The arrival of an old Friend called Obinna,
Chijioke's childhood friend, Obinna, returned to Amaokwe unexpectedly one humid afternoon. Obinna had been gone for nearly a decade, having moved to Lagos in search of better opportunities. They had lost touch over the years, but when Obinna appeared at Chijioke's workshop, it was as though no time had passed.
"My brother!" Obinna exclaimed, playfully hitting Chijioke on the back. "It's good to see you again."
Chijioke beamed. "You've been gone too long, Obinna. Come, you must meet my family."
Obinna followed Chijioke home, marveling at how little the village had changed. Chijioke couldn't contain his pride as he introduced his friend to Nneoma and their young daughter, Amarachi.
"This is my wife, Nneoma," Chijioke said, gesturing proudly.
When Nneoma appeared in the doorway, carrying Amarachi in her arms, Obinna froze. His expression shifted from joy to confusion, then to outright fear.
"Nneoma?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Nneoma's smile faltered. She held Obinna's gaze for a moment before abruptly retreating into the house, clutching Amarachi tightly.
"Chijioke," Obinna said, his voice shaking. "Do you know who your wife is?"
Chijioke frowned. "What are you talking about? That's Nneoma. My wife and the mother of my child."
Obinna shook his head, his face pale. "No, Chijioke. That's not possible. Nneoma… she died three years ago in Owerri. I was at her funeral."
Chijioke's heart thundered in his chest. "You must be mistaken. My Nneoma is alive. She's here, right now."
But when Chijioke turned to call for her, the house was silent. Nneoma was gone. Only Amarachi remained, crying softly in her crib.