"This will be a long journey. I hope you have handled all the arrangements very well, Danty," Amika said as she picked up her bag and placed it on her lap, checking for something.
"Everything is alright; you worry too much," Danty replied.
"Well, I have to be worried. What if someone asks for our papers, or the police stops us, etc.? By the way, Renny, you have been in Ghana for more than a month, right? What are some dos and don'ts we should be aware of? Greg filled us in, but I would like to hear from you," Amika asked as she picked her phone from her bag and put the bag beside her.
"Nothing much, just reply when people greet you. People here show elders respect, so don't be rude to them," Renny said.
"Ah... I am not saying that you are rude per se; it's just a reminder," Renny hurriedly explained.
"I understand. Thanks for the heads up," Amika smiled as she said.
"Where do you stay, Renny? I mean in the US? We are from Detroit," Danty asked.
"Michigan," Renny replied.
"Oh," Danty said. The conversation seemed to have come to a stop.
"Mr. Joshua, how long will the journey take?" Amika asked the driver.
"Around 2 hours at most, madam," Joshua said as he focused on driving.
"Alright, let me call Mum first. I wonder if they are halfway to the destination," Amika said as she dialed the phone number of her mother.
"Hm? She isn't picking up. What could be the problem?" Amika rhetorically thought out loud.
"I already talked to Mum and Dad; they might be busy catching up with friends. She might not answer your call," Danty commented.
"Hmph," Renny humphed in annoyance and disconnected her call, throwing her phone back in the bag. She then picked up an eye mask before attempting to put it on.
"Oh, Renny, please forgive me. I didn't get enough rest yesterday, so I am sleepy. I will catch up on some sleep during the journey," Amika politely explained.
"No problem, go ahead," Renny encouraged. She wasn't much of a talker and couldn't easily communicate with new people. This would save her from being seen as rude if she replied with short sentences.
"Thank you for understanding! Danty, wake me up when we arrive," Amika said, putting on her eye mask and leaning on the headrest.
Renny turned and faced her left, getting a clear view of the setting sun outside the car. The morning dew on the tree leaves was slowly fading, and the mist was dispersing, a clear indication of a brand new day.
"It's very clear," Danty suddenly commented with a sigh.Renny turned to look at him and found him also viewing the scene outside, lost in thought
She silently turned her face away, glanced outside one more time before resting her head on the headrest with closed eyes. She knew that she wouldn't sleep, but she didn't know how to communicate with her siblings; it was better to pretend to be asleep.
Hours later, the car reached its destination. Renny had unexpectedly dozed off a little, so Danty woke her up.
"Let's go and register," Amika said to Renny as she picked up her bag and moved out of the car. Renny then followed behind her.
Outside the car, a huge white castle stood; one could see that it had withstood the passage of time. It held very deep secrets and history that could make one experience different feelings. Renny, Amika, and Danty silently looked at the castle and then walked towards the reception
They followed other people whom Renny assumed were tourists. After finishing everything, a young man in his late twenties or early thirties walked towards the crowd.
"Good morning, everybody. My name is Onema Guwe. We know that you are from different places around the world—those from the Caribbean, Liberia, the United States, Brazil, and Jamaica, to mention but a few. Welcome back! Before you is the Elimina Castle. Please ensure that you show respect as I lead the way. Don't scratch, paint, etc.," the young man said, his voice smooth and kind. He proceeded to move forward. Other people present followed; those with pro cameras picked them up.
Renny felt her heart beat increase and felt a shiver run through her body; she suddenly remained rooted in place.
"Renny? Let's go. I have been calling you, but your mind isn't here. I know how you feel, but brace yourself. I just spotted my parents over there. Let's go," Amika worriedly said.
"I want to use the toilet. I will be back shortly," Renny said.
"Okay, be quick. Let me go and notify the guide. Keep your tour pass close; don't lose it," Amika commented before walking off towards her parents. Renny spotted them from afar and then turned left towards the restrooms.
She hurriedly pushed the door, placed her bag gently on the sink, and held her chest in agony, heavily heaving. She released her chest, opened the tap, and poured water on her face but still couldn't calm down. She checked in her down jacket and found her antidepressants, then quickly swallowed them with shaking hands.
She didn't know what suddenly happened to her, but she felt a burst of very dark, sinister energy when she attempted to follow the rest towards the castle.
After some minutes, her breathing slowed down, and her gaze became focused, the sudden feeling as though she hadn't experienced.
She became puzzled and silently looked down at her antidepressant bottle. She didn't remember them working this fast, Renny thought.
She picked up her bag, placed the medicine bottle back in her jacket, and moved out. She didn't want to be a burden to others if they had to wait for so long.
"Renny Smith?" A lively woman's voice called when she approached Amika, Danty, a middle-aged man and woman who still looked youthful. Renny assumed they were the siblings' parents; she could connect the resemblance.
"Yes, nice to meet you, Mrs. Johnson," Renny greeted.
"Nice to meet you too. You are so beautiful; your necklace is so pretty too," Mrs. Johnson commented.
Renny awkwardly stood in place; the sudden compliments stunned her speechless.
"My mother is addicted to beautiful faces. Let's go; your guide gave us a few minutes to meet with the rest," Danty chuckled as he said, smirking at Renny.
Renny quickly lowered her head as she blushed, following behind the family of four.
When they met up with the rest of the crowd, the tour guide began taking them around, showing them which quarters were used for what, the living conditions of the subjugated people, and they finally arrived at the rooftop. Cannons came into view, and the guide proceeded to explain their importance.
"I will give each one of you some time to express your feelings. If anyone has questions, feel free to ask me; I will be in the corner," Onema said after finishing his explanation and headed to the eastern corner of the castle, sitting down and silently facing the sea.
Suddenly, Renny had someone crying beside her. When she turned to her right, she saw that it was Amika.
"My ancestors really had it rough. I feel pain and heartache for them. Why?" Amika commented, with red eyes and tears flowing, making the other people around sigh in heartache and pain. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson silently hugged her shoulders tightly in comfort.
Renny didn't know how to console people; heck, she didn't know how to console her own grieving heart. She silently looked at the sea in the distance that bordered the castle.
"You being here is all that matters. You didn't let them down," Renny absentmindedly said in thought. No one could gauge what she was thinking.
Amika's crying stopped, and the family of four turned towards her and suddenly smiled. Yes, them being here was enough proof of perseverance; that's all that mattered.