Anụ Ọkpọ: Shades of Strange

I have seen all shades of strange.
I am an eighteen-year-old Igbo girl, currently studying at the University of Ebonyi state.
Before you tell me that I haven't lived enough years to support my claim, let me tell you a little about my brother.
His name is Lucas, at least that is the name our parents christened him. He came to us through my mother when I was seven.
Lucas started walking when he was six months old, and before his first birthday, he was already talking. You may have seen this before, but to me, it's strange.

Growing up, when Lucas was called his name, he'd look at you straight and tell you to call him 'Ańu Ókpọọ'. Our parents, just like myself laughed it off, but before his third birthday, the name had already stuck - be it from the way his eyes turned, or the way his face hardened, or the compelling tone he used when he demanded you correct yourself and call him by the name, I can never tell. I call it strange, you are free to call it what you must.

Lucas made his first income at six. Our mother had conceived, and so purchased all that was needed for the unborn child. However, Lucas told her that she'll miscarry and so in our parents' absence, sold the items. Strange, he sold all at rates higher than they cost. In the end, he made a profit ₦21,000 and that very day, our mother miscarried. Remember, he was just six.

Now, these are just an introduction to the strangeness that is my brother, and I assure you, these are the soft tones, meant to prepare you for the real hues of strange.

Oh, I haven't told you my name yet. I am Christabel, though Ańu Ọkpọọ choose to call me Ulọaku