38 Who is the father? (1/2)

Agadinwanyi interrupted her with ”So who is the father?”

That question sucked out the little excitement she managed to muster, leaving her lost at sea and feeling terrible. Choking on her own words she managed to say ”I don't… know”.

Her response threw the healer aback ”How do you mean you don't know? Every woman knows who the father of her child is”

”You don't understand, it isn't because there have been so many, rather it is because there was none. Since Nnanna died, I have not had any other man, at least not in that way. I'm really trying hard to recall how and when it happened but I am certain I haven't been with anybody.” She said hitting her head in frustration.

”It's alright before you break your head. Though it is strange it is not new to me. You may not remember now but you met a man as that's the only way you got pregnant”.

”Agadi, can you help me with the identity of the father?”

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”Of course, I will ask the gods on your behalf.” Having said that, she murmured some inaudible incantations, then tossed the shells. She contemplated on them for about two minutes before looking up at Ego who curiously was awaiting a reply and said: ”The gods are silent!”

Disappointment evident in her voice she asked: ”How can they choose to be silent now?”

”My child, I can't answer that; but is it really important to know who the father of the child is?”

”How do you mean?” Ego inquired.

Seeing the gloominess on her face, she advised ”I mean you have all that is required to give the child the best that life can offer. If I am to offer a piece of advice to you, just accept the child for who he is, a blessing, and forget about the father. It is your baby and that's all”

”Agadi, you are not far from the truth”. Ego responded suddenly smiling to hide the disarray still longing inside. ”Thank you very much, that's exactly what I will do”.

”You are welcome”. She said as she packed up, telling Ego that she has another urgent issue awaiting her in a compound not far from there.

Once alone, she could not shake the thought of being pregnant away. How did she get pregnant? Who got her pregnant? Where did it happen? Could it be Nnadozie? But he didn't succeed in having his way with her, nor had he previously succeeded without her knowing. He likely did it because no other man has gotten that close to almost having carnal knowledge of her. But how come she doesn't remember? What if it happened in the evil forest? Maybe those men that carried her away raped her in the process? Could it be the gods or the bird? It sounded strange and impossible to her; cowries falling from nowhere sounded the same way but it did happen. With that bird, anything is possible.

The old lady said she could only demand one particular thing and she doesn't recall requesting for a child. This reminded her of the old lady, and her promise to pay her a visit once she caught the bird. It was already three months and not for once has it crossed her mind. Right there and then she made up her mind to keep her promise. She imagined how it would feel relating the struggle of getting the bird to the old lady, how she would react to it and especially to the news of her strange pregnancy.