My daughter please take care of yourself if I am no more: her mother's voice echoed in her ear.
How can I take care of myself when I have no one to fend for me: gift said responding to her mother's voice unconsciously.
She woke up from her unconsciousness and saw someone sitting beside her fondling her hair passionately, she felt her mother's presence around her. She turned to her side and saw the face of a figure like her mum's.
Mother!!! She screamed loudly
Suddenly, the person disappeared and she discovered she was lying on her mother's grave.
She began to sob
Mother! Mother! Why did you live me in this world to face the threat of life: gift began to sob.
The cry was so Loud. To the extent that a man peeped from his window to see who was disturbing his sleep. He came outside And sat near gifts.
My dear.! Why are you crying? The man said and touched her shoulder.
Not again noo!! Gift screamed and took to her heels. She thought it was the same people that came to kill her parents.
I am not here to harm you, please don't run away: the man said affectionately.
Gift went and hid herself under a mango tree and fell asleep suddenly she heard a noise, She quickly woke up and took to her heels. She stopped when she sighted a destiny bed. Chirping on the top of a tree branch with a chain in its mouth.
Open your hand: The bed urged her.
She was surprised at what the bird said, She had never seen a bird talk before, but she decided to summon courage. She reluctantly opened her hand and the chain in the bird's mouth fell into her hand. The bear disappeared after handing the chain to gift, she closed her eyes and opened her eyes. She didn't see the bird anymore.
Save me! Precious bird! She cried out.
She heard a wild animal roaring and she took to her heels. The next day, the villagers found her unconscious under an orange tree with a lot of ants climbing on her body
O my God! one of the villagers cried out. She was brought out from under the tree, she was poured warm water on her body and her body became warm as the ants were drowned by the water. She was moved to his shed where she could relax. She was poured a lot of cold water as she regained her consciousness
Two days later, the villagers began to deliberate on whom to take care of her since her parents are dead.
Her aunt is in Lagos: one of them said.
Yes, her aunt can take care of her. Another said.
But we have a problem. How can we locate her aunt: The woman sitting next to Gift said One of her friend stays at a Arakoon village. I can go there and Inform her.:Mama tolu Said
Yes.! That is a good idea: Mama Toby said as they all dispersed to their various homes.
Gift later Saw herself standing in front of her aunt whom Shouted at her., slapped her, beat her with a broom and chased her with a knife as she ran for her dear life.
Gift woke up and realized . It was a dream. She was sweating profusely. And she looked around for hand fan to cool herself
It was already daybreak When she woke up, she quickly rushed to the bathroom, brushed her teeth And took a bath.
Before her aunt could wake up, She had already finished sweeping her cousin's room and the parlor and had finished fetching water. She was already preparing for school when she quickly remembered she was on vacation. Meanwhile, she do not go to school always because her aunt usually hinder her without Her uncle's knowledge.
Her aunt was surprised when she woke up, After she discovered her room was neat. She often find fault in whatever gift does.
But this time. She did not find any fault and she went to confront gift.
Gift. Gift !! She called out.
Yes. Ma: gift answered
Why did you Sweep my room? Her aunt asked her.
Ma......… I did…....Did not want to wake you up so that you will not say I... I. I' disturbing you. Gift replied stammering And Shivering.
What did you just say? Her aunt asked her.
But... but...… gift stammered
But what: Mrs Alabi said, She raised her hand and gave her two Slaps which woke her three children up
Gifts began to weep aloud.
Aunt, is this. How to tell me? Thank you for Sweeping everywhere, is this. How to appreciate me for my good works, gift, said sobbing.
Mrs Alabi. Give her another 2 slaps, which forced her children out of bed and made gift to fall.
Good works my foot.: her aunt said Angrily. And left.
Bamidele approached her and said. ; stupid girl! Foolish girl, that cannot take care of her dirty body. And her smelling teeth; bamidele
You bunch of banana, How dare you talk to my mother like that: dayo said. As he dashed toward gift. to give her a slap Segun blocked his hand.
Brother ! Stop! Segun shouted
What are you saying, do you want me to leave her; dayo barked
Brother, calm down, it's not her fault, it's mummy's fault: segun said
Dayo hissed and left the room
Aunty gift, don't be annoyed okay: segun said sympathetically
I'm okay, don't worry: gift said, stood up and left for her room