Olamma

Episode 29

Olamma knelt and pleaded in tears but her parents mind were made up. She cried and kept crying before Atika came to lift up from the ground.

Atika stood and looked at Olamma’s parents and said.

“The table has turned for every one of you Mazi. You will all have to live with the fact that Olamma is no more as beautiful as she used to be. I could have taken her back to my village with me and save your faces from shame but she belong here and this is where she will be. You can’t throw your daughter out because she is no more beautiful or wealthy as you have thought her to be. The villagers will tag you wicked if they hear of your actions. So Olamma is home and you have no choice than to accept her as your daughter. Is unfortunate that your first daughter saw the danger you two could not see. And she try to warn everyone but no one will listen because her words were not regarded. Your whole focus was filled with Olamma and her rich price. You two are terrible parents and that pride you try to save from everyone will be soiled. The whole villagers will come to know everything someday and your nakedness which you try to hide will be exposed. Here is your daughter Olamma and I leave her with you. She is home to her father’s house and she will stay here until her next fate is decided. Do whatever you wish with her after all she is your daughter and will remain so. You cannot deny her because things did not go as you all planned. My journey is still far and I have to get going. Thank you for the kola and palm wine…
Atika turned to Olamma and said.
“Nne, clean your tears. This is your home. You escaped death in a needle’s eye. What others could not survive you have and safely back home. You have nothing to fear or worry about. It was a terrible mistake and as you have learnt from it, other parents like yours who pushes their daughter to the arm of the wealthy will learn too. Maidens who desire more than the gods is willing to give them will also learn. Nne, eat and drink in peace. This is your home. Your parents has no choice than to feed and take care of you. udo!! (Peace)
Atika turned and left, Leaving Olamma and her parents standing in the compound. Confused on what to do next.