Outcast

oors, following Mama to the market and walking w

ha are the metropolitan cities. I always hear people say, "Nno nu, welcome back from Onitsha. How is Onitsha treating you?. See how your children are sparkling like the morning star. Money is good oo". Some will smile, while others will frown their face. The day I saw a picture depicting the commercia

the cars. She came close and tapped my body. I responded a

oing on. Two ladies one after the other, climbed the alter to take a reading at the lectern. I stared at the shape of their mouths till they were done. After the mass, Mama moved to the tabernacle where the blessed sacrament was placed to pray and I watched her, moving her mouth in a clockwise motion... When we got home, Mama Nnukwu was in the front of her hut trying to spread the melon seed she had sprinkled water

sh accent. After he was done blessing my sac

Uncle Emeka used gel to make his hair curly. He smoked and chased women. I always saw

looked at him weirdly. He smi

unce", he said. Padre Pio was quite aging. His white color made his wrin

ed, "Bia Nnedi, what did you put on that boy's neck

ents being in Jesus", Mama

urch, but not to initiate him deeper into

till hear Mama Nnukwu muttering some incoherent ramblings outside, but Mama didn't

**************

nt days with his laborers, supervising them and doing

s a real Ukpor and Igbo man. The Egusi (Nigerai local soup), had washed bitter leaf in it to make it thick. Papa enjo

He is a special child and I believe he will l

ht and done well", Mama Nnukwu said.

one in my class did nursery class together. Everybody related well, played, and talked to each other. They called each other's names. I didn't care because I was used to isolation. My seat partner found me weird. I could tell from his look. I didn't know his name until another classmate calle

ess you amen", they all choruse

How was your da

wn on our own. She flipped some books on her table, stood up, and moved to t

t my name, I am Mr

udents raised their hands, save for me. She

at her again. Today's date? What's that? I

aughter except a girl who stared into my eyes. I looked at the teacher ag

crying?", the

torted. The principal ente

s. Just take it easy with him, his father brought him today". I stared at the principal as she came close and tapped my head. I found all we were taught herculean, but the teacher guided me slowly. After the school had closed for the day, I saw three of the

name?", one guy

..., sorry Obi

ed for this one". The other classmate dragged my bag from me and flung it somewhere else, they laughed again and ran away. I walked to where it was thrown bef

aid. I collected it a

he spoke like an adult. So much calmnes

ay. She caught up and asked me if

ur name?",

na", I

a nice

d me. I was socially awkward. When she got to her house, she waved goodbye

nukwu by Mama's side trying t

noon", I gr

pregnant with a new baby". She expected me to jubilate. I was happy, but I couldn't express mys

m for my liking" I h