Echoes of my youth

Chapter eight

The sun hung low over the eastern Nigerian town of Nnewi, casting long shadows on the dusty streets where children played barefoot, their laughter ringing through the air. my heart felt heavy, an anchor dragging him down into despair.

Feeling lost and alone in the cold after I had ran away from home. I wandered through the streets of our neighboring village of Nnewi, unsure of where to go or what to do. As night fell, I would find shelter in an abandoned building, feeling the weight of his expulsion heavy on my shoulders.

As I lay awake in the darkness every night, I could imagine what my parents would be doing at that moment looking for me. after what my mom did to me, I guessed I won't be forgiving her for a very long time. my image was tarnished and I couldn't fathom what next to do.

I could remember a certain conversation I had with my friend Samuel before I ran away, when he heard about my expell, he was so sad.

I had left the house to go get something from a store across the road when I heard a voice

“Fredrick, wait!” He called out. He was panting, trying to catch up, his slippers slapping against the dirt

I stopped, shoulders slumping. “What is it, Samuel?”

“Everyone is talking about what happened. You know you are not a witch” Samuel’s eyes were wide with concern, the sun glinting off his sweat-drenched brow.

“I don't know what's happening to me Samuel” I spat, My frustration bubbling over.

I have stayed with you through our days in primary school and even when you always steal, I knew something was up” Samuel shook his head, disbelief etched on his face. “You said you were a witch! You can’t expect me to accept that.”

I just felt a surge of anger all of a sudden. “Why not? I have been saying this things to my parents over a strange feeling since primary school"

“They don’t understand that!” Samuel’s voice rose, drawing curious glances from passersby. “You were on your way to becoming a priest. This isn’t the answer am supposed to be expecting from you"

Maybe it is.” I turned away, the weight of my bad decision pressing heavily on me. “I’m tired Samuel. I have failed everyone who has high hopes on me "

“Fred!” Samuel’s voice cracked with desperation. “its not the end of the world "

“Do you see the way my mom treats me .” my tone softened, “I can’t stay where I’m not wanted. Am more like an outcast in my house, I eat separately, I sleep separately and even bath separately

Samuel’s voice dropped to a whisper, as if the very thought might conjure the fear that clung like shadows in the corners of their world. “The neighbors don't know what happened to you, what if they found out, how will they see you. they won't let this go"

I immediately felt a chill run down my spine. The aftermath of what the neighbors would say reflected on my mind. they were known for their harsh judgement. “Then let them come. I’m done being afraid" I said bravely.

Samuel reached out, gripping my arm. Don't say that Fredrick, have you prayed, remember what our headmistress always told you, she will be heartbroken."

My chest softened at the mention of her.

With a sigh, Samuel stepped back, his expression torn. “Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

I nodded, though my heart felt heavy with uncertainty.

“Where do I even begin?” I murmured to myself

my first night away from home was boring and I found solace beneath a sprawling mango tree at the edge of town, its branches heavy with ripe fruit. I sat on the ground, leaning against the rough bark, the smell of earth and leaves grounding me. Was I making a bad decision?.

The evening sky turned to a deep indigo as I navigated the winding paths of Nnewi. The sounds of the bustling market faded behind me, replaced by the chirping of crickets and the occasional rustle of leaves as the night settled in. I pulled the tattered bag slung over his shoulder closer, the contents a mix of my belongings