Soul of a partner

Chapter 2

Days settled into a pattern in the Okeke compound in Awka after Dozie's departure for London. Ada woke early, aiding Nneoma with breakfast preparations – _akara_ fried crisp alongside _ọmụ_ (pap). Nneoma favored mornings. Chijioke, Dozie’s younger brother, would saunter in rubbing sleep from his eyes; Ada poured him kọfị (coffee) fitting youthful vigors he showed chasing football with mates in Awka’s open grounds.

Ada’s days bore quiet duties – helping Nneoma market _nri_ (foodstuffs) like _ji_ (yams) Eke Awka vendors sold plentifully; attending St. Patrick’s church choir Igbo hymns filled; reading letters, Dozie sent a London-address telling Ada of _ọganihu_ (progress) abroad. “I miss your _anya mara mma_ (beautiful eyes), Ada m” Dozie wrote with words Ada treasured like _ọla_ (precious beads).

Chijioke’s demeanor bore watching, though Ada tried attributing it to Dozie's absence, maybe sparking brotherly edginess. One evening, Ada fetched water from the backyard _ọgba mmiri_ (stream area); Chijioke appeared unprompted leaning against _nkwụ_ (palm tree) shadows.

“ Ada, _kedu_ (how are you)?” Chijioke asked, a voice lower carrying tones Ada didn’t entirely like. Ada replied, a measured _dị mma_ (fine), sensing something _adịghị mma_ (not right), maybe in Chijioke’s lingering look touching her _ákwà_ (wrapper)—wrapped form.

“Do you… miss Dozie _ụzọ_ (very much)?” Chijioke said, stepping closer, sparking Ada's unease. Ada replied swiftly, “_E-e_ (yes), I do. _Nwanne gị_ (your brother) writes me often.” Chijioke’s gaze didn’t quite break contact. Ada found it discomfiting, like _anwụrụ ọkụ_ (smoke) unwanted swirling.

Ada curtailed conversation by quickly stepping indoors, rationalizing that maybe Chijioke lonely Dozie was gone. Nneoma later asked Ada evening _nri_ prep if all _dị mma_ (was okay); Ada said _ọ dị_ (it’s fine) smoothing _ji e siri_ (boiled yam) portions fitting cultural _ọbụna_ (hospitality).

Letters from Dozie kept arriving bearing London stories work-focused mostly – Ada replied detailing Awka’s _ụzọ ndụ_ (lifeways), church happenings, missing him _nwayọ_ (gently). Ada held _olileanya_ (hope) Dozie-returning like _ụbọchị_ (day) breaks Nigeria's skies knowing.

Yet Ada couldn’t shake entirely off Chijioke’s _ọdịdị_ (behavior) occasional – like finding his unexpectedly compound corners eyes holding hers was unsettling, like _mmiri miri emi_ (deep waters). Ada prayed internally _Chineke gọzie_ (God bless) shielding marital _nkwa_ (promises) Dozie gave.

One night, Ada heard Chijioke talking low phone _ọkàlè_ (caller) unknown; Ada passed the corridor sensing tension, maybe _n’obi ya_ (in his heart). Ada retreated to the bedroom, reflecting Dozie’s reassurances. The letters carried – _Ị ga-adị mma, Ada m_ (You’ll be okay, my Ada).

Awka’s _ụbọchị_ passed bearing cultural rhythms – _Iri Ji_ (New Yam Festival) neared Anambra townspeople buzz showed; Ada participated _ọdịdọ_ (decorations), _egwu_ (dances) fitting _omenala_ (traditions) Nneoma proud taught her. Amidst festivity swirls, Ada held her inner _ịdị uchu_ (vigilance), sensing compound undercurrents maybe needing _nlekọta_ (care).

Ada’s heart leaned on Dozie-abroad trust like _osisi siri ike_ (strong tree) Nigeria landscapes knew standing; meanwhile shadows played Okeke compound needing Ada’s _anya anya_ (attentiveness).