The sun was at it’s peak that day. The blazing heat from the sun heated the sandy road of Umuhechi. The heat made Ugo walk even faster and each time he passed under a tree he had a fleeting moment of relieve. After walking for some time, Ugo got used to the heat as his mind drifted off to what he was going to do now.
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He thought about joining the Army, he imagined the look on his mothers face, how she would tell him to rather learn a trade than travel off to fight other people's wars like his father did. He thought of how she would even cry from the news. He had not made up his mind when he heard his name.
“Ugo” someone called, that was when he realized that he was already at the front of their compound. Nneka didn’t say anything after that as she saw the paper he was carrying in the morning still in his hands. She ran into the compound to convey the news and soon mama Nneka came out rubbing her palm on her wrapper as she made her way to Ugo’s room.
“Ugo what happened” mama Nneka said immediately she got into Ugo’s room. Ugo was already changing from the white long sleeves he had worn. He heaved a breathe as the question made him remember everything that happened that day. He went on to recap it sitting down on his bed with his hands on his knees.
“So you mean he sent the names of both his daughters?” mama Nneka said, still in shock. She had always known that uncle Benji did not like her but she didn’t think he will go that far to hurt her. She got up swiftly and startled everyone including Nneka who had been sitting at the door.
“Where are you going to?” Ugo asked and followed his mother who entered into her room and after a few minutes came out wearing a shirt on a jeans skirt. Ugo knew she was going to confront uncle Benji but he followed her anyways. Nneka followed them too adding pepper to the with he incessant blabbing.
Uncle Benji was not at home when they arrived, mama Nneka called his name out loud as they got in front of the compound. Uncle Benji’s wife came out asking mama Nneka to reduce her voice so she won’t attract the attention of the neighbours.
“Tell your husband, I will take him to court for all these” mama Nneka said , uncle Benji’s wife then asked her if she knew the way to the court, further infuriating mama Nneka. Ugo stood beside his mother restraining her from pouncing on uncle Benji’s wife who was a slim black lady with collarbones that could hold water.
Ugo successfully persuaded his mother to leave the compound, after a few minutes of ranting and shouting that would have led to a skirmish if Ugo hadn’t intervened. On their way home, mama Nneka became sober and asked Ugo if there was a way to talk to the scholarship board. Ugo simply moved his head à tout-va making his mother sigh.
That night they ate dinner together, they were very quiet. Even Nneka did not gossip about anything or anybody. Ugo kept thinking of how he would tell his mother that he wanted to join the army. He knew she would disapprove, he thought of going off to join first then telling her later.
Each time he swallowed his ball of Eba he felt more tensed and nervous. He decided to apply first and if they took him, he would then inform his mother that he was travelling for the training. Through out the night he thought of how being in the army would look like. He had heard stories and these formed a fantasy for him to bethink till he drifted off in sleep.
The next morning Ugo told his mother he was going to visit his friend Agu, he told her he won’t be staying long and left with his file in hand. Soon Nneka came by as she had seen him while she was coming back from the tap.
“mommy where is Ugo going to, he refused to tell me” she said as she began to empty the content of the keg she was carrying into a drum.
“He said he was visiting Agu” mama Nneka said , her attention firmly on the chicken she had butchered and was now cleaning the intestines for pepper soup. She knew something was off with Ugo but didn’t blame him as she felt he was sad and wanted company.
Entering the military barracks Ugo felt a sensation of calmness he then went to the office where he saw other young boys outside waiting. He patiently waited for his turn.
“Next!!” a voice called from inside, Ugo went in he was the last person outside.
“Good morning sir” Ugo said to the muscular man with military hats on.
“Good afternoon Ugo”the man said surprising Ugo.
Visit next week for Part 3
This Story Was Written for the Dreemport / Scholar and Scribe Challenge