A MOTHER'S RESOLVE
864 Words
Amina sat by the flickering fire outside her small hut, her mind heavy with worry. The cool night breeze carried whispers of the nearby forest and faint laughter from the village. Yet, even the comforting rhythm of the crickets could not quiet the storm inside her heart.
Inside the hut, Odeny lay asleep on a straw mat, his tiny chest rising and falling in peaceful rhythm. Amina watched him through the open doorway, clutching the hem of her shawl tightly. His innocence was a sharp contrast to the hatred brewing in the village.
---
Over the past weeks, the whispers had turned into veiled threats. The elders, led by Luyanza, had begun murmuring about cleansing the village of “tainted” blood. Though no names were spoken, Amina knew the target was her son. Odeny, born of an unspoken sin, was a living affront to their rigid traditions.
She had done everything she could to shield him—keeping to the edges of the village, avoiding the judgmental stares. But the walls were closing in. She could no longer ignore the danger.
---
That evening, as she sat by the fire, Amina heard soft footsteps approaching. She turned sharply, her hand instinctively moving to the knife she kept by her side.
“Relax, Amina. It’s me.”
The voice belonged to Shaban, a young herdsman known for his quiet demeanor and sharp wit. He stepped into the firelight, his lean figure wrapped in a worn shawl. His presence was unexpected, but Amina knew he had always been kind to her and Odeny, unlike most of the villagers.
“What are you doing here?” Amina asked, her voice low but edged with curiosity.
“I came to warn you,” Shaban said, glancing over his shoulder as if to ensure no one had followed him. “The elders are meeting tomorrow. Luyanza is pushing for action against you... and the boy.”
Amina’s heart sank, though she wasn’t surprised.
“They’ll call for his life,” Shaban continued, his voice grim. “They believe his existence curses the village.”
---
Amina swallowed the lump in her throat, her voice trembling. “What can I do, Shaban? This is my home. I have nowhere else to go.”
“You have to leave,” Shaban said firmly, crouching beside her. “Take Odeny and go to the city. It’s the only place where no one will know your story—or care.”
“The city?” Amina whispered, the idea filling her with dread. She had never been beyond the neighboring villages. The thought of navigating an unfamiliar world, alone with her son, was terrifying.
Shaban placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “It’s not as impossible as it seems. The city is vast and full of opportunities. It’s your best chance to give Odeny a life free from this hatred.”
---
That night, as Odeny slept, Amina sat by his side, her fingers brushing his soft hair.
“I named you Odeny because I believed you were a blessing,” she murmured, tears welling in her eyes. “But this village sees you as a curse. I won’t let them harm you, my son.”
Shaban’s words echoed in her mind. She knew he was right—staying would mean certain danger. She had to leave, no matter how terrifying the unknown seemed.
---
The next day, Shaban returned with a small bundle of supplies—a few coins, some dried food, and a blanket.
“Take the footpath through the forest,” he advised. “It’s longer, but it’ll keep you away from prying eyes. Once you reach the town, find a bus to the city. From there, you’ll have to trust your instincts.”
Amina nodded, her resolve hardening. She had no choice but to trust Shaban’s advice.
“Why are you helping me?” she asked, her voice soft.
Shaban hesitated, then said, “Because it’s the right thing to do. Odeny deserves a chance to live, and so do you.”
---
Before dawn, Amina woke Odeny and packed their few belongings into a small sack.
“Where are we going, Mama?” Odeny asked, rubbing his sleepy eyes.
“To a new home,” Amina said, forcing a smile. “Somewhere safe.”
Odeny nodded, his trust in her absolute.
As they stepped out of the hut, Amina glanced back one last time. This was the only home she had ever known, but it was no longer safe for her or her son.
---
Shaban waited at the edge of the village, his eyes scanning the horizon.
“Thank you,” Amina said, her voice thick with emotion.
“Stay safe,” Shaban replied, handing her a walking stick. “And remember—no matter how difficult it gets, keep moving forward.”
With Odeny’s small hand in hers, Amina turned toward the forest path. The village grew smaller behind them, and the uncertainty of the journey ahead loomed large.
But in her heart, Amina carried the hope of a better future—a future where Odeny could grow up free from fear and hatred.
- Writer
