THE VEIL OF DESTINY

CHAPTER SIX

Beyond the Veil of Destiny — Chapter Six

The night rain had fallen long and heavy, washing away the noise and dust of the previous day. Puddles glittered on the red earth road as the morning sun peeked gently through drifting clouds. Maa Esi walked with her two sons toward the market, their sandals splashing lightly in the mud. The cool air carried a scent of wet leaves and roasted corn from a distant fire.

Because of the rain, the family had not been able to finish their marketing the day before. They had returned home early, disappointed, with half their shopping undone. Now they were back again—this time much earlier than usual. But something about the market felt strange.

The market that was usually buzzing with voices, laughter, and the rhythmic call of sellers was quiet, almost too quiet. Only a few traders were unpacking their goods. Chickens scratched lazily near wooden stalls, and the sound of a distant bell echoed faintly.

Akwasi, unable to keep still or silent as always, tugged his mother’s hand. His voice came out small and curious.

“Mummy, it’s like the market is very quiet today. Why is that happening? Because yesterday it was very busy. Or maybe everyone is tired and resting their heads?”

Maa Esi turned to look at her son, her face soft with affection and a trace of fatigue. She scanned the empty lanes, nodding slightly.

“Akwasi, the market is quiet because we came too early today. We came early so we can finish our purchases and go home to prepare food,” she said with a gentle smile.

Jojo, the elder one, walked beside them with his hands in his pockets. “So that means after some time the market will be full again, eh? People from all walks of life coming and shouting.”

Akwasi chuckled. “Yes, I guess so. Then we should be fast and do our shopping before it’s full of those bad smells.”

Jojo frowned, pretending to be serious. “Then you must keep quiet and walk fast so we can finish everything on time.”

Akwasi gave him a playful glare. “Hey, young man! I don’t just talk. I talk with sense, and I talk to entertain our mother. You better focus on the journey so you won’t fall.”

“Mummy,” Jojo complained, “did you hear your son? Tell him to respect me. I came before him; I’m the eldest!”

Akwasi crossed his arms. “And so what? If you’re the eldest, so what? I was the one who was coming before you, but because of greediness you rushed out!”

Maa Esi shook her head, half amused, half tired. “Enough, you two. No more questions, no more talking. Silence throughout,” she ordered with mock sternness.

The boys looked at each other and giggled quietly but obeyed.

---

As they walked deeper into the market, the quiet slowly gave way to faint sounds—baskets being set down, footsteps, distant laughter. Akwasi’s eyes caught something at a nearby stall. A man was arranging colorful toys on a wooden table, and among them sat a small teddy bear with golden fur and a red ribbon around its neck.

Akwasi stopped, pointing eagerly. “Mummy, wait here! Look at that teddy the man is holding. It’s nice, and I really want it.”

Jojo rolled his eyes. “Ah, here it comes again. Always buying you this and that! I declare and decree that today, we’re not buying anything for you. You have enough toys in the house already.”

Akwasi scowled. “This is what I don’t like about you. Are you the one to decide? Let the one who has the power decide! Don’t you know I’m Mummy’s boy?”

Jojo folded his arms proudly. “Still, I said we are not buying it.”

Maa Esi sighed. “Akwasi, to be honest, you like worrying too much. I’ve bought you so many teddies, and you don’t take care of them. I don’t know why this carelessness can’t leave you. You’ve taken over your father in that way.”

Her voice softened, touched with sadness. “Why are you always like that, my son?”

Akwasi’s shoulders dropped, and his lips pressed together. He looked down at his muddy shoes, suddenly quiet. Jojo noticed and smirked, teasing him silently.

Maa Esi bent slightly to meet Akwasi’s eyes. “Listen, my son. I don’t really have enough money on me today, but next time, I’ll get it for you. Promise me you’ll take good care of it, okay? Are we cool?”

Akwasi nodded slowly. “Okay, Mum. I will.”

“Good,” she said, straightening. “Now let’s go and buy some vegetables from my customer. It’s been a while.”

---

They turned down a narrow lane lined with vegetable sellers. The smell of fresh pepper, okro, and smoked fish mixed with the damp air. The chatter of early traders was rising slowly like music finding its rhythm again.

“Ma akye wo!” Maa Esi greeted warmly. “Auntie Oforiwa, good morning! My customer, it’s been so long! I can see you’re growing in beauty and your business is expanding. I’m happy to see you again.”

Auntie Oforiwa laughed heartily. “Me gye wo so, my sister! You are just teasing me, eh? Things are hard oh! The way prices are going up, we just thank God for small mercies.”

“Hm,” Maa Esi sighed. “Yes, things are difficult, but we still have hope in Him.”

Auntie Oforiwa nodded. “So what brings you here today? It’s been long since I saw you. I thought you were enjoying life at home!”

“Enjoying?” Maa Esi chuckled bitterly. “Ah, my sister, if you only knew.”

Auntie Oforiwa’s eyes softened as she noticed the two boys beside her. “Eeh, are these your small boys? They’ve grown tall! And is the little one still stubborn?”

Maa Esi laughed lightly. “You’ve seen it for yourself! He’s still stubborn, but I pray he’ll change.”

“Hmm. Boys are like that,” said Auntie Oforiwa. “You need God’s hand to guide them.” She turned to her table. “Now, to business. Prices have gone up again, but because you’re my old customer, I’ll consider you small.”