VILE

Prologue

I am home all alone. My stepbrothers are still out. I am lucky enough to have sold all of my sausages before them. I am really thankful about that. One more minute under that hot sun and I would have passed out.

I'm sitting on the bed and counting the money I've made today. Then I hear the door, someone is back.

"Who is around?" the person asks in Yoruba. It's my stepfather. I hiss loudly. I do not answer him. He can do his worse.

He staggers into the room, he reeks of alcohol so bad I cover my nose. But only after I hide the money I'm holding under my dress.

"Didn't you hear me calling?" he asks.

I ignore him and stand up to leave. As I'm about to pass by him to exit the room, he grabs my hand.

"Am I not talking to you this stupid girl?"

I try to wriggle myself out of his grip, but he is too strong. He throws me, and my small, feeble frame hits the bed hard. I groan from the pain. He follows that with a slap.

"You must be out of your mind" he says. "You brat! Because I've been tolerating your stupidity in this house right? I'll deal with you today."

He begins to unbuckle his belt. As he drags it out of his trouser, I cover my face with my arm and brace for impact. But he throws the belt to the wall instead. I am confused, what is he trying to do? He pulls down his trousers, I'm getting scared now. He holds my legs and gets on me.

No! No! What is he doing?

I try to scream, but as if he knows what I'm about to do, he holds down my mouth tightly.

I suddenly feel pain between my thighs. What is he doing to me? I try to scream but his hand is still wrapped tightly around my mouth. I can feel his breath on my face.

"Shuuu" he whispers.

My eyes are closed because I can't handle the intense pain. I'm afraid, I can barely breath. What is he doing to me?

Taking his time, he staggers as he stands up. I hear him murmur something like "Stupid girl." He leaves the room and his drunk laughter becomes distant.

I'm in shock. What just happened to me?

In the midst of my pain I try to sit up. It's difficult, but I do it. There is blood on the bed, on my legs. I begin to sob.

What has he done to me? What has this man done to me?