Pride Of Ghana!

Four : To Whom Shall I turn?

It was terrible as I felt the razor move through my hair. I looked on with tears welled up in my eyes, as my hair came falling down. The weather was cold and my teeth were chattering!. Soon I was made to strip naked like other girls. We were made to bath cold water although the weather was unbearable. The cold surrounding made everyone move stiffly as though statues which had began to move!
Soon enough, I was given a set of new clothes and boots. Though the clothes were heavy, they were not heavy enough to withstand the harsh weather.
Every morning we were to parade for inspection by the soldiers. They would move in through us to find out if all had their boots on and clothes on well. Unfortunately ,it happened I stood by a friend who had rotten feet. Sore all over and her shoes almost in pieces. The stench alone made me feel like throwing up. Having to inhale all that smell emanating from her feet, I decided to help. As usual, I worked in the kitchen even in the camp.
For the second time in years, I stole two big potatoes and hid them in my pockets. I had planned to sell it and get a new shoe for my friend. Immediately I stepped out of the kitchen into the open, there was a soldier looking straight into and eyes!. I was startled, and wondered what he was up to.
"What's that in your pocket? "He asked.
"Nothing sir"
"Don't dare lie to me! I said what have you got in your pocket??! "
"Ermmm... Sir.. Ehh.. "
**
"Major, the governor wishes to speak to you over the phone "
"Let me have it"
As soon as he turned to answer the call, I hurriedly made my escape. It was difficult selling the potatoes, how be it, I managed to get enough money for a strong leather shoe. I gave the new shoe to my friend and she was happy!. We threw her old shoe away and bandaged her sore legs.
******
The weather was very cold as I woke up to another hectic morning. Chioma was fast asleep while the others were awake. I assumed because of her joy over her new pair of shoes she slept peacefully..
We woke up again in time to avoid any beating. The usual morning checks was on going. At least though I was freezing, I had a cause for rejoicing. Chioma was safe and so was I. After dispersal we all went about our daily activities. As I was preparing lunch in the kitchen, we heard a sound like that of an aircraft. No dinner had we got to the door than the sound of gunshot echoed all around!
I heard people scream and through the half slide Louvre I saw women and men fall to death!

The door of the kitchen was their next target. We held hands together as though in a group prayer. We knew we had little chance of escaping but we were ready to face this battle...
The soldiers swarm in and took us all away. This time without being binded by chains. The van which conveyed us was set on another journey.
.. Another new tale... Another new situation... And as I looked over the valleys we travelled, I questioned myself :"To whom shall I turn? "