The Figurine

“Ijapa is not to be toyed with”

I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, yet the darkness was coming closer. I could feel it. I was a slow runner.

I didn’t know how far I was from the village entrance. I didn’t want to die, well, not to an unknown. “gods of my ancestors! Save me!” My heart had started failing me.

Trees, more trees as I ran through the deadly forest. “Where is my motherland?” The darkness came closer and closer with every stride I made. My mother had warned me.

I didn’t see the planks of wood; I stumbled over it and fell. “Could this be my doom?” It had two eyes filled with burning fire. I could taste drops of sweat.

I closed my eyes in terror as it called my name. “Kehinde! Kehinde!!”, the voice sounded familiar. I opened my eyes to my worried mother and sister.

I stood up immediately to return “Ijapa” to Baba Deji’s shop. “what a nightmare!”

© 2018 Olujumoke Eluare
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