when strength meets love

chapter 2: ikoka village

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"Mama, I told Mama Esohe to let me know if she wants to cultivate her farm," Eki said to her mother as she poured water into a clay pot.

"Eki," her mother, Isoken, replied softly, "you’ve been working since morning. Fetching water for both us and the neighbors. You haven’t even rested. Let me handle it."

Eki frowned and shook her head. "But Mama, your waist pains are getting worse. The village healer said you shouldn’t do anything heavy."

Her mother sighed, her face creased with concern. "Eki, you can’t carry the weight of this family all on your shoulders. Please, let me help you."

Eki turned to her mother, her voice firm but affectionate. "Mama, I’ve been doing this for years now. Don’t worry, I’ve got us. Just relax, okay?"

Isoken took a deep breath, forcing a smile onto her tired face. It was the kind of smile mothers wore when they wished they could do more, but they knew they couldn’t.

Their conversation was interrupted by a familiar voice shouting from outside. "Eki! Eki!"

Eki turned to see her best friend, Ivie, burst into the house with a wide grin. Without thinking, Eki ran to her and hugged her tightly. "Ivie! I thought you went to the festival. What are you doing here?"

"I came to take you with me," Ivie replied, her excitement bubbling over. "You always miss the festival, but not this time. You’re coming with me!"

Eki pulled back, shaking her head. "You know I’m working, Ivie. I can’t waste my time attending any festival."

Before Ivie could protest, Isoken spoke up from the corner of the room. "Eki, you’ve done enough for today. Go and get ready. Follow your friend."

"But Mama—"

"I insist, Eki."

Ivie clapped her hands in excitement, beaming at Isoken. "Thank you, Mama! Finally, she won’t leave me alone this time."

Eki sighed but couldn’t resist the excitement on both her mother’s and Ivie’s faces. Moments later, she and Ivie were heading toward the market area, their faces lit up with rare smiles as the sounds of the festival grew louder.The festival was called the Igue Festival, a grand celebration marking the end of the year. In Benin, it was both a Thanksgiving and a prayer for good luck and prosperity during the reign of the Oba of Benin. The air buzzed with excitement as villagers gathered to partake in the festivities.

As Eki and Ivie walked toward the crowd, their faces lit up with rare smiles. The vibrant colors of the festival were everywhere—masquerades dancing and chasing villagers, women selling new yams, peppers, and other goods, and the sweet aroma of roasted corn wafting through the air.

Eki's eyes flicked to a group of men huddled under a large tree. Some were drinking from clay pots filled with palm wine, others laughing loudly as they danced without a care in the world. So typical of them, Eki thought with a scowl. But she quickly shook the thought from her mind. She didn’t want anything to ruin her mood, not today.

“Let’s sit over there,” she said, pointing toward a shaded area where other young girls were seated.

As they approached, one of the girls spotted them. “Ivie! Eki!” she called out, her voice carrying above the noise of the festival.

Eki barely had time to sit before another girl joined in, laughing. “Wow! So Eki actually attended the Igue Festival this year. I thought you’d be busy working or doing something serious as usual. What brings you here?”

The group of girls giggled, their eyes gleaming with mischief as they waited for Eki’s response. She gave them a small, tight smile, not wanting to show her irritation.

“Ivie dragged me here,” she said simply, tilting her head toward her best friend. “You should thank her.”

The girls laughed again, and Ivie grinned proudly. “You’re welcome! Someone has to make sure Eki doesn’t forget how to have fun.”

Eki leaned back slightly, taking in the sights and sounds around her. She still wasn’t sure if she belonged here, but for now, she let herself relax and enjoy the moment.