ETERNAL TIES

Chapter two (2)

Sika continued helping her mother sell kenkey, hawking goods in the afternoons, and assisting with house chores. Even though it was vacation, she still found time to study every night before going to bed,
determined to keep her education on track.
On Saturday morning, the Adwenepa community had organized communal labor to clean the area. The announcement had been made the previous day, and Sika woke up early to complete her chores so she
could participate.
"Wait for me, let me go with you," Anti Kate called out from inside the house as she noticed Sika heading out the gate, a long broom in her hand.
"No, Mama. Rest a bit; I'll be back soon," Sika replied, waving her off with a smile.
Anti Kate nodded, appreciating her daughter's industriousness, and Sika headed toward the gathering spot where others in the community were already working .

The atmosphere was lively. People chatted and gossiped as they worked, while a few simply loitered

around, offering more commentary than help. Sika diligently swept the weeds and debris, ignoring the idle chatter around her.

"Agyai! My waist!" Aposki screamed suddenly, dropping his cutlass and stretching his back.

"So, upon all the kenkey you eat every morning, you're still this weak?" Adu teased, causing a wave of

laughter to ripple through the group.

Embarrassed, Aposki grumbled something under his breath and resumed his work in silence, determined

to avoid further mockery.

Meanwhile, Kofi Yesu, a notorious loafer in the community, stood with his hands on his hips, watching

Sika as she worked. His tongue lingered at the corner of his mouth, and his eyes followed her every

movement.

Aposki noticed him and, with a sharp knock on the back of Kofi Yesu's bald head, scolded him. "The girl

just turned fifteen. Keep your eyes off her, you bad adult!"

Kofi Yesu, embarrassed, muttered an apology, picked up his cutlass, and slinked away toward home.

The communal labor ended by midday. Sika quickly returned home, eager to help her mother with the

day's kenkey preparations. Since they had decided to make it in the afternoon, Sika ensured everything

was ready. She fetched water, prepared the corn dough, and helped wrap the kenkey.

After her tasks were done, Sika took a refreshing cold shower to wash away the sweat and dust of the

morning. Not long after, customers began arriving to buy the freshly made kenkey.

The day passed quickly as mother and daughter worked side by side, serving their customers with

cheerful smiles and heartfelt thanks. When the last ball of kenkey was sold, they tidied up their stall and
went inside.

That night, as they lay down to sleep, Anti Kate whispered a prayer of gratitude for their fruitful day and

the gift of her hardworking daughter. Sika drifted off to sleep, feeling a sense of peace and fulfillment.

The small household may have had its challenges, but moments like these reminded them of the strength

they drew from each other and the blessings they shared.

Its been three years and Sike's school was on vacation.

The vacation felt unusually long ,so Sika decided to make productive use of her time by visiting the