“No, Mama, I bought it myself.”
“With what money? You stole my rice and now you are trying to lie. Give me that rice and get out of my kitchen quickly, little witch. Baba is no longer here now to protect you. You’ll see what I’ll do to you in this house.”
She burst into tears and ran back to the church. She was hungry and cried helplessly. A few minutes later, Ife brought her a plate of stew. She ate quickly as if she had never eaten in her life, while everyone watched them.
The next day, Emeka visited her in the church for the first time. He explained that he would be leaving for the base the next day. Ogei felt a glimmer of hope. She hoped he would change and love her again like in the old days.
The next day before leaving, she hugged Ife.
“Thank you so much for everything, Ife. You are very kind, and like Baba did when he was alive, you have helped me a lot since I’ve been here. I will always pray for you, and I promise to come back and see you no matter the circumstances.”
After two hours of travel, Ogechi and Emeka arrived at the base. Instead of opening the door directly, Emeka knocked. Suddenly Linda came out of the hut and ran to kiss Emeka.
Ogesi was stunned.