AT ALL COST

Wakes up at the middle of the night while breathing heavily, 'it's just a dream'' Mrs Richmond says to herself. It should be a sign, after soo long. Why dream of her now? am I being relayed a message? I must visit her. Are you ok? her husband asks as he wakes up in the deep of sleep; yes darling! I am, just feeling tasty, will go drink some water as she heads to the kitchen and back. Let's go back to sleep says Mr Richmond and they both cuddled in each other's arms for the rest of the cozy night.

It's weekend, why don't we do something special Mr Richmond says for you just got your leave and I'm off for the entire weekend while enjoying some freshly boiled groundnuts prepared by his wife who places her head of his thighs while watching the 7PM news.

Almost immediately, Mrs Richmond replies 'What if we visit my Aunt Zoey instead? I mean it's been almost 7years since I last visited my birth town, what do you say?' . Her husband was surprised but at the same time relieved for it's he could remember a couple of times he requested for her to get over the grudges and visit her but she woefully declined. Yes sure, I'm glad you mentioned, it won't be a problem for we can spend the entire weekend there. Mrs Richmond was worried about one thing, her clan of origin was said to be mysterious, atleast that's what my parents thought, but well, it's been so long and things change; moreso, I'm not a believer of any strange believe and practices. We should probably go pack now so we can head out early tomorrow morning.

Are my eyes decieving me? Petra, Aunt Zoey calls out for she was the eldest sister to Mrs Richmond's late mother, never married nor had any children of her own. She lived a simple life, rooted in the traditional practices of their people. She tries standing up with difficulty, stretching out her arms to welcome her niece. Last I saw you, you were just a young lady, you've grown into a strong woman. You never visited me, tried your old address but you had moved out, couldn't contact you. Mrs Richmond was so ashamed for her aunt seemed to have moved pass any grudges against her over the years. I've been leaving in my own shadows, Mrs Richmond thinks.

Come on in, I made cornfufu and huckleberry soup; you will love it. Aunt, I'm sorry I haven't visited over the years, I'm married now. This is my husband, we've been together for 6years now. They all smile, he is a fine man, Mrs Zoey complements. What of the kids, are there in school? she asks anxiously? a girl I presume, hope she takes after my late sister but for her stubbornness of course, while waiting for a reply. She notices her niece and husband weren't quite buying it, Mrs Richmond replied "We haven't been blessed with one while looking at her husband and back at her aunt with crying eyes". It is well, I could sense internal sadness the moment you walked through that door, just couldn't place a finger on it. Open up it me. We've tried everything but nothing seems to work, I mean we're both healthy and nothing seems to be wrong, do you by chance think it's spiritual? Mrs Zoey breaths heavily and says "why don't we find out tomorrow, for I know a place, a fair witcher for it is almost sunset already''. If it will help find out what's holding the final blessing of marriage, so be it. Tomorrow then, they all agree.

Cowries, carvings, candles, red, black and white cloths everywhere. You're welcome my children, says a scary looking old man with dark teeth. Sit. They all take off their shoes and sit on the bare ground on Mrs Zoey directions. Ehmmmm! I sense sadness, I see through you, past and present. The fruit of the womb is what you seek, says the Witcher while doing incarnations. Mrs Richmond was marvelled at how much the old man knew and she felt hopeful, they all felt hopeful. Wait, he gazes at them and back at Mrs Richmond, a curse I see, a curse of injustice, the sins of your parents, a curse tied to you. A curse??? She asks, I'm totally clueless wise one, please elaborate. The Witcher laughs amidst dismay. He says nothing and assures them not to worry for he will begin a cleansing ritual on her in the next full moon which was in 4 days time. He dismisses them. Hope at last. They all felt hopeful and anxious.

Let's go for a stroll, Mrs Richmond tells her husband, I'll show you around. For it was a calm Saturday evening and one more day to the end of their planned vacation. Should we go and come back in 4 days time? what if we just extend our stay till after 4 days, Mr Richmond asks his wife, you're on leave and I can call the office, my secretary to fill in for those days. Ok hubby, sounds good she says while they stroll around.

Hubby, she's been starring ever since we got to the clan square like she wants to tell us something, referring to a strange old woman. Just immediately, the woman walks towards them, everything became tense. The old lady smiles, I feel you she says while starring at Mrs Richmond. I see you, I can help you, find me, she says while walking away.

What could she possibly be talking about? but her mind keepd drifting towards a single angle, no harm in hearing her out. There's something about that woman that doesn't meet the eyes, just can't say what Mr. Richmond tells his wife. Let's head home now, it's getting late.

Oh no! I forgot a very important file needed tomorrow at work, had some finishing touches to do before the exhibit. It's still 7AM, if you head now to the city, you can make it back before nightfall. Mr Richmond leaves for the city an hour later, telling his wife to take care of herself promising to be back as soon as he can.

While visiting her aunt's garden, she saw that same strange looking old woman she had met yesterday. Excuse me, she calls out. You said you could help me, what did you mean? come with me, the old woman says. Mrs Richmond follows her to her house. It was an old house, very small with old furnitures. She is offered a seat. Can you really help me? There is nothing nature can't offer not even children. Mrs Richmond was thrilled about how she knew. But nature has its way to balance every gift it offers, all you need do is to be ready. I am ready, have been soo patient, no matter what it cost, I'm ready to offer just to have a child and make my family complete.

Then you are ready, the old lady smiles while offering Mrs Richmond a cup of palm wine. Not trying to seem rude, atleast for someone trying to help you, Mrs Richmond collects the cup from her hand and drinks. Wow! I love this, it's sweet, fresh and natural while she drinks some more. Will you do a spell on me or what? am I to come back for cleansing? she asks. No need for that, you accepted my help already, you drank it. Just then, Mrs Richmond realized it wasn't just ordinary palm wine she just drank. Immediately she felt different. Listen, the woman says "lay with your husband before tomorrow or the strength of the blessing diminishes". She thanks the woman in hope and takes her leave. But remember nature must be balance. All Mrs Richmond could think about was heading home to meet her husband. She tells her aunt, but her aunt knew of no such woman, Mrs Richmond insists on going home. I'll sure visit soon Aunt. She says while she heads for the city.

Ding dong ding dong. I'm about heading back to the village and there's someone at my door, just do as instructed, Mr Richmond tells his assistant. Sweetheart! he exclaims in surprise to see his wife, she felt happier than ever. Right at the door, she whispers to her husband who tries to ask why returned so early but she wouldn't let him. I want you now, she says pulling him into the bedroom. They make love all night.