Agony Of The Heart - Episode 4

 

Sarah woke up the next day on the mat in her mother's bedroom. She felt a sharp pain on her head. 
What could have happened to me? She thought to herself.
The last thing she remembered was drinking a cup of palm wine that was offered to her by her sister. She looked at her dress,it has been changed,she was now wearing one of her old and tattered dresses. She was still lost in thought when Uyoyo walked in and handed some naira notes and coins to her. 
Sister,you can now pay for your WAEC examination . Uyoyo told her.
What happened to me? Sarah asked.
Nothing,you fell asleep and I brought you back home. I guess you were drunk. Uyoyo replied. Mother needs you outside.
Sarah got outside,and greeted her mother. She didn't answer her. She handed her a basket and cutlass.
Go to the farm and harvest some cocoyam and plantain, I want to take them to the market. Maigret said.
But mama,I have to go to school. If I don't pay for my WAEC examination today,I won't be able to write the exam. Sarah said pleading.
Do you have the money?  I don't care if you write the exam or not, bring me what I need and then you can go wherever you want. Maigret replied.
Sarah quickly hurried to the farm to get the yam and plantain her mother asked for

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. She got back home and handed the basket loaded with cocoyam and plantain over to her mother who was already dressed for the market.
Do you expect me to carry this basket on my head? She asked staring into Sarah's eyes. Of cos no. Now carry it and follow me. Maigret said walking away.
But mama... Sarah stammered.
Maigret turned to Sarah. But what? Maigret asked.
But nothing,she answered.
She carried the basket on her head and followed her mother. 
They got back from the market some minutes pass 1. Sarah quickly took her bath and rushed to school. She ran to the principal's office but met no one there. She ran to the class and asked a friend if she knew where the principal was. She was told he had gone to summit the list of those that has paid for the WAEC examination.
Sarah threw the money she was holding on the ground and started weeping. 
I lost it all,my dreams,everything is gone now.
She stood up from the ground and started running towards the village river. Some of the villagers called and greeted her but she answered none of them.
What has Mama Sarah done to her today again that broke her spirit this much? Mama Ade,the village miller  asked her daughter who gave no answer.
She got to the river and knelt by it bank. She looked at her reflection on the clean flowing water. 
Why is my life so miserable. Why did God give me to parents who have vowed to do nothing but destroy me. All I wanted was to become a nurse. I wanted something more to life but I couldn't even make it pass the first stage. Why do I have to suffer this much. Why? She said wiping heavily. I want more to life. She shouted angrily. You could hear the noise of birds who have been scared by the sudden noise flying around a palm tree near the river.
She stayed there till it was evening,thinking if she should continue living or take her life. On her way back home she met Rebecca coming out from her father's compound. 
Sarah,where have you been? She looked at her face and saw how messed up it was. Have you been crying? She asked again but got no reply. Sarah couldn't stand talking to her,she just ignored and walked pass her. Rebecca quickly held her hand.
I don't know what is wrong with you right now but I know that all will be well. She said.
Sarah still didn't say anything. She forcefully released her hand from Rebecca's and continued walking towards her house.
Well, I just came to inform you that our class teacher paid for your WAEC examination. Rebecca said
Sarah quickly paused,she couldn't believe her ears,she rushed at Rebecca and held her hands. She asked if what she just heard was true. Rebecca confirmed it. She was so happy,she hugged her best friend,tears of joy were already rolling down her cheeks. 
She didn't let go of Rebecca until she heard her mother calling her name.
I will see you tomorrow, she told Rebecca who just flashed her a smile and headed home. She quickly ran to her mother. 
Mama,you called me. She said.
Where have you been? Well,that doesn't matter to me. I want you to sweep the house and prepare dinner. Maigret said.
Is that all Mama? Sarah asked in excitement.
Yes that's all,now get to work. Her mother answered wondering what might have happened to make her this happy. Na she sabi. Maigret said to herself. 
The next day, Sarah was so eager to know what had happened to her the night she went out with Uyoyo and where she could have gotten the money she gave her. She still felt pains in her legs.
Uyoyo kept saying nothing happened so she had to let go of the incident.

Two months later, Sarah was happy she had written her WAEC examination. Although she didn't get enough time to study,she was very sure she will pass the exam. She was now very close to her class teacher. She followed him home after school to help him fetch water and sweep his house. During the examination, he had taught and helped her prepare well for the examination. She saw no other way to repay him than helping him with house chores.

Sarah woke up one morning feeling feverish. She couldn't eat anything,she didn't say anything to her mother. When they got to the farm, she ran off twice to vomit.
Her mother was watching her but decided to remain quiet. She got home and was feeling very weak. She took her bath and slept off. The next day,her mother woke her up. She had barely opened her eyes when Maigret started talking.
Sarah,are you pregnant? Maigret asked.