TALE OF A CHANGELING

CHAPTER 2

Mama, Ugo called out, but Omali was still in her dream world, she couldn't hear any word coming from her granddaughter.

Ugo called out again louder than before and tapped her grandma who regained herself immediately and replied in a fragile voice Y...ee....sss

Mama, what is going on? Ugo asked anxiously.

This is always your reaction whenever I relate my nightmare to you, Mama please answer me, what is wrong with me? Are you hiding anything from me?

Ugo asked continuously.

No Ugo I am not keeping anything from you, just go back to sleep you will feel better Omali replied.

Mama, I can see in your eyes how nervous and frightened you are and it's all pointing towards one thing that you are hiding something from me, please talk to me mama, what do I need to know about myself?

Omali kept quiet, she couldn't say anything to her granddaughter she was battling with words.

I do hear people call me an Ogbanje.

Omali immediately turned her gaze to Ugo, she never expected that word will come from her granddaughter's mouth, she felt so weak hearing the word.

Mama, Ugo continued, What is an Ogbanje?

Hearing this question Omali felt a sharp sword pierced her heart, she had always known that a day will come when this question will be asked but she never expected it to be so soon, it dawned on her that soon that pregnancy which has been hidden will be divulged and she won't be able to do anything about it, Ugo's continuous nightmares are messages announcing the coming of the unknown day.

Mama, I'm still waiting for your reply Ugo said as she interrupted Omali's thoughts.

Omali heaved heavily and said, An Ogbanje is a reincarnated soul into the same family.

when a child dies and returns to the same family we call that child an Ogbanje, most of them are regarded as evil.

People call me an Ogbanje, am I?

Did my parents die because of me just like everyone says? Ugo asked continuously.

Omali hesitated for a while, holding Ugo's hands and said.

Ugo, whatever people say about you do not take it to heart, you didn't choose your fate yourself.

On hearing this Ugo's eyes were filled with tears, she opened her mouth to speak but her tears interrupted and flowed down her cheeks to her mouth, but still she managed to speak.

Mama, what are you trying to say to me? she asked amidst tears, this shouldn't be true mama, please tell me you are joking, I cannot be an Ogbanje, I can't be responsible for my parents death.

shhhh!! do not cry my child, Omali consoled her, like I said you didn't choose your fate yourself, I guess this is what was destined for you.

You are a reincarnated being, you are an Ogbanje, but I don't know if you are responsible for your parents death, Omali said calmly to her.

Ugo placed her head on her grandmother's lap and cried uncontrollably.