Echoes of Legacy: Unveiling Truths in the Widener Library

Chapter 15

Echoes of Legacy: Unveiling Truths in the Widener Library

Amina's lips curved into a knowing smile. "It was dedicated to a Harvard graduate named Harry Elkins Widener. He was an avid bibliophile, passionate about collecting and preserving books."

Bayo nodded, absorbing the information. "So, the library is named after him?"

"Yes," Amina confirmed. "But the story takes a tragic turn. Widener perished in the sinking of the Titanic, along with his prized collection of rare books. In his memory, his family generously donated funds to establish this library as a tribute to his love for literature."

Bayo nodded, his eyes reflecting comprehension as he absorbed the information. "That's quite a legacy. It must mean a lot to the Harvard community."

"It does," Amina agreed, her tone reflecting the solemnity of the history. "Widener Library, a testament to the power of knowledge and the enduring impact of one man's passion."

As they stepped through the imposing doors, Bayo couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence for the library and its storied past. The echoes of history whispered through the halls, mingling with the scent of aged paper and leather bindings. At that moment, he understood the importance of preserving knowledge for future generations.

"Here it is," Amina's voice broke the silence as she gestured towards a green door, leading them toward the potential answers Bayo sought.

It was the African studies section. Stepping inside, Bayo felt a surge of anticipation mingled with a heavy weight on his heart, hoping — amidst the cultural relics and traditional knowledge — he would find the solution he desperately sought. Time was slipping away, and the thought of leaving America loomed in his mind.

Despite the weight of his emotions, Bayo found a momentary respite in the cool, refreshing air of the library, a welcome relief from the stuffiness of his quarters. It felt like a sanctuary compared to the cramped space he called home. As Bayo stepped into the library, the grandeur of the surroundings overwhelmed him. He hesitated, feeling a wave of unease wash over him as he glanced around at the imposing shelves and scholarly atmosphere. Doubts crept into his mind, a nagging voice whispering insecurities about his place in this unfamiliar world. He tightened his grip on his bag, silently steeling himself to push through the discomfort and uncertainty.

Amina raised an eyebrow, puzzled by Bayo's sudden hesitation. Farid's brows furrowed as he mirrored Amina's confusion, a subtle sign of his growing impatience. He silently hoped Bayo wouldn't disrupt their purpose here with his internal struggles.

Taking a deep breath, Bayo willed his racing heart to steady, reminding himself of his worth and potential. With a newfound resolve, he masked his emotions and forged ahead. Whatever lay ahead would test him, but he was determined to rise to the challenge.

As Amina moved gracefully through the shelves, her fingers gliding across the spines of the books, she couldn't help but notice the tension radiating from Farid. His furrowed brow mirrored his conservative disposition as he surveyed the vast collection of literature. Despite his reservations about cultural heritage kept overseas, he begrudgingly acknowledged the potential for preservation that these institutions offered.

Bayo's gaze flickered tentatively, hinting at the conflicting thoughts swirling beneath his composed facade. His body tensed, and his hand trembled slightly as he anxiously scanned the shelves, muttering to himself in a barely audible voice. Amina observed his restless movements, wearing a mix of concern and understanding, knowing that his journey was fraught with uncertainty and desperation.

Meanwhile, Farid's discomfort grew as Bayo's pacing and fidgeting disrupted the tranquility of the library. Despite his reservations about Amina delving into other cultures, he couldn't deny the importance of finding a solution to their predicament. He silently hoped Bayo would soon see what he was looking for, ending their discomfort.

Amina's fingers eventually alighted on three books about the orisha, written in Yoruba. She carefully selected them and walked to the library desk, where Farid's apprehension simmered beneath the surface. He hesitated, torn between his desire to mend their strained relationship and his discomfort with Amina's exploration of unfamiliar cultures.

As Amina began to read aloud in Yoruba, Bayo's attention shifted, his gaze flickering towards Farid with apprehension and understanding. A silent exchange passed between them, conveying unspoken understanding and a shared sense of urgency.

Bayo eyed Amina warily as he moved closer but kept his mouth shut. He had witnessed the world and its inhabitants long enough to realize that they were always the same, and that reflected his perspective. He had more urgent matters to deal with. He had to find the answer that the trickster had given him so he could restore his connection to his power and return to the Computing Laboratory. He cursed Èsù for making him go through this ordeal. Why couldn't he tell him the answer straight away?

Amina looked at him with a mix of curiosity and concern. "You know," she began, sounding slightly awkward, "I never asked you what you're looking for."

Bayo smacked his forehead lightly, realizing his oversight. The beads in his Dada hair rattled as he did so.

Bayo sighed, feeling resigned. He wanted to tell her, but he hesitated. He wasn't sure if he could trust her with this information.

Amina frowned, sensing his reluctance. She wondered what he was hiding and why he was so quiet. She tried to read his expression, but it was like a stone wall.

Farid, who had been watching them from a nearby table, clenched his fist. He had been curious about Bayo's quest, but now he understood. He felt a surge of anger and jealousy. 'This bastard wants to be alone with my Amina.' He jumped from his seat, his eyes blazing with rage.

Amina turned to Farid, startled by his sudden outburst. She didn't know what was wrong with him and why he looked so furious. Was there something she was missing? Amina glanced at Bayo, hoping for an explanation, but he remained silent. He still couldn't bring himself to reveal his secret.

Farid confronted Bayo, towering over him like a brown bear. Something convinced him of his suspicions, but he saw Amina's glare. She didn't let him say anything. She asked him, "Do you realize you're in the library?"

Farid's mind conflicted between different emotions. He didn't know how to show his feelings and didn't know if Amina was on his side or not. Farid clenched his fists, his heart heavy with resentment towards Bayo. Why did he always feel this burning jealousy whenever Bayo was around Amina? He couldn't shake the feeling that Bayo posed a threat to their relationship, but he couldn't quite pinpoint why. "I…" He stuttered, his fist tight; Farid hesitated, his mind racing with memories of past accusations and Amina's reactions. "He is..." he began, struggling to find the right words. He didn't want to upset Amina again; however, he couldn't ignore his suspicions about Bayo.

Amina rolled her eyes, waving her hand in frustration. She wanted him to spit it out already. Amina's patience waned as she observed Farid's hesitation. "What's on your mind?" Amina asked, her tone tinged with a hint of frustration. She could sense his inner turmoil and hoped he would share his thoughts with her.

Bayo sighed, feeling the pressure. He knew that this was going to be a problem. "The thing is…" He hesitated again, sighing heavily, "I don't want to drag you into this." He was worried about the orisha, especially Èsù. He knew how powerful and dangerous they were. He didn't want Amina to suffer their wrath. 'Besides…' He sighed again and gave up. He couldn't tell her the truth.

Amina's frown deepened as she heard Bayo's words. Farid's frown was even more pronounced. He had warned Amina to stay away from this guy, but he couldn't understand what she saw in him. How could she risk her life for someone she barely knew?

Farid was about to say something, but Amina interrupted him, "I can handle my problems, thank you very much," her voice was too calm for the situation. She was tired of Farid's conservative and narrow-minded views, which he masked as protectiveness. She knew he cared for her but didn't respect her choices.

Bayo looked at her suspiciously, wondering if she meant what she said. Or maybe he had misheard her. He showed a conflicted expression, "Are you sure you want to get involved in this?" He asked, doubting her readiness.

'Why wouldn't I,' Amina thought, clenching her fist. She had gone through a lot of trouble to get here; she wouldn't leave without finding out why. She was curious and adventurous, always eager to learn new things. But then, another thought crossed her mind, making her sigh with a troubled expression. She hoped that this information wouldn't complicate things between her and Bayo.

Bayo exhaled, deciding to tell her the truth. "I…" He began, watching her reaction closely, "...am looking for a specific orisha." He said, revealing his quest.

Amina frowned, not sure how to react. Was that supposed to scare her? She didn't know much about the orisha but wasn't afraid of them.

Bayo sensed her confusion and wondered if he was overreacting. But then, he felt another wave of concern. 'Does she know what she is getting into?' He asked himself, worried about her safety. He wanted to warn her that people couldn't mess with these orishas, but he kept it to himself. He didn't want to discourage her or sound patronizing.

While Bayo conflicted with his thoughts, Amina's casual voice resounded, "So which one are you looking for?" She asked, eager to hear his answer.