The Reason To Love.

CHAPTER SEVEN. ZINA'S RETURN

The illness persisted for over 3 weeks and neighbours including marketers where the Anty's shop is located concluded that maybe she wanted to visit her family. Zina saw it as a prayer answered because since she left home she has has not seen her siblings and mother for once. Except her elder sister that came to check on her after a program she attended in Port Harcourt. She attended a church youth programme and immediately, they closed she

sneak out to see her younger sister and her Aunty at the market knowing fully well that she won't meet them at home but immediately she sited her sister from a distance carrying a big basin of vegetables to hawk around the market she started crying and ran to meet her up.

Zina consoled her elder sister. Took her to a safe and noiseless environment in the market and narrated all her suffering, mal-treatment and challenges to her sister. Especially, about her school being changed to a public school, Her lateness to school or not attending at all, Her hawking and carrying of heavy load and little left over food given to eat.

Zina's elder sister noticed she was not even in good health because her eyes were dull and constant sneezing. She insisted that they go back home together and dragged her sister back. This time she carried the load her sister was selling and she could not even bear the pains because it was so heavy but managed it to relief her younger sister's pains.

Her younger sister told her that she has even sold half of the market. On meeting with the Aunty she lied to her that their mother sent her to bring Zina home that they have been having bad dreams about her and needs to see her and take her for prayers.

But the Aunt refused Zina to leave with her sister knowing she must have seen her sister earlier and they are both lying to her.

She insisted that she should go by weekend which is in two days time they will come together. She started acting nice to Zina and her elder sister just to cover up but they all knew its mere fallacy.

Shortly, after her elder sister left she got the beatings of her life compelling her to narrate all she told her elder sister. She fearfully said a little that she told her she was sick and wants to go. The Aunt got more aggressive and started hitting her severely.

Zina substained some bruises on her body. she still has to go hawk with the injuries and pains amidst tears. She has never forgotten how she was once treasured during her father's lifetime.

The two days past yet there was no hope of going home as the Aunt promise her sister. Until during the festive season that was a month later that they visited home.

Zina arrived home with her Aunt and the woman narrated false informations that she was lazy which everyone believed her knowing the way Zina grew up, they believed her Aunt not knowing she was the one doing all the house chores.

The next day the Aunt prepared to return back with Zina but she hid herself and vowed never to follow her back to Port Harcourt.

Against her mother's pleading she refused until her mother threatened her about going to school so cried and narrowing to her mom that she no longer goes to school. That after doing all the house chores she drops her nephews and nieces in the school and go straight to meet her Aunt in the market and start hawking.

Her mother noticed sincerity in her speech and asked her Sister to allow her stay. Mrs Justina was so bitter haven seen the marks and injuries on the daughter.

She vowed to make sure her daughter returns back to school even if it's a public school in the village.