her art projects in her spare time. She also thought about seeking out mentors, both in the medical field and in the art world, who could guide her and offer her support and advice. Sally's mind was racing with ideas and possibilities, and she felt a sense of excitement and anticipation for the journey that lay ahead. She knew that it would not be easy, and that there would be challenges and setbacks along the way. But she was determined to make it work, and to prove to herself and to others that she could succeed in both medicine and art. As she stood in front of her desk, looking at the sketches and paintings that covered the walls, Sally felt a sense of pride and ownership. This was her path, and she was ready to embark on it. "I will make this work," she said to herself again, her voice filled with conviction. And with that, Sally began to make plans for her future, a future that would be filled with creativity, purpose, and fulfillment. She would pursue a career in medicine, but she would also continue to nurture her passion for art. She would find a way to balance both, and to make her family proud. As she sat down at her desk, ready to start making plans and taking action, Sally felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over her. She knew that she had made the right decision, and that she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. With a smile on her face, and a sense of hope in her heart, Sally began her new journey, one that would take her to places she had never imagined, and would bring her a sense of fulfillment and happiness that she had always dreamed of.