As I held his cold hands, mama took my younger siblings away from the shocking scene. Papa had slumped at the base of the steps that lead to the entrance of the family house. He had returned from Mazi Okechukwu's store. Papa had informed me earlier of his planned visit to Mazi Okechukwu. With the thoughts of what could have happened flooding my mind, I felt the cold hands of death Caress his body. I felt the tears yearning for release. I couldn't help but set them free.
My outburst jolted mama back to reality. I had expected some extreme expression of grief. She just lost her husband. But to my greatest surprise, mama let out a big sigh and sat beside papa's body with the blankest look I had ever seen. Her eyes became wet and full as she bit her lower lip and rested her gaze on papa's pale face. She looked helpless. She stood with shaky hands and quivering lips. Her sudden turn away from the body gave me an idea of what she expected of me. With the little strength left within me, I stood up and ran to Uncle Obinna's home. I didn't care about my poor appearance. Moreover, death didn't care about my siblings and me, before dragging my father to the world beyond.
GLOSSARY
-MAZI: This name translates to "sir"
YOU ARE READING
Chioma
General FictionChioma is that regular Nigerian teenager seeking the best out of life not minding the financial constraints her family faces. What happens when she looses her father and her overbearing uncle insists she is married off?
