4 4. First Day (1/2)

IT was the constant crowing of the c.o.c.ks that woke Igho up. He had never heard a chorus of c.o.c.ks crowing like that before. It was as though they were in compet.i.tion for which c.o.c.k crowed the loudest. The hencoop was just at the other end of the house, just a few metres away from where they slept. At first, Igho was afraid, but he soon realised what was making the noise. He tapped Onome awake so she could hear the first sound in the village.

Onome robbed her eyes and woke up. It was still dark and they could hear all the other sounds creatures of the night made. Cats mewed not too far away at the other side of the big compound. Soon dawn came and they got out of bed.

They saw Ufuoma making fire at the hearth. They wanted to know why he was about so early; he explained to them that they would be going to the farm.

”Will Igho and I also go to the farm?” Onome asked.

”I think so,” Ufuoma said.

”Ok, so what shall we wear?”

”Something comfortable,” he said. ”I suggest trousers and s.h.i.+rts with long sleeves. You don't want your skin to itch when gra.s.ses and leaves brush against you, do you?”

”No.”

There was a brief pause.

”So, what is for breakfast?” Igho asked as he sat on a low stool.

”Grandma and Grandpa will have starch and banga soup, with boiled plantain,” Ufuoma said. ”But I will have boiled plantain and roasted fish only.”

”Me, too,” Igho said excitedly.

”But Grandma and Grandpa had starch and banga soup last night!” Onome protested.

”Well, that is what they want!” Ufuoma said.

”Can I have my boiled plantain and fish with a cup of tea, please?” Onome said meekly.

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”Of course, you can!”

”Thank you, uncle Ufuoma,” Onome said. ”You're the best!”

They sat and watched Ufuoma making the food over the open fire. It was not the usual gas fire they were used to in the city. The live coals burned hot red and produced little smoke. They stayed close to it and did not feel the heat other than the food being cooked in it.