The boy was named Kambili because of the circumstances that surrounded his birth.
All those years, Amadi maintained his promise of offering sacrifice to the Ebem deity twice a year. It wasn't easy on him but he was scared of the consequences that may come with him terminating his commitment.
Kambili attended a community primary school, Ajani which was the only school that existed in their community. The community took care of the school fees of any child who was ready to go to school at the basic level.
Kambili was just in primary 5 when his father developed a serious ailment and died after two months. Amadi's only brother who had been in the city for years was informed about his demise. He came back and did all the necessary preparation and they gave him a befitting burial.
His wife mourned him for one year according to their tradition. During her mourning period, she wore black clothes all through, her hair wasn't combed nor shaven, she only washed it. She wouldn't go to any distant place or any public gathering. She mostly stayed within their village.
During those mourning periods, Kambili was helping his mother out on the ones he could.
After that one year, her hair was shaved and her mourning clothes were burnt. Then she continued living her normal life.
Those periods aren't easy for widows but it's what they do to show that they truly love and respect their husbands.
On the other hand, Kambili's mother never thought about the promise that her husband made at Ebem shrine. She never supported it from the beginning. She only remained quiet for peace to reign.
Just eight months after removing her mourning clothes, she developed a mysterious illness and died a few weeks later.
Then Kambili was preparing to write common entrance, he was devastated.
His uncle came back for her burial.
After his mother's burial, he left with his uncle to the city because he had no one else to stay with.
TO BE CONTINUED
I am Ayogu Oluchi Eze
Comments
Post a Comment