Curiosity and the Remains of Us

Chapter One

The universe did not end in silence, a bang or in total darkness. But rather, one question at a time.

"Ogini?"

Amarachi's brown eyes stared blankly at her mother. If she blinked or even looked some kind of way, the woman would know.

She had to make eye contact as frequently as possible.

She had this.

Theresa Oluebube, looked down at her daughter in what one might call reproof. "Hm? What is the matter with you?" she pushed.

Amarachi grimaced. "I'm sick."

It was obvious, seeing that she had wrapped herself up with a blanket.

Theresa sighed. "Sick kwa," she restored and settled herself into the bed. She stretched out and touched her daughter's unmade hair.

It was drizzling outside. The cool air brushed against Amarachi's face, making her shiver. "I don't think I'm feeling too well. I have a serious headache."

"He who excuses himself accuses himself," her mother answered dryly. "You don't want to go to church, okwaya? Is that the big problem here?"

Amarachi wanted to make a joke about her being a 'she' and not a 'he' but decided not to.

"I said nothing like that," she sank into her pillow. After a second of silence: "Can I skip service today?" she muffled. "Please?"

"Oh my! You see? I knew it," Theresa snapped. "I just knew you'd say something like that. Sick here, sick there. Sick, sick, sick. That's what you said last Sunday. This child, what is your problem with the church?"

God, Amara thought. God and that pastor Joseph of a person. They both talked about untrue things.

"It has nothing to do with church, mama. Honestly, I'm not feeling too well. See," she brought her mother's hand and placed it against the skin at the nape of her tiny neck. "Ahu m di ökü. Please mama, let me stay back. Please. What if I fall? I don't want to embarrass you."

Theresa sighed in defeat. The girl truly had a fever. "Ekwelem. I'll tell your father about it."

Amarachi nodded.

"Should junior stay back with you?" her mother asked. She had suddenly become worried.

Amarachi almost gave a hiccup attack. She shook her head. "Thank you, but no. I'm sure he'd want to go with you guys and please just tell daddy I have menstrual cramps. I don't want him worrying too much."