I remember those early mornings in PACE - ABSU, even before GINTEX's fowls would crow,still rubbing sleep from my eyes whilst on my way to 'see to one or two things',I'd see Uche walking back to her room in her black t-shirt, white (sometimes yellow)cycling shorts and running shoes(she had obviously been out for a jog)and say to myself..'this girl get energy oo, every morning no matter the weather she'll go and jog'. One evening, I arranged to join her for a run the following morning.I came out all geared and ready to go. We hadn't even gone half a kilometre and I began cursing myself saying, 'follow-follow, who send you' all the while putting up a front any time Uche asked if I was ok. After 5 minutes of 'enduring' my pace Uche said I should meet her at the 'Isuikwuato erosion' and sped off....I was like 'what...this girl dey jog reach that point?!!!' Anyway, before yours truly could even go past the cashew trees, Uche was on her way back. Of cos, I turned round and followed her back to PACE!!! I joined her for subsequent jogs after that morning and with lots of her encouragement I started enjoying them and even getting to the dreaded point where we'd stop and do some sit ups before heading back. Needless to say,I wasn't surprised when I learnt she had become a marathon runner. I remember our trip from school to Uzuakoli for Chidindu Alaukwu's(now Charles-Bekee)traditional wedding. Trust babes and the chaos of getting ready that morning,some people making last minute changes to what they wanted to wear, Nonye Ukagha still posing for pictures when everyone was sat in the bus and screaming at her to get in. Cool,calm and collected Uche, you didn't even make a fuss. I've still got the picture you took with my folks on that day. Uche, what can I say? I'm glad I had an opportunity to 'know' you. You were a lady of few words but your smile and body language spoke volumes. You will be missed by your family and friends but thank God that like me, they'll have memories of you. Rest in peace beautiful one. Chinwe Ekekwe-Osarollor