Growing up in Lusaka, my sister, Grace, had a talent for uncovering the latest news and spreading it faster than wildfire. She was the neighborhood's unofficial news anchor, always ready with a juicy story or an insightful piece of gossip. Her knack for knowing everyone's business was both impressive and, at times, troublesome.
Grace's reputation as a gossiper started in primary school. She had an uncanny ability to gather snippets of conversations, piece them together, and present them with a flair that made her stories irresistible. Whether it was a classmate’s secret crush or a teacher's rumored transfer, Grace knew it all.
One particularly memorable incident happened during our cousin's wedding preparations. Our family was buzzing with excitement, and everyone had tasks to complete. Grace, however, had appointed herself as the wedding correspondent, gathering every piece of news and spreading it around the neighborhood.
A few weeks before the wedding, Grace overheard a heated conversation between our aunt and uncle. The topic? A disagreement about the guest list. By the next morning, the whole neighborhood knew about the argument, thanks to Grace’s detailed recounting. It wasn’t long before exaggerated versions of the story began circulating, causing unnecessary tension within the family.
Our mother, frustrated with the chaos Grace had inadvertently caused, pulled her aside. “Grace, you need to learn to keep some things to yourself. Not everything needs to be shared with the world.”
Grace nodded, but I could tell she was itching to share the next big scoop. Sure enough, she found herself in another whirlwind of gossip just days later. This time, she had discovered that the bride’s dress, which was supposed to be a closely guarded secret, had a minor tear. By the afternoon, everyone from the caterer to the florist knew about the dress mishap.
The climax of Grace’s gossiping ways came on the day of the wedding. As guests mingled and enjoyed the festivities, Grace couldn’t resist sharing one last tidbit she had discovered: the groom had planned a surprise honeymoon destination. The problem was, it was meant to be a surprise for everyone, including the bride.
When the bride overheard Grace excitedly revealing the secret to a group of guests, she was visibly upset. The joyous occasion was momentarily marred by the revelation, and Grace was left feeling guilty and embarrassed.
That evening, as the celebrations continued, our father took Grace aside. He gently but firmly explained the importance of discretion and the impact her words could have on others. “Grace, being in the know is one thing, but respecting people’s privacy is another. Sometimes, the best stories are the ones that remain untold.”
Grace’s face fell as she absorbed his words. She realized the consequences of her actions and vowed to change. It wasn’t easy for her to break the habit, but over time, she learned to be more mindful of what she shared and with whom.
Today, Grace still has her finger on the pulse of the community, but she’s become more discerning about the information she disseminates. She uses her skills to help others, organizing events and keeping people informed about important matters without delving into personal details.
The wedding incident became a turning point for Grace. It taught her the value of discretion and the power of words. While she remains the go-to person for news in Lusaka, she now balances her love for storytelling with a newfound respect for privacy, making her stories all the more meaningful and appreciated.
