Shadows

Ugomma was always thinking, always observing, always in the shadows. Nwere sometimes called her ikwikwi.

She wanted to know all, to experience all. Her mother told her once that she should be careful lest the gods see her as a rival.

In that moment she observed that Father Cletus looked at her the same way Nwere did when he wanted their lips to touch. His eyes were focused on her lips. She wondered how he would do it, why he wanted to? Was it going to be a holy kiss to purify her?

Nwere confided in her that he learnt it from his Chi. Though he never mentioned it again and said it so quietly she doubted what she heard. It came back now.

"Indeed he died so that we can be free. Free from our sins, free from shackles of immortality or maybe chained to them. I wonder if he freed us or if he chained us." He said slowly.

He didn't know why he was telling her this, he didn't expect her to comprehend his philosophy. She was just a village girl. Wasn't she?