I glanced over at Uncle James, hoping for some sign that he had noticed it too. But he was focused on the food, completely oblivious. Hadn't seen it.
I opened the fridge and gulped down a bottle of water to steady my nerves. Quietly, I muttered, " GOD, please be my light in this darkness. Protect and comfort me."
Dinner was ready in less than twenty minutes. I carried the salad to the dining table while Uncle James brought the steaming Jollof rice.
At the table, uncle James sat at the head, with Ruth seated to his right and me on his left, directly facing her.
" Ruth, pray for us," Uncke James said.
"Bless the food and sanctify it. Amen." Ruth rashly said.
I frowned. That prayer sounded oddly familiar–almost like something we were taught in kindergarten. It was supposed to be, 'GOD please bless this food and sanctify in Jesus' name. Amen.'
When I didn't hear the proper ending, I kept my eyes closed for a moment longer.
You haven't eaten anything all day, Anaya. Start digging in before it gets cold," uncle James encouraged warmly.
I opened my eyes, hesitating. "Is that all the prayer?" I asked even though I already knew the answer.
"She's probably just hungry. That's why it's short," Uncle James said with a chuckle, coming to Ruth's defense.
I glanced between the father and daughter. No matter how hungry you were, a proper prayer was still important. Shrugging off the thought, I served myself some salad and Jollof rice, quietly whispering a prayer under my breath.
Ruth suddenly stood up and went upstairs. Moments later, she returned holding a glass bottle filled with dark liquid. I raised my brow trying to guess what it was.
"Oh wow Ruth!" Uncle James exclaimed, smiling. " You bought Anaya's favorite –red grapes juice! How did you know that's what she likes?"
"I guessed it, Dad," Ruth replied with a cheeky grin, her voice light.
Red grapes juice? I glanced at the bottle, then closed my eyes and reopened them, hoping the liquid would appear red this time. But remained black.
"What color is the juice?" I asked, my voice hesitant but firm.
I felt Ruth's sharp glare from across the table, but I didn't care–I had to know.
Uncle James looked confused. "It's red grapes juice, of course. Even though I wasn't around you and your grandma much, I always knew what you liked and disliked."
I forced a small smile, nodding in appreciation. "Thank you Ruth, for making my day special," I said softly while looking at the juice.
One thing was certain– I wasn't going to drink this so called red grapes juice.
Of course I've made your day special but your life is going to be miserable the moment this juice touches your tongue. Ruth thought maliciously. Keep thanking me as I watch your blood drain bit by bit–straight to Uncle Assey.
"It's fine dear , we're family". Ruth cutely smiled and said.