10 Ota Mmiri (2/2)

”My name is Ego and I'm from Umudibia” Ego replied.

”That is quite far from this place, I hope your people will not be worried that you didn't return this night?” the old lady asked.

”I live alone” Ego responded.

The woman was shocked at her response ”You are not married? Really?” she inquired.

”My husband past away a few years ago” Ego replied.

”Eiyaa! What a pity. So you are already a widow at this age? Why didn't you remarry?” She asked again.

”I don't feel like getting married for the second time” Ego replied confidently.

The old lady couldn't understand why a young and beautiful lady like Ego would not want to remarry, so she asked her ”But why not? You're young and beautiful. I can't believe you don't have suitors! Your husband doesn't have brothers?

”I want to live the remaining days of my life in my own terms. I don't want to be under any man again. And besides what do I need a husband for when I can fend for myself; moreover, I'm barren. No man would want a woman that can't produce children for him. I was lucky in my first marriage, Nnanna was very patient with me, saying we could certainly have children and he never for once said any hurtful thing to me about it. I don't think there is any man out there that can love me the way Nnanna did” Ego said soberly.

”The marriage was childless?” She asked

”No, I wasn't even able to conceive, I could not give him children”. Ego answered quietly as tears gathered in her eyes.

”So since you lost your husband, you have been alone?” she asked

”Yes, I have been alone doing everything by myself”. She said with a tremulous smile.