Nneka and Ebube sat on the ground holding hands and talking. What they felt for each other was love, they knew it, but Nneka was filled with sorrow at the thought that she would soon lose him. Ebube tried to reassure her that he would never be apart from her, but she could find no reassurance.
“But they are coming to take you away from me!” “They are coming, yes, but you are coming with me!” “I cannot! The people will never accept me!”
“They will! Since the gods have failed to carry out their judgement, you’re a free person!” He tightened his grip on her hand. “I promise, not a single hair of yours will be hurt.”
“Taking me to the village is taboo.”
She made to protest further but he placed a finger on her lips. “Just trust me.”
She let out a long breath, and then she nodded. They emb
