Chapter two

Mr. Williams sat outside his hut. It was a scorching afternoon; it was that time of year when the heat was most terrible in Itanga. Flies took advantage of the heat to annoy and torture everyone.

Mr. Williams fanned himself till his hand ached. Frustrated, he wondered if he was fanning himself or the flies away. He wished he had someone to assist him with the difficult chore of cooling down and fanning away the bugs. When he was younger, the responsibility of fanning a guy his age was allocated to any of the man's male children. As insignificant as it may look, it was really beneficial in cementing the man's relationship with his normally cherished son. Unfortunately for him, he had no son to delegate that responsibility to. That fateful afternoon, when his thoughts turned to his lack of an heir, he gradually sank into a gloomy mindset..

He considered how it was an accomplishment for a father to unwind and spend time with his son by just asking him to fan him.

Most devoted fathers would share incredible tales with their boys during these times that would stay with them for the rest of their lives. These incredibly unusual friendships were treasured by the sons and their fathers. Male offspring of wealthy men still sought the role even though it was a little hard because it kept the child constantly alert. It was a service that offered a lot of advantages. The fortunate child would probably take pleasure in lunch or whatever snack the father was given. Extra meat, huge portions of delectables, and occasionally delights of rare exotic fruits designated only for elderly people were among the perks.

Mr. Williams rested his hurting elbow before returning to the tiresome fanning. The flies were really bothering him by this point. As he reflected on his predicament, he sighed for the hundredth time. "If only I had a son, I wouldn't have cared about all the flies in the world." My son would be right by my side right now, driving these pests away while I told him stories about the secrets of all good fishers."

He cleared his throat and adjusted his loin cloth. His snuff container sat idle a few feet away. He shifted awkwardly, sighing deeply. The prospect of dying without an heir sent shivers down his spine.

"Evelyn, Evelyn!" He yelled for Mrs Evelyn. When he was in one of his occasional melancholy moods, he addressed his beloved wife in this manner.

Mrs Evelyn's response was deliberately reserved. She wasn't too far away and didn't see the need to respond loudly. Hearing Mr. Williams call her by that name spelled problems, which was the last thing she wanted between them at that time. She was rapidly made aware that something was about to happen. As a result, she arrived slowly, claiming the need to clean her hands, which were filthy from the palm oil she was processing.

"'Evelynnnnn! "Where on earth are you?" he yelled, his voice irritated this time.

"Almost by your side, my darling husband," she said reverently as she moved closer to him. "I didn't want to stand before you with oil-covered palms, my love."

She was well aware that she had lied. Whatever she could grasp for a split second before the inevitable was revealed was worth the risk. She reasoned that no rational individual would eagerly await coming trouble."Please save me the nicety," he said, waving his hand.

Mrs Evelyn immediately understood that her husband was in one of those melancholy moods that brought out the less-than-pleasant side of him.

"How long do I have to wait for a male child?" he asked, raising his two hands to the sky. He obviously targeted the inquiry at his God rather than his wife. Then, looking at his beloved wife of nearly thirteen years, he lamented, "I am getting old and there is still no male child to my name."

Mrs Evelyn was overcome with emotion. She understood how much a male child meant to her husband, and indeed to any man in their community. To any man, that was the crowning success of all achievements. It almost tore her apart witnessing him grit his teeth soulfully while shaking his head helplessly.

He said bluntly, "Evelyn, there is no heir to my fortune.

She had never observed him approaching situations from that angle.

That was a risky and brand-new development. As he went on, she could not believe what she was hearing. If that wasn't unsettling, what she overheard him say next was shocking.

He pointed at Evelyn and yelled fiercely, "Give me a son, Evelyn!"

Throughout their marriage, she had never seen her husband act with such wrath. Mrs . Evelyn was so shocked that she wasn't sure she had understood. She thought her hearing were playing tricks on her. If it weren't the case, then a nest of vipers was hatching.

She mentally questioned, "What would that translate to?" Could this suggest that Mr. Williams implied that she was to blame for the absence of a male issue? Because he had previously been the one to console her when she felt down, she was a little perplexed by the change. He was the one who was adamant that one's offspring could only come from their God. Why was he suddenly placing the blame on her? What might have caused him to change his mind and his belief at that moment?

She had received a verbal beating the day before from her husband's sole unmarried sister Hannah because she couldn't conceive a boy. She could not take it any longer. Hannah had started a verbal rant without being challenged. Due to her husband's respect, Evelyn chose not to escalate the situation since she believed that doing so would bring down the entire home. She now questioned whether or not that was a planned attempt to frighten her.

Mrs. Evelyn soon knelt in a subservient position, pleading, "My husband," ever so docilely. She was now sobbing uncontrollably.

She felt as though she was in deep water at this point.

She begged her husband to be patient with her. If, for whatever reason, her once-calm and understanding husband faltered now, she felt that evil was destined to befall her. For her own benefit, she must buy time. She considered the best way to handle the situation without adding to the already heated atmosphere.

She kindly revealed, "have just returned from seeing Okembe the herbalist, for this frightening infertility condition. He prescribed me some herbal medicine. He is confident that I will become pregnant again once I finish this current treatment before the following market week. When she turned to look at him for a sign of consent, she was met by a stone wall. Please understand that I am doing everything I can to give you a son. My king, my lover, my love, and my hubby...

"Woman, it's always the same old story. For a man like myself to believe this is a cock and bull act. For the past seven years, I have heard the same tale in 11 various iterations, and I can't wait any longer.

As you very well know, I am my father's first son. My three male siblings all lead fulfilling lives.

He paused to gaze at Mrs. Evelyn, who was virtually trembling in response to this unexpected development. This time he completely disregarded the bothersome flies, who appeared to be trying to interrupt their conversation on purpose.

He asked Mrs. Evelyn, "How many sons does my younger brother, Charles, have?" By this time, his eyes were burning crimson. His chest heaved, and the bulging veins on his temple were a clear indication of his pounding heart.

"He has three, my lord," she replied, unsure how else to escape the impending showdown. She was disappointed that fate had finally set her against her best friend and husband. They were heading straight toward each other.

"And Samuel, my second brother, how many children does he have?" he said.

"Two, my darling husband."

"Very good," he said, pausing for a moment before continuing morosely.

"Do you know who my third brother is, Nathaniel?" "Is his wife expecting another child after giving birth to a son in their first year of marriage?" he inquired.

"I believe so," she replied.

"Woman, pay attention. These small lads, whom I aided in life after we lost our father when they were still young, now speak disrespectfully to me at our family reunion. None of them have any regard for me now." When the word'regard' was mentioned, his voice fell.

"The other day," he said, deep pain imprinted on the lids of his exhausted eyes, "Charles boldly told me that if I died without a son any day now, he and the rest of my male siblings would inherit my property." "Chie!" he exclaimed.

Pain erupted from his deformed spirit, and he bit his index finger as a symbol of sincere regret.

Evelyn was taken aback as she watched him swiftly brush away two droplets of tears from his eyes. He was quick about it, clearly not wanting Evelyn to witness him in such anguish.

The mere thought of his undeserving siblings obtaining his hard-earned fortune had pained him.

"Did they really mean it?," he pondered. He suddenly remembered how many times he had considered the topic. He felt it as a heinous assault to his own blood.

"Just because I don't have a son, Mrs. Evelyn?" Just because you wouldn't give me a son? Hmm! "I, Mr. Williams, the great son of his father, a very successful man, am now a laughingstock to those I threw a lifeline to, simply because you," he pointed angrily at Mrs Evelyn, "would not give me a male child."

I can't wait any longer. "I must have a male child," Mr. Williams concluded. "Evelyn, I must have a male child." Did you catch what I was saying? "Did my words get into your head?"

He then rose to his feet and hurried away, leaving Evelyn to her agony.

Mrs Evelyn jumped to her feet, shedding hot tears as she hurried after him, understanding the session had abruptly ended.

"Woman, don't get too close to me or you'll regret ever knowing me," he advised angrily as he discovered she was following him.

Evelyn felt a shiver run down her spine because of the tone of his voice. She'd never seen her hubby in such a bad mood before. She didn't need anyone to warn her about the consequences of ignoring this new Mr. Williams, so she came to a halt and didn't go any farther. His threatening demeanor revealed that what he had just uttered was no innocent threat.

She was still sobbing as she watched him fade into the distance. She returned to her hut to lick her wounds once he was safely out of the compound. She reached under the frame of her bamboo bed for the totem she usually kept there, neatly wrapped and put away, once she was in the safe confines of her chamber. She desperately untied the totem, clasped it against her bosom in a gentle warm embrace, sighed a heartbreaking sigh, and burst into tears.

"What have I done to deserve all of this?" "Can't you just give me one male child?" She cried out in desperation. Her entire hope was set on the goodness of the wooden symbol she gripped as if her life depended on it. She sobbed incoherent prayers for many hours.

A huge rat scurried across the floor, attempting to elude a larger one in hot pursuit. Lolo was accustomed to these small critters. Their presence no longer bothered her. She kept staring at the inanimate object she was hoping would save her from her current predicament. All of her expectations now rested on God's prompt involvement.

"I make sacrifices for you every day," she says. Her tearful eyes fixed on the ritual object as she conjured up in her heart a faith that repeated her good actions and daily sacrifices as sufficient justification for being blessed with at least a male child.

"You know I'd rather hang than fail to make your proper sacrifice."

Please let me know what I did. Where did I miss it, exactly? The totem gave her a cold stare in response.

An agonizing notion that caused her to suddenly freeze attached to her heart. A trail of slimy saliva was released from her quivering lips.

She thought of Hannah's remarks.

"My brother is about to wed a'real' woman who will have a son for him."

The idea pierced her like a precisely placed poison-tipped dagger, striking at the core of her feelings. As long as it wasn't because she didn't have a male child, she genuinely wouldn't mind having another woman in the family. There was a lot more to it than what first appeared.

My God, I have it on good authority that my husband is considering taking a second wife because my womb has completely failed to produce a male child for him. After giving birth to three daughters, they claim that my womb is now closed, thus I cannot even become pregnant again.

The fight between the two rats, who were now on the rafters, once more diverted her attention. They appeared to be fighting each other. She caught one of them observing her out of the corner of her eye and pondered whether rats experienced the same problems as people. Do they get married as people do? When their spouses fail to give birth to male rat offspring, do male rats push them out of the house?

A little distance away, the mother hen's strong flapping wings and the clucking of hens headed for their roost reminded her that she must have been crying and praying in the room for a long time. She hadn't realized it was growing dark outside.

"He now threatens me every day and calls me all kinds of names," she continued her pleading.

"I haven't given him a child yet, as far as he is concerned." "O my God, hurry and deliver me from this trouble," she exclaimed as she heard her husband's familiar footsteps return. In the weeks leading up to the end of her herbal therapy, the prospect of becoming pregnant again and possibly giving birth to a boy gave her life a new lease of life. There was now something to look forward to.

She had had several dreams in which she was pregnant. In her dreams, she had breastfed a baby boy several times. She fantasized about the day when the delivery attendant would proclaim in her famous stentorian Mr. Williams Demands à Male Child voice that she had given birth to a baby boy. Whenever she had similar dreams, she had awoken thrilled, fully expecting, and delighted.

Then came the fateful eke day she would like were lost from her memories forever. She'd awoken to what she hoped would be a promising day. Her thoughts kept returning to the wonderful dream she experienced the night before. In it, she was in a king's palace, where she was regarded as the embodiment of elegance, and everyone adored her. All guests were impressed by the ornately adorned guard lions at the royal entrance and the palm trees adorning the approach.

She was the queen mother in her fantasy. Her numerous subjects bowed to her. Then she remembered being led into the presence of the monarch, who happened to be her own son. He was passing judgment on people who had criticized her for being unable to bear a male kid for her spouse. His voice boomed, and the decorated lions leapt out, chasing and devouring her tormentors. Her son, the king, then rode into her tummy on his horse, causing her to get pregnant and give birth to twins. One was her spouse, and the other was his kid. She was so enthralled by the dream that she laughed and grinned until she awoke.

When she awoke, she observed her husband staring at her oddly. He inquired as to why she was giggling in her sleep. She had justified it to her husband as something insignificant, and yawning loudly turned and pretended to sleep again. Nonetheless, she was convinced that the dream foreshadowed something wonderful. As far as she was concerned, the nights she had spent in her husband's hut with him had eventually paid off.

She cheerfully gathered her belongings in preparation for her stand at Nkwo-Itanga: she arrived there in high spirits and plunged herself into the action of quickly selling off her seafood. She was more conversational than ever with her numerous customers, and each of them commented on how joyful she was that day. Everything was normal until midway through her sales when she began experiencing mild lower stomach ache. She tried to dismiss it as a little annoyance, but the discomfort increased. She felt some moisture between her legs and proceeded to inspect her underwear. When she noticed she was menstruating, she couldn't believe it.

So she wasn't pregnant after all! It was a devastating blow. Her discovery saddened her completely. How would she give the news to her husband again? She managed to stay in the market until the end of the day, despite her hot tears. Her warmth and happiness vanished as terrible ideas rushed through her mind.

Customers who arrived later in the day were concerned since she was not her normal happy self. Every time they commented on it, she made the explanation of a little headache, but a lot of them didn't believe her. At the conclusion of the market day, it was clear that everyone had something new to gossip about her.

Mr. Williams' attitude toward his wife changed dramatically after learning that her latest attempt at pregnancy had failed. He stopped eating the food she cooked and even spoke to her less frequently.

Mrs. Evelyn was perplexed by the new development. Living with the knowledge that her husband no longer wanted, asked for, or even ate her meals was more torturous to her than her husband not talking to her as much as he used to. To her chagrin, her husband assigned Hannah, his sister, the job of making his meals beginning that day.

The die had been cast for her. It was the final straw. There was a lot more to her husband's exaggerated reaction. She speculated on what it could be. She needed to approach him as diplomatically as possible. She was aware that it was a volatile matter with the potential to resuscitate other unpleasant subjects. Mr. Williams wants a boy child. She was aware that any such discussion at this time would almost certainly result in her being confronted for the umpteenth time with the issue of her inability to bear a male child for him.

Despite the obvious danger, she chose to take the bull by the horns one afternoon. She reasoned that she'd rather moan under the weight of his harsh words than face the humiliation of watching another girl, Hannah of all people, push her out of her due place.

'My husband, you haven't been eating my meals all these days," she began, unsure of herself.

She waited for what seemed like an eternity before responding to her comment with a very cautious and well-considered question.

"'Is there anything the matter?" she inquired of her spouse.

Mr. Evelyn was troubled by the fact that he was a shadow of himself. Her worry grew as he gave her a contemptuous glance before snuffing out her hopes with some well-chosen rude words..

'Wild woman'"Get away from me, you witch!" he exclaimed as he pointed at her.

"You came into my life to destroy me, and..."my husband . Did you just accuse me of being a witch? My ears can't believe what they're hearing. Of course not, my dear spouse. "I know you didn't mean it," Mrs Evelyn said, almost choked with shattered emotions.

Her husband's unexpectedly nasty statements greatly surprised her.

"When did I suddenly transform into a witch in your eyes?" Is it simply because I haven't been able to conceive and provide you with a son? Hello, my God! Oh my goodness!" Evelyn exclaimed, her hands quivering as she clutched her whirling head.

"Woman, pay attention. "I've put up with you and your never-ending list of reasons for not being able to conceive for the past seven years," he replied.

"Now, look at me closely; do I appear to you to be speaking from both sides of my mouth?" Do I sound as if I've had spittle in my mouth? You clearly heard what I said. "You are a witch, and every word I said is true!" His eyes burned crimson with rage as he went for his already empty snuff container.

Mrs Evelyn was taken aback by this news, so much so that she stood there dumbfounded for a moment.

She could tell he wasn't done accusing her from the way he scratched his balding head. She'd been bombarded beyond reason, and she couldn't defend herself any longer. She was too exhausted to even make it to her room.

"You've stopped conceiving after seven years." You have not blessed me with a son. That is the crux of the situation. Tell me, evil woman, what did you do to your womb? I can now confirm what I've been told: you want me to die heirless. Oh, my goodness! Is it really what you want? I am aware of your plans, but I guarantee you that they will not be carried out. "Leave my presence, witch!" Mr. Williams took a big step forward. He appeared to be incredibly dangerous.

"Oh my goodness, my spouse! "Has it gotten this bad?" Evelyn stepped back to a safe distance. She gathered her strength once more.

"We've been together for nearly thirteen years." Every day under the sun, I cook your meals, wash your clothing, and care for our children. We pooled our money to build our house, purchase all of the pieces of property you hold today, and..." Her tears streamed uncontrollably down her cheeks. She couldn't figure out what had happened to her once-adoring spouse.

The children had witnessed and heard all that came out of their darling father's mouth. They had no idea what to make of him because they had never seen him in such a mood before. They walked back to their mother's cottage, afraid and depressed.

Evelyn continued to distance herself from her spouse. Mr. Williams had lost his predictability."my lord, I was not a witch all these years we lived in peace and labored together to get to where we are in life." I've transformed into a witch. "My love, this is not something I should say to your wife," she said from a safer distance. "I know you're not so cruel to stab me in this way. Because of your kindness, I've become the envy of every woman." She didn't know what else to do but stroke his ego.

a lot of "my good husband! Oh, my lorddd!! Isn't I just a human being?

Is it possible for me to have children on my own? Is it possible for me to have a boy child? Have I not appeased the gods, visited several native-doctors and herbalists, and consumed various concoctions in order to deliver you a boy child? "What have I done to be called a witch, my husband?" Hot tears streamed down her shaking cheeks. She experienced treachery at its most heinous. She sobbed loudly and inconsolably as she looked at her husband. Mr. Williams remained silent. He appeared to be lost in thought, and Lolo would have paid any amount of money to find out what they were.

"My lord, what have I done to deserve this?" My God!" Mrs Evelyn, in tears, pleaded for the umpteenth time.

"Tufia! "God forbid any evil," Mr. Williams yelled angrily as he turned to go.

Mrs Evelyn slowly entered her hut, still crying and sad, as soon as he walked out. She opened the dam and cried till she couldn't anymore, alone with her children. As she was about to fall asleep, an inspiration struck her, and she immediately brushed away her tears and sat up.

"Linda," Mrs. Evelyn called.

"Linda," she called again.

The girl had also dozed off. Her siblings were spread out on the mat on the floor. Little Helen was unprotected. Two mosquitos had settled down for a feast on her crimson cheeks. Their stomachs were overflowing with her blood. Mrs Evelyn was hesitant to see the parasites. She knew she wouldn't slam them with her palms since she didn't want to damage her child. Furthermore, she needed to leave the house to see a friend, so that would wake her up. She slapped the insects off the small girl's cheeks with the lower end of her wrapper. They just slumped down, unable to fly due to the weight of the blood they had taken from the youngster. That enraged her so much that she brought the weight of her former rage down on each of the now helpless insects. She crushed them with the might of a mowing down vicious criminals.

Linda was startled awake by the noise. She sat up, completely aware, and said, "mother."

"It's good that you're awake now, my dear daughter." "Look after the house, my daughter."She peeked at her to make sure she was awake before continuing with her lesson. "You see, eh, I need to go and see Cathrine, Oliver's mother," Mrs Evelyn explained.

'"Nne, do you really mean you want to go see Oliver's mother at this hour?" Linda confronted her mum.

The sun had already set. Her mother's planned visit at this time made no sense to her. When she peered closer, she noticed that her mother's eyes were puffy from prolonged crying. She understood why. They'd all heard their father's allegations. She stopped questioning her mother and patiently listened to her brief instructions, feeling very sorry for her mother.

"Never mind, my dear daughter. I had dinner ready earlier in the day. Make sure you warm it up. Make sure you and your sisters eat enough. I'll be back before you need to turn on the bush lamp. "Remember to be a nice girl, okay?" she reassured her frightened daughter.

'"OK, mother, but don't be late."