MY INNER SCARS

The Voice

Ruth's p.o.v

Co... ps... cops. those are cops. With my hands tied behind my back, it would be difficult for me to make a move. I see the shreds of light coming from their torches, it's so bright. I remember those moments with my family. We used to spend time together listening to old tales and imagining how life would be if we were all given second chances to live in that moment.

Many years ago, my parents always celebrated the peaceful moments of the Olem Kingdom. They would invite all the musicians, storytellers, and magicians in and around the community there. Some would be to amuse me.

sir, I think we should go, " said one of the cops," it shows there is no one here, but why is it that I get these strange vibes that someone is here, I can't wrap my hands on it very well, or... maybe we are looking at the wrong place? the corps wandered.

This darkness is beginning to consume me from within, making me see clearly how the lights from the corps torch fade away slowly.

If the wind could go ahead of me like papa always said, " My Ireti, you are not a mistake, we have been praying for the gods to bless us with a son, one which will rule this kingdom, and they blessed us with you instead. That's why I call you my Ireti, which means my next of kin and the true ruler of the Olem kingdom. You have to be strong at all times, even though the tunnels are dark. Remember this, there will always be a glimpse of light at the end".

Papa, this time all I see is darkness, loss of hope, and hunger for vengeance. My family and friends are worried sick about me, even though it's just been 24 hours since I was kidnapped. Are they even worried about me? Have the police put on their sirens in search of me?... all I can do is wander.

Could it be those policemen who are looking for me?

The memories of my papa flashed back at me, my father, King Abumba the 3rd, ruler of the kingdom of Olem, and founder of the new age of humanity in the community where we all live. He stood at 1.8cm, broad shoulder, ebony black hair which was well kept and treated with honey every morning. His eyes were said to be the center of attraction in the community when he was young, everywhere he went he was doing well. His royal garments, oh my... were made from natural gemstones, and when he spoke, his voice thundered and echoed like that of a god. Of course, he was an outstanding leader and many people saw him as a god.

Then how could he just die like that? Do the gods die? I wondered. He is dead... _ why shouldn't I cry...? Why on earth would they treat a lady like that?

My papa was an invincible man, he never spoke twice. His words were his bond, and everybody respected him for his sense of humor.

Many or most of the contests he organized and participated in. When asked he will say " great kings lead by example", he was indeed an example of what they call a role model.

I am a great king. That is what he would have said if he were here. I miss him so much. Our kingdom would have been standing if he wasn't killed.

Is that the sound of a radio? It seems the police are finally leaving. I can't even make a sound; I can't move, else you know right...? poo will touch most of my body as it has already.

If they were sent to look for me, then maybe they would come back. Hello sir, yes tell me " your presence is needed at the station, there has been evidence of the girl kidnapped, please hurry up and come" roger that, the chief cop replied.

Corporal's time to go, we may come back here in the morning to look, it smells... this abandoned building could hold bad omens.

Why these thoughts are there something papa wants to whisper to me? like the words mama always whispered.

At this point, papa will want me to be silent " my Ireti, listen carefully. You must always create time to think whenever you are caught up in a difficult situation, you must let yourself figure out what's happening, even though you can't see it clearly, but you can feel it."

Those whispers! Indeed, papa is here with me as he promised. I must blend myself with the environment and try to figure out how I got kidnapped in the first place.

That was when I closed my eyes, and shut down any distractions, like the dank smell and the reason why I am been restrained and left for dead.

I could see the lights, it was as if I was outside the building, playing, and laughing again. Something doesn't add up here. What could it be? Have I been released? Ha-ha, that's the thousand million questions with no answer.

I may have missed something...but what could it be? Oh yes... I see... it makes sense right now.

A snake could peel its skin, but it remains a snake. It was his voice that echoed deep within me and woke me.

That is Neba no doubt about it, my uncle's son. I have been betrayed by my own family. It all makes sense now. I recall the last time I heard my uncle's voice was on the 15th of March 1982, " this throne is mine, and mine alone, your family has ruled for the past decades. It is time for my own family to continue" my uncle, who goes by the name Chief Suh, yelled at my mother the same day my father died from food poisoning.

" You lie to yourself; it has never been written that your family will inherit kinship of the Olem kingdom" my mother shouted at the top of her voice. I was in the kitchen and I overheard everything they said. He left with a threat to my mother.

He has been trying to crown himself after the passing away of my parents. My late parents were killed. I can't stand the thought of it as my mother died in my arms with blood coming out of her mouth, ears, and nostrils. It was too late for the doctors to save her. The poison used on her had spread so fast that it damaged her internal organs.

As the thought of it came back, my mother on her dying bed whispered to me the secret rights which were passed on to the next of kin. It was by blood that I would inherit the kingdom and become its new ruler.

What is happening to me? Where is this place? Please let me go... " Ireti, my beloved daughter." papa is that you? How can this be? I remember you once told me of the connections which link the kins and the former kings in a bond secretly known by the family.

That's right, Ireti. You have grown so big and beautiful like your mother, " said the thoughts of her late papa."

Is that you papa? I see the light so bright.