One
morning, Obiefule woke up very sick and tired. He could not get on his feet. He
called out to his wife and son. Ekwe was the first to get into the room.
“Father,
you called me. What is it?”
“My
son, you will go to the farm alone today.” He adjusted and coughed a bit.
“Why?”
Ekwe asked and walked quietly to the bedside. He held his hand. “Be strong,
father. You know we still have much work to do on the farm.”
Obiefule
nodded slowly. He cleared his throat. He raised his head a bit, “You are right,
my boy. I am feverish. I will need to get some medications to get back on my
feet...”
Obiageli
entered the room. “Good morning, my love,” she greeted and went down on her
knees.
Obiefule
placed his hand on her shoulder, he replied, “Good morning, darling. I have
just instructed Ekwe to go to the farm.”
“What
about you? Are you not going with us?” she inquired with a broad grin.
He
shook his head. “I will not. I am very sick. My body aches everywhere. You will
stay to give me some herbs. Or why are you here if not for such a purpose?” He
tried to mask his pain with a smile.
“Sorry,
my love. I know this will eventually happen, because you have been working too
hard for some time now.” She went close to him and felt his neck with the back
of her hand. “You are hot. You need rest to get over the fever.”
“Yes,
I must rest. Please, prepare some herbs for me while Ekwe hurries to the farm.”
“Okay.”
Obiageli turned to her son. “Ekwe, you heard your father. Be careful,” she
warned. “Once it is sunset, make sure you return home. Anyone who calls you,
tell them your parents are waiting for you. Don’t play on the road. The forest
is not safe for anyone in the evening. Is that clear?”
“Yes,
mother. I will get back on time. Goodbye!” He left the room in a hurry. Today,
the boy will have the luxury of eating whatever he wanted. Roasted yam, fruits and
even small animals will all be his. Unlike the days when he journeyed to the
farm with his parents, Ekwe was restricted to rations imposed upon him. Sometimes
such rations hardly quenched his large appetite. Like a bird that escaped from
a snare, the boy grabbed hold of his freedom with both hands. He went to the
backyard. Ekwe took his hoe and cutlass and walked briskly out of the compound.
Ekwe
walked happily through the bush paths that led to his father’s farm. Going to
the farm alone was like the best day of his life. The thought of hunting
squirrels, swimming in the stream and eat as many fruits as he wanted excited
him. He could not wait to get to the farm. The forest had come alive for the
birds were whistling aloud. At intervals, sparrows dropped from trees like
stones to grab their breakfast on the wings of the morning. The birds continued
to make a short work of insects as the boy walked to the farm.
Ekwe got to the farm in a good time. He worked
for long hours under the scorching hot day and was tired. When he could feel
his skin had begun to roast, he took his hoe and cutlass and went to find a
shade where he would rest. He found a spot under a shade created by a mango
tree. The shade was comfortable enough for any poor soul to get over the
overwhelming presence of the hot day. Just as Ekwe placed his cutlass at the
foot of the tree and wanted to sit down, a big movement drew his attention to
the nearby bush. He raised his head and flung a glance at the direction of the
disturbance. The boy saw a grass cutter in the bush. The giant rat was seeking
something to devour. Grass cutter is a good source of protein. No hunter would
allow such a meal to slip on a good day. Ekwe imagined himself eating the
roasted grass cutter and having a good time in the river. Just like a king
having a memorable feast. Then he grabbed hold of his cutlass and gave chase.
Ekwe ran very fast. His pair of legs descended on the earth like survivors fleeing massacre. The bush meat was too big to let go and the thought of a good meal kept the boy in the chase. It was a rat race. They ran from one end of the farm to the other until they strayed away.
Obviously,
the grass cutter was not running very fast. Yet, killing it was like a mountain
too high for the boy. Maybe the creature had sustained injury in the course of
the struggle. However, against all odds, the animal was not ready to let Ekwe
have his way. On the other hand, the boy felt he could take his chance and end
the day on a bright note. Then he wore the garment of determined spirit and faced
the challenge head long. Ekwe was like a motivated four fisted wrecking bull.
His eyes were full of hope as he raised his cutlass up to high heavens in a bid
to bring down the creature. When the animal was within his reach, he changed
his mind and decided to catch it alive. Ekwe dropped his cutlass and dived at
the grass cutter. But his legs betrayed him and the move backfired. He lost his
balance and was reduced to a heap of rubble on the floor. Before Ekwe could get
back on his feet, the animal had run into a hole. The creature heaved a sigh of
relief and disappeared from sight.
Ekwe
did not give up. He felt all hope to get the animal was not lost. He jumped to
his feet. He went for his cutlass. He returned swiftly and dug into the hole. Not
long after, the boy realised that the animal had escaped through another way. His
countenance fell and his shoulders sagged. He dropped his cutlass and sat on
the floor as the sun gradually walked away.
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