37 The good news (2/2)

Just three days after the arrival of Oluchukwu, Ego began feeling unwell. She felt nauseous sometimes coupled with severe headaches at odd hours. She always had to empty her bladder, more than usual and she craved certain strange foods which were also unusual. Of the strange things happening to her, the one that really got to her was the changes that were occurring around her breast. They were swollen, feeling heavier and the areola became darker. A strong woman like her was now feeling unusually fatigued almost all the time.

She invited Agadinwanyi, the village healer, to come and give her the diagnosis. She arrived Ego's compound in the early hours of the morning, dressed in a black wrapper that was designed with red painted cowries and pieces of broken mirrors. In her hands was a staff covered with white cloth. Agadinwanyi entered the master hut dancing to the songs of the spirit that was only audible to her. She greeted Ego and got a well-deserved one in return. Wasting no time she sat down on a mat with her legs outstretch and asked Ego what was wrong with her. She told her all the symptoms she was currently experiencing.

Agadinwanyi listened carefully without interrupting and when she was through laying down her complains; she slowly raised her head and looked at Ego smiling from ear to ear.

Which Ego found unusual, ”Agadinwanyi, what's wrong with me? Why are you smiling?”

”I have good news,” She said still smiling and shaking her head.

”How can all these symptoms tormenting my life mean anything good?”

”You are blessed Ego. The gods of your fathers have truly remembered you”

”Agadi, why don't we just climb the ube tree instead of shaking its branches?”

”You are with child, my daughter,” she said sweeping Ego off her feet with surprise.

”What?” she exclaimed in shock. ”I am with child?” she wondered beating her chest slowly with her fist. So Oluchukwu was right, after all, she had previously told her nothing was wrong with her, that she was pregnant. As much as she wanted it to be true, she still didn't believe her as it wasn't possible. She has been celibate since Nnanna passed away.