In Uncle James' room, Ruth clung to her father tightly, her sobs fading as he patted her back. "I never thought Anaya could be this wicked," Uncle James said, his voice brimming with anger.
Wiping her tears, Ruth reached into the pocket of her pajamas and pulled out a hand band. "I bought this for Anaya," she said softly, "but with how she…." Ruth chocked her sobs and and continued "with how she poured the grapes juice away, I'm afraid she'd throw this hand band away if I give it to her , it'll really hurt me if she does that. So.. I want to give it to you instead– for protecting me.
Her tone was sweet, but something in her expression felt off. For a fleeting moment, her eyes carried an intensity that seemed unlike her usual self. The look disappeared as quickly as it came, replaced by a warm smile.
Uncle James felt bad for Ruth, so he extended his hand. Ruth slipped the band onto his wrist with deliberate care.
The moment it latched, Uncle James shivered. His body stiffened, and his eyes turned blank. Without a word, he staggered backward and collapsed onto the floor, falling into a deep unnatural sleep. Ruth's eyes turned into slits and she laughed evilly.
In the hall, I stood frozen. I had been mopping the water Ruth spilled earlier, but the loud thud from Uncle James room made me stop in my tracks. I shivered at the thought that something had happened, I walked in the direction of his room .But I hesitated when I remembered the look of disappointment in his eyes before he left. Instead, I walked to the kitchen, my hands trembled as I leaned against the counter, trying to steady myself. I poured a glass of water and drank it in small sips, hoping to calm my nerves. I needed to finish cleaning, so I went back to wiping the floor.
When I finished, I moved to my room, hoping to find some peace. But to my surprise, Ruth was already there, standing in the middle of the room with a smug look plastered on her face. Her presence sent a wave of unease through me.
"Surprised?" She asked, her voice calm yet unnerving. "Listen to me, Dear cousin. We both know that it is impossible for light and darkness to coexist–one must be destroyed. I wouldn't pour hot water on my myself, but you did it, didn't you? Oh, I think you don't know that your prayers scalded my skin!"
I froze. My mouth opened, but no sound came out.
"Do you want to know something else?" Ruth continued, her lips curling into a wicked smile. "Your Father Assey, is my Uncle. My mother is his younger sister. I'm here on a mission, and know that I won't stop until I've fulfilled it. Oh, and your Uncle James, He's just a pawn. Once he's no longer useful, he'll be discarded. And you?" Her smile widened, her tone dripping with malice. "I'll make sure there's nothing left of you by the time I'm done."
With that, she turned and walked out, leaving me dumbfounded.
Moments later, I awoke in a panic. The sunlight streaming through my window told me it was morning. I checked the clock and It was 7:35 AM.
The dream was vivid and terrifying. Something told me it was a warning and that I shouldn't take it lightly . I dropped to my knees and prayed.
"Father, thank you for my life and the life of my family. I thank you for revealing this dream to me. I can't fight this alone. Please come to my aid and protect me and Uncle from any evil eye. Strengthen us for what lies ahead. I trust you Lord. Amen"
After praying I took my bath and avoided going downstairs. I stayed in the room, playing "we honour you" by Nathaniel Bassey . The song reminds me that no matter the circumstances, I should stick to GOD. The song soothes my soul. I drifted off again, lulled by the music.
A loud band startled me awake. The door flew open, and Unlce James stormed in. His eyes glinted with a strange light, and his voice harsher than I'd ever heard. "Get up and make breakfast! Isn't it too early to be sleeping ?"
Something about him was deeply wrong. I scrutinized him from head and my gaze fell on his wrist, where a small viper coiled tightly, it's fangs embedded in his skin. It seemed to be injecting something into him.
A surge of holy anger rose within me. I grabbed my Bible, stood firm and declared, "By the power of the holy spirt, I command you you leave right now!" I saw Uncle James charging towards me with anger in his eyes, I dodged and yelled. "You have no authority here. The blood of Jesus Christ covers this house–depart now!"
Uncle James groaned and dropped on his knees. The viper uncoiled, fell to the ground and vanished into thin air. Uncle James fell to the ground and collapsed.
I took the jug and prayed over the water, sprinkling it everywhere. Tears streamed down my face as I knelt beside him. "Thank You, Father," I whispered. "Please heal him and protect us from harm. I know this battle isn't over, but I trust you completely."
Though shaken, I felt a renewed strength. With GOD's power, I would face whatever came next.