Samuel

Chapter 27

As the sunlight crested upon the horizon, painting the clouds lingering in the sky with purple and burnt orange hues, Liddah walked closely with Ifeoma, Shoulder to shoulder they walked, through the Midwest forests. The soft crush, of leaves, pulsated against the trees as the early morning dew encased the land. Tenderly, carefully, they moved as Liddah's hands splayed before her, feeling, shifting, reaching for the remnants of energy hanging upon the air.

"Young miss, what is it that you are doing?" Ifeoma said speaking in English, the official language of Nigeria.

Deeper and deeper, they moved as the birds began their morning cries. Chirping echoing in the gloom of daybreak, the twigs, and branches crushed underfoot by the smaller rodents and the clumsy breaking of the two human's feet as they delved deeper in the wooded land.

"Looking," Liddah said in her native tongue, Farsi. Shaking her head, Liddah remembered the importance of practicing her English. Thinking for many moments, Liddah said, "Searching," Liddah, as she craned her neck, deep in thought as her eyes tightly shut.

Ifeoma watched carefully as she noticed the girl besides her navigating through the perils of the forest floor. Expertly, she glided through the pathways noticeable through a sharp eye. Surgically, Liddah's limbs bent and swayed maneuvering, dancing as she weaved through the thicker areas of the forest. Astonished, Ifeoma mouth remained agape as she compared her own skill of traversing the forest with difficulty as she stumbled, slipped and bumped into many things in quick succession.

"How is she moving like that with her eyes shut?" Ifeoma wondered to herself.

Continuing in her line of thought, Ifeoma considered the many days bringing them here as the girl silently sat in the car as they moved from Atlanta. Through the countryside, sparingly talking, ordering their contracted driver to shift direction, at times before tiring herself, finding a location to rest for the night before continuing her journey.

Ifeoma silently occupied herself with books and the infrequent calls home as the girl worked. Only speaking to her, as requested, during their times in the hotel room, together to practice her English, Liddah's aloofness perplexed Ifeoma. Passing the beautify Smokey Mountains and the great testaments to capitalism in the different States, Liddah remained distracted as Ifeoma marveled. Taking many pictures in the comfort of their vehicle of her first visit to the United States, Ifeoma waved off the odd behavior of Liddah as she enjoyed her trip to the distant land.

Now, here in the forests of a Midwestern town of Indiana, Ifeoma concern over the girl grew. Over the many weeks, Liddah barely spoke until they arrived in their hotel room. Practicing English before resting, Liddah seemed a mystery to this woman.

Noticing her apprehension while holding firm on her concentration, Liddah said while navigating the terrain, "Don't worry, Ifeoma. I'll explain everything soon."

As her pupils dilated, Ifeoma noticed a soothing calm radiated from her stomach as it doused her with peace. Thoughts of her daughters, her family, and her loves, one after the other brightened in her mind as a smile crept into upon her face. Widening brightly, Ifeoma's eyes glossed over as Liddah's eyes radiated a soft magenta before, gently flickering out. Drifting away as she thought of her own family, the memories of her grandmother produced a pang creeping into her heart.

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Nom a soft-spoken woman did not say much at all. For at least two years, she did not utter a single word to any individual in the family nor outsiders. Nom's stature, petite in nature, stood only four feet, ten inches. Although her interaction with individuals displayed simplicity, her style of dress did not. Nom dressed as if she were entertaining guests or heading to a formal party.