Chapter Two: The Gift of Power
"Alright, Ma. I'll be there soon," she said, ending the call.
Turning to Sam, she explained, "I'm sorry, my grandmother just called. She needs me urgently."
"No problem. Let me cover your transport." He reached into his pocket and handed her a thousand-naira note.
"Thank you," Clara said, appreciating his generosity, and left the restaurant.
About thirty minutes later, she arrived at her grandmother's house and found her sitting in the living room, reading the Bible.
"Good afternoon, Ma," Clara greeted.
"Welcome, my dear. I'm glad you came," her grandmother replied with a warm smile. "I have a special gift for you—one you won't find in any market."
"A gift? Please, let me see it!" Clara said, intrigued.
"Be patient; I'll be right back." Her grandmother disappeared into her room and returned a few minutes later with a small box. She opened it, revealing a ring held delicately in her hand.
"This ring is special, Clara. I inherited it from my father, and it's been passed down through generations. Now, it's your turn to receive it. It's called the Magic Ring," she said, extending it to Clara. "Wear it on your left hand."
Clara took the ring reverently, slipping it onto her finger. "Thank you, Ma. I'm truly grateful."
Her grandmother nodded approvingly. "I was supposed to give it to your elder brother, but I chose you because you've always been kind to me, always there when I need help. That's why I'm entrusting this to you."
"Thank you so much! How does it work?"
"Anything you wish for in your mind will come true. You can even control things with this magic ring."
"Can I try it now?"
"Of course. Go ahead."
Clara focused on a cup on the table, imagining it rising into the air. To her amazement, the cup lifted and hovered as she'd envisioned. She mentally directed it back to the table, and it obeyed. Thrilled, she tried the same with a small side table, making it rise before gently lowering it back. The ring's power filled her with awe.
"Thank you, Ma," she said, overjoyed. "This ring is incredible!"
"Remember, my dear, use it wisely. Never use it to harm others. Let it benefit you and those around you. Whatever you think with this ring will come to pass."
"I understand, Ma. Thank you for the advice. Is there anything I can do for you before I leave?"
"Not now, but tomorrow, I need help buying some goods from the market and transporting them to my shop."
"Of course, Ma. I'll come by tomorrow," Clara assured her. After saying goodbye, she headed home.
*****
The next day, Clara visited her grandmother's shop to pick up a list of items her grandmother needed. With the list in hand, she set off, determined to complete the errand.
After buying everything, Clara called a taxi to take her back to the bus stop near her grandmother's shop. As they drove, she thought about the magic ring her grandmother had given her and the possibilities it held. Ideas of how she might use its powers danced through her mind, filling her with excitement and curiosity.
The taxi driver sped down a busy street. As they reached a junction, he hit a large puddle, splashing dirty water onto a man walking nearby. The man yelled, "Hey! Stop, Mister! You splashed me!" But the driver, with his windows up, didn't hear him and kept driving.
Soaked and furious, the man quickly flagged down a passing motorbike. "Follow that taxi!" he instructed the rider. The motorbike sped off, and within minutes, they caught up to the taxi. The man knocked on the car to get the driver's attention. Startled, the driver pulled over, and the man climbed off the bike, fuming.
"Look at what you did!" he shouted, pointing to his wet clothes. "You splashed me with filthy water! I was on my way to an interview, and now look at me."
The driver got out of the car, looking genuinely apologetic. "I'm so sorry, sir. I didn't see you there, or I would have stopped."
"'Sorry' won't clean my clothes or pay for the bike that chased you down," the man retorted. "You need to compensate me for this."
"Please, sir, I don't have much. I'm just a driver trying to make a living," the driver pleaded.
The man was unmoved. "Twenty thousand naira, or I'm not letting you go."
By now, a crowd had gathered, murmuring as they watched the scene unfold. A woman from the crowd tried to mediate, but the man insisted on being paid. Clara also stepped out of the taxi, pleading with the man to forgive the driver, but he stood firm.
Reluctantly, the driver asked for the man's account details and made the transfer. Only then did the man step aside. The driver and Clara got back into the taxi, and he drove off in silence.
As they continued, Clara overheard the driver's inner thoughts, though she wasn't sure how. Oh God, the money I saved for my son's school fees—I had to give it away. Please, Lord, help me find a way to pay his fees.
"Amen," Clara murmured softly. "Don't worry, God has heard you."
The driver turned to her, shocked. "How did you know what I was thinking?"
"I... I thought you said it out loud," Clara replied, feigning innocence. She smiled to herself, realizing the ring had given her the ability to read minds. Thank you, God, she thought.
Soon, they arrived at the bus stop, and Clara stepped out of the taxi. Distracted, she left the bags of goods she had bought on the back seat. The taxi drove off before she realized her mistake.
"Oh no!" Clara exclaimed, looking around in dismay. "I left the goods in the taxi!" Her heart sank as she thought of her grandmother's disappointment.
Suddenly, Clara found herself standing outside her grandmother's shop, as if by magic. Her grandmother, seeing her tear-streaked face, asked, "Clara, what's wrong?"
Clara blinked, startled by the sudden change in surroundings. She covered her eyes, half-believing it was a dream.
"It's the ring," her grandmother explained gently. "It transported you here."
"I'm sorry, Grandma," Clara said, her voice breaking as fresh tears fell. "I left the goods in the taxi."
Her grandmother placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. With the ring, you can retrieve them. Just imagine yourself in the taxi, where you left the items, and you'll find yourself there."
Before her grandmother could finish, Clara vanished, reappearing instantly in the back seat of the taxi, startling the driver.
He was muttering to himself, unaware Clara was listening. Thank God, I can sell these goods and make back the money I had to pay that man.
Clara cleared her throat. "So, you were planning to sell my things and keep the money?"