WANGARI

chapter 2 ( desperation.)

Wangari turned to take Kahuria in the middle of the night.

He was crying and she had no idea what was wrong with him.

She nursed him and breastfed him and she prayed that he would at least sleep.

Luckily he slept on her arms but refused to sleep without her.

She woke up at the crack of dawn before the first hen crowed.

she went to her shamba and did some ploughing .

she was proud of her shamba and how far it had come.

When she was first married no one really looked after it. Every one declared it unfertile and not able to sustain any crops.

She however was adamant and worked on it everyday.

She put some manure all over the land one morning and planted some crops.

She planted some spinach and carrots and potatoes first.

All the women in the village told her that there was no point in doing so because the crops would not grow well.

She however refused to give up on it.

She pruned and watered the plants every day and after three months she was happy with the results.

All the crops were healthy and grown.

All the people in the village came that morning to see the crops.

Wangari. For sure you are good wife and good woman. A woman blessed with magic hands.

said one of the villagers.

Kahuria was happy with what his wife had done.

I told you you could do it. You are a gifted woman Wangari.

he had said to her.

She had shared what she harvested with the whole village.

She looked at the shamba and felt remorseful.

Now she had to leave it behind and her house as well.

A week had passed since the chief had given her a three weeks notice.

She heard her child crying and went to pick him up.

She took her breakfast of yam and warm milk .

She met her friend Wanjiru by her hat .

Wanjiru, I think I should go and look for Kahuria alone .

she said to her.

I dont think that is a good idea. You are a woman and the woods are dangerous and there are men around who might take advantage of the situation.

wanjiru told her.

I dont know what else I can do.

She sat on the mat outside her friends hat.

I think I should go look for him just for one day.

she insisted.

What about your son? He needs his mother.

Wanjiru asked.

I will go with him that way, no man will lay any finger on me.

she said .

okay but I am coming with you.

The following day, they parked some yams and githeri and warm milk.

They woke up early before any one else had risen, it was still dark when they went to the forest.