Chapter 22 - Her pain

We had just arrived, we were preparing for dinner, the shameless aunt arrived, apparently she heard the news that we were at market, and we were selling with huge success.

"Oh my , Labella I heard that your family was doing well, you made so much that you went to the doctor. I am happy for you." She said however her face didn't show any emotion.

Was she wishing death to mother? I wanted to chase her away, but she hadn't done anything yet.

"I am good thank you for worrying." Mother smiling face made the woman eyes twitch.

"You look good and..."

"Healthy?" I spat. It was because of you that mother was sick, your deviant jelousy. I couldn't hold back anymore.

The shameless aunt's mask of indifference cracked for a split second, revealing a flicker of surprise in her eyes. But she quickly regained her composure and forced a smile.

"Oh, dear Rahua, I am very happy for your mother health" Her voice dripped with false sincerity.

But I wasn't convinced. I I knew her jealousy ran deep.

"Save your false concern, Auntie," I snapped, unable to contain my anger any longer. "We know the truth.You've always resented mother for being able to have kids, while you are dryer than a desert."

*Slap*

To my surprise mother had slapped me, her gaze was cold and sad. I didn't understand why she did.

"You can't say something like that." Mothers face was filled with sadness. "Being a woman, you are expected nothing more than to have a family, she has been suffering for longer too."

I was surprised that mother had it in her. I was indeed rude, even though what she did was unforgivable, I shouldn't have said that.

I do understand in a time where women were expected to have children as their primary duty, and would be blame if they didn't manage to have children, no matter if it was the husband fault or not.

****

Gerurdes's POV

Labella was blessed with a large family, consisting of five beautiful children, each one unique and special in their own way.

I, was childless and had been for many years. Before I knew, I was being compared to Labella, and her ability to give her husband a large family and often heard cruel remarks about my situation.

However I also critised Labella and her husband Robert for having many kids, since they were very poor.

Labella never took it to heart, but I couldn't help to feel dejected, which made my jealousy only grow stronger with each passing day.

One fateful evening, I heard of a mixture, that would prevent a woman from having kids, I thought since they were poor, it would be even worse situation if they kept having kids.

I then mixed a potent concoction of herbs and spices, I knew if told her what it was for she would not take it, that's why I claimed it would help her sleep better.

The next morning, Labella woke up feeling weak and unwell. Her body ached, and she couldn't move without feeling dizzy.

Her children were worried about her and begged her to see a doctor. But Labella refused, insisting that it was just a passing illness, she knew that they couldn't afford since the doctors fees were very expensive. I knew it was because of the drink and with days passing the effects became stronger and consistent, I felt horrible, but I couldn't change it anymore.

I did regret a little bit, but it was for the better, they could barely feed themselves having more babies would just make the family go through more hardships.

Days turned into weeks, and Labella condition worsened. She lost all appetite and couldn't even get out of bed. Her children grew more concerned and begged me to explain what had happened to their mother. But I denied any involvement and claimed that I had only given the drink out of kindness.

As the days passed by, Labella symptoms stabilised, I figured she would recover eventually.

Although all that happened, Labella's family kept fighting for her, to get better, they treated her with nothing more than kindness and love, while I couldn't get my husband family to understand my pain, and get the support from my own family.

I had tried everything but I was simply not blessed, as the years passed, I knew I would became dry inside and my husband come to despise me.

The worst was no matter how well intentioned I was towards Labella's everyone hated me for it, however Labella was always kind to me.

I hated because it made me look like I was the villain.