23 Waiting for the blackout

At this time in history, especially in this part of the world, people attach strong belief and relevance to dreams, even till date. It is not viewed as just a figment of imagination as it is presented in this civilized world rather it is believed that it is another world that is visited when one falls asleep. Dreams are seen not only as a channel of communication with the dead, the gods and other living beings but also are considered to be unique windows into the other side of reality, that is the sources of supernatural knowledge.

Some are often visions and prophecies revealed for a specific purpose and may require a very knowledgeable elder or even dibia for interpretations. Ego's dream isn't one of those that need special attention; to her, it is obviously an answer from the gods in response to her daily prayers.

The vision she had of the old lady solved parts of the puzzle she has been battling with. It told her why she had been covered in clay and other herbs used for fever treatment and how she got back to the hut. It also threw lights on her fear of being in a coffin-like box and all the other bizarre things that she had imagined.

Not all of the dots were connected though. For example, she still doesn't know how she could have left the hut to urinate only to find her back in hut three days after with no memory of what had happened. She still hasn't discovered how she got into the grave the old woman said she found her in and who all those people with poison were or if they were even real. She really doubted the ability of the old lady carrying her with a stretcher all by herself; a frail-looking old woman at that!

Ego's thoughts moved towards the old lady's prophesy. She really has to secure the said Nza to ensure she lifts herself from a destitute life. It seemed the gods have responded to her prayers and have decided to favour her, finally! The old lady even pleaded with her and blessed her, so come tomorrow afternoon, as long as the blackout happens, she will be out there searching for that Nza and no matter the odds she must secure it! She was so determined to take out anything that will prevent her from reaching that goal especially doubt.

She was about to go back to bed and perhaps return to the dreamland when that niggling voice of doubt whispered to her "What if the blackout never happens? Why on earth would you even believe such gibberish? Are you like totally wacko?"

"It must happen, the old lady can't be lying about something like that" she responded.

"Are we talking about the same old lady that has lied to you on two different occasions; why should you believe any word that comes out of her mouth? Moreover, where did you even see her, or isn't it obvious to you that you were just dreaming?"

"But she must have saved my life" Ego replied.

"That's what she told you, did you see her do it, and anyone could have rescued you from her and her gang then brought you back to safety".

"I know she might be lying, but I just have to trust her on this and hope that she is not," she said within her.

"And what if it is another trap to lure you back to her clutches? What then would you do? Have you not considered that?" the voice asked once more.

"I have, and I know it is very possible but what other option do I have; it is either it is a trap or it's really true. I think I'll take the chance it is true and possibly escape this wretched life Ego declared to her. "There is only one way to find out if all she said is true and I'm willing to take the risk", she concluded to herself as she slowly fades back into her slumber.

She slept peacefully the rest of the night without any dreams of her dead husband or any strange old woman. She was later woken up at the first light of the morning by the crow of a cock. She stood up from her bed with a mixture of trepidation and excitement and went straight to do her morning rituals.

After that, she went straight to her personal shrine that was on the left side of the hut to offer prayers to her chi and ancestors. She first did her usual libations before proceeding to thank them for waking her up this beautiful morning and for their visit yesternight to present her with an opportunity that could help her rise above her equals. She also prayed for their protection and guidance when she ventures out later that day.

She commenced sweeping the whole compound; dancing and singing some Igbo songs of praise to her gods. Everyone that walked past the premises that morning could not help but notice that Ego was in a good mood. Some of them wondered what was making her so felicitous. This is not the Ego they have come to know since Nnanna passed away. When he was still alive, she was like this almost every other morning, exchanging pleasantries with every passerby not minding their age or social status in the society. But since he left her, she returned into her own shell; she was no longer that chatty.

When she was done sweeping the compound like she has not done since she could remember, she went to the kitchen to prepare her favourite meal Ofe Owerri and pounded yam. This is a meal she only prepares on special days like during the new yam festivals as it was time-consuming. Today was also a special day for Ego. When the food was ready, she ate to her fill; then washed all her cooking utensils, cleaned and rearranged the kitchen like someone that was going on a long journey.

All these she did as she patiently waited for afternoon. After rearranging the kitchen, the afternoon was still not upon her. She decided to get the grains of maize that she will use to rain down the blessings of Anyawu upon herself from her garden that was just behind the hut. She got ripe maize, peeled off its husks to expose its matured cob; then removed the grains from the cob and got the leaf of cocoyam which she used to wrap it together. In other to further waste time in waiting for the war; she began weeding the garden removing the unwanted crops with her bare hands as she did not come with a hoe or any other farm implement because she hadn't planned on weeding the farm.