Momma shouted from the streets, be careful Chima but momma had been shouting all her life and I swear I just wanted to do it for her. I saw the pain and tiredness she carried around daily but all I could do was assist her in selling her small beverages.
Uncle ikenna visited last Christmas and promised to take me with him the next time he was around so I looked forward to December.
Sister chioma hardly visited or called anyone so momma was hoping she’d visit this year alas she did but she wasn’t the same; she looked tired and weary and it was only a matter of days before she passed on. Her death left everyone with shock because she had only been gone for two years.
Momma was scared to let me go but it was my turn to fend for the family so I packed up my things and followed uncle Ikenna back to the city
It was few minutes past 9 when we arrived uncle Ikenna’s house. It was massive, bigger than my expectations; a lot of questions had started creeping in but I held on to them until the following morning when I’d see everyone. I was looking forward to seeing Aunty Ifeoma(uncle Ikenna’s wife)and my little cousins but I was told they travelled. I didn’t totally Understand why Aunty Ifeoma would travel without her husband but it wasn’t my business.
Uncle Ikenna had gone to work before I woke up the following morning so he just left me a note of where to find what I needed. With so much fear and care,I carried on with the house chores at least the ones I knew how to do. By the time I was done,evening was approaching already and I knew uncle Ikenna would be back from work soon so I decided to make him something small out of the little experience I had gotten from momma. I prepared white rice and stew with dried fish hoping uncle Ikenna would like it when he returned from work and maybe he did like it or not,I wouldn’t know because all he said was thank you for the food but next time,don’t bother.
I got bored from always staying at home alone everyday doing absolutely nothing. I began wondering when aunty and the children would come back from their trip. I sorted out to taking walks every evening in the neighborhood since I had not started work or school yet and uncle Ikenna wasn’t saying anything about it. I hoped to make new friends but uncle Ikenna wasn’t happy about me even leaving the house; he said people were envious of him so they said nasty stuff about him and it’ll be unfair for me to mingle with them.
I have always been a curious boy so I sneaked out during his work hours and on this blessed day,I met a young man on the road who knew almost everything about uncle ikenna(but I thought uncle didn’t talk to anyone in this area?) I wasn’t supposed to be mingling but what else was I supposed to do being left alone everyday.
This man was really nice and friendly,always offering me one thing or another to eat but the Nigerian in me is always suspicious to why someone would always offer me food.
Everyday I’d stroll out of the gate and we’d talk about random things happening in the neighborhood; knowing everything about uncle ikenna was what spiced my friendship with him. I was curious to know so much about my uncle.
This my new friend began by describing a very beautiful lady that used to stay in uncles house few months before I arrived. He talked about how hardworking she was and how her beauty was what the talk of every house in the area. Felix also said the last time he saw her was when she took seriously ill. They all stopped seeing her around until now. I knew Felix was describing my sister so i muttered in a low tone,she passed away 2months ago. She was my elder sister. Sister Chioma didn’t look the same as the time she left us when she returned home the last time. We tried our best but nothing could save her.
Next day, I didn’t have the energy to leave the bed or even have a conversion with Felix after remembering how much sister Chioma sacrificed for the family only to give up half way without enjoying it.
There was always this one door locked every time I was trying to clean the house. It never bothered me much anyways until this faithful day. I just had my hopes up that I was going to find lots of money hidden behind doors(too much Nollywood)
Something kept saying not to open the doors and for some reason, I thought of following my thoughts but for once, I wanted to find treasure.
The locks were tight and I only had my thoughts pacing back and forth to what was inside. At this point,curiosity had the best of me and since uncle wasn’t back yet, I could quickly search for something in the garage to assist me.
I got the iron rods and small hammer.
It only took 7mins to carefully spoil the locks.
At this point, I only wished I had allowed my instincts guide me on not opening that door.
And average aged looking lady was tied up with red cloths and her mouth had a white one. I moved closer to try and recognize this person.
Aunty Ifeoma! My heart was racing and in my head,my feets were pacing but in reality, I was fixated to a spot. I knew I had to leave there before uncle got back but I couldn’t leave aunty here. She wasn’t even awake; even if she was, I don’t quite think she would recall who I was
Will it be continued?