MY NIGHTMARE

THE TRUTH

Rita heard her mother scream and knew something was wrong, maybe, she had a nightmare or fell into a trance. She stood by the door and overheard her mother speaking to herself in a hushed tone.

She got angry and asked "WHAT ARE YOU HIDING FROM ME MAMA"?

Cecilia knew it was time, she couldn't hide the truth from Rita anymore, so, she beckoned her to sit by her side. Rita went to the bed, sat down and expected the worst. Cecilia began:

"I lost my parents to the last wildfire that claimed a lot of lives in this village twenty years ago. It was a difficult time for me as they were the only relations I knew. I had no friend nor acquaintance to share my pains. It was during one of my lonely hikes that I met your father, he was my only companion and he loved me very much.We decided to get married after fourteen market days. Shortly after our marriage, you were conceived. Your conception brought joy to our lives as we counted days, weeks and months, waiting for your arrival.

On the sacred day of the Ekwensu deity, I fell into labour. Your father, my husband took me to the local midwife despite the warnings that no one should be seen in the streets after twelve noon. We felt chills as we walked down the bush paths but we couldn't stop because the labour was increasing in intensity. You brought the joy we never knew existed.

Barely two months after your birth, your father went hunting but didn't return alive, he tripped and fell , his head landed on a rock and that caused his death. My agony began!

After his burial, a sorcerer visited me with the sad news, that due to the circumstances surrounding your birthday, you were chosen by "Ekwensu" the god of destruction and confusion to be his human bride".

This sent chills down Rita's spine. She didn't know how to react, what to say or how to feel. Tears rolled down her cheeks. "Mama, you mean the demon I see in my dreams chose me... me... to be his bride"? she asked while crying.

Cecilia couldn't say a word.

Rita cried her eyes out after digesting the whole situation. She was right all along. She was betrothed to a demon, an ugly one to say the least. She couldn't take it. Now she knew what caused her trances, nightmares, strange behaviours and healing powers, she would face it squarely and fight Ekwensu with all she had. How can a human get married to a spirit? Where is it done? Even if it could happen, why would it have to be her! Why not someone else?