The only child

CHAPTER 18

Nuga woke up early that morning in order for him to quickly go to the farm. He called Kune to inform her that he is leaving already.

"Kune, I am leaving. Take care of the house," Nuga said.

"So soon? You are about to leave so early," Kune replied.

"Yes, I want to quickly get to the farm so that I can get some work done before noon," He replied.

"Okay. But, I would love to come with you in order for me to assist you ," She said.

"No. Don't worry yourself. Let me go alone. Take care of the house and the most important thing, make food before I come back ," he said.

"Don't worry. Food will be ready even before you come back ," she assured. They bade each other goodbye.

Kune went back into the house to start the day's work.

On his way to the farm, Nuga met Loyem. They both exchanged greetings before they started discussing.

"How is Kune?" Loyem asked.

"She is fine. What about your family?" Nuga asked.

"They are fine too," Loyem replied with a smile.

"Okay. That's good ,"Nuga said.

"Nuga, I want to inform you of something because,"a stitch in time saves nine". So, I thought of informing you before things get out of hand. You know that we've been through a lot together. We are childhood friends. It's not good for me to keep quiet when I see you going down into the pit….," he gets interrupted by Nuga.

"See…don't waste my time. Talk if you want to talk. I am going to the farm. Talk fast. Stop beating around the bush," Nuga queried.

"You see, your blood is too hot. Learn to calm down. You are going to the farm, am I going to the shrine? Calm down. After all, our farms are very near to each other. Be careful, don't get me angry. Anyways, as I was saying, this Kune, we don't know her from Adam. So, why will you be so comfortable putting her in her house? You met her in the Butu forest. Only criminals are sent there. I am not saying that she is guilty of the crime that she is being accused of. But, don't put her in her house. Send her away. Please, for your own good, send her away," Loyem said.

"I understand you but she has no one," Nuga replied out of empathy.

"Send her away with some money so that she can start her own life afresh. I will also add some money. Please, be fast about this, as delay is very dangerous," Loyem advised.

"Okay. I will think about it ,"Nuga said.

"Think about what? My friend, act on this discussion that we just had," Loyem said.

They left each other and went to their various farms. By evening, Nuga returned home. When he got home, he had his bath and ate his food. He laid on his bed and flashed back on what Loyem had told him:

"This Kune, we don't know her from Adam. So, why will you be so comfortable putting her in her house? You met her in the Butu forest. Only criminals are sent there. I am not saying that she is guilty of the crime that she is being accused of. But, don't put her in her house. Send her away. Please, for your own good, send her away"

"send her away with some money so that she can start her own life afresh. I will also add some money. Please, be fast about this, as delay is very dangerous".

Nuga was as confused as a lost traveler. He had no idea what to do. He slept off.

The next morning, Nuga went to the market to sell some of his produce. On his way to the market, he heard two girls discussing Kune. He was shocked. One even said," he brought a wife from another village. I heard that she has no one, no father, no mother, no sister, no brother and no relatives". Nuga was so perplexed. He got to the market, he quickly sold his produce and went back home. When he was on his way back home, he saw an elderly woman who he greeted and she asked," what of your wife? I hope that she is fine? Extend my greetings". He wondered,"So, people have known about Kune? What a small world ". He got home and informed Kune. She laughed hard. He counted all the money he made and divided it into two. Kune had no idea why he was dividing the money. She just kept her calm and decided not to be too forward. She patiently waited for Nuga to voice out.

"Kune, thank you for all you've done for me. You have supported me a lot. I really appreciate it. Thank you. I think it's high time you relocate to any place of your choice. You are a young girl. You need to start life afresh. Forget your past, focus on the future. May the good God be with you. Take this amount of money and start your life, Nuga said while handing her a bunch of money.

"No, please, forgive me if I offended you in any way. Please, forgive me. I am like your kid sister. Please ," Kune pleaded while kneeling down.

"No, stand up. You did not offend me. I just want the best for you. I want you to be happy. I want you to be independent. That's all. I hold no grudge against you," Nuga said while assisting Kune to get up.

"Thank you, sir. I really appreciate all you've done for me. Thank you," Kune said happily.

They went inside their rooms to sleep. Kune laid on her bed after carefully keeping the money that Nuga gave to her. She pondered about her life. She remembered her past, she thought of the future. How will the new environment be? How will she be able to survive? Will she find a good Samaritan too? Kune thought of so many things going on in her mind before she slept off.