As the atmosphere is still showing signs of rain after a massive rainfall that happened in Kabba, Bola is sitting on the bench that is placed outside her grandmother's house. Sitting there, Bola was admiring an old photograph in which her father was in the photograph alongside her grandmother.
Of course that produces a deep memory within her. She remembered how there was a sudden disappearance of her father at an early age of her life, so early at the age of six.
There were several reports about the sudden disappearance of her father as there were claims he went to Abuja to seek more opportunities as that was the narrative painted to her by her grandmother.
Bola is now 26 and she has returned home to Kabba to find out the truth.
"Momo", Bola called out as she was determined to seek the truth.
"Why is it that there is no one talking about my father?", she asked.
Her grandmother understood the point of view she was coming from. "My daughter, sometimes, some things are just best when they are left in the past".
"Momo, I need to know. I am talking about my father and not anyone".
After a very long pause, Momo responded. "Go and meet Baba Jide."
Baba Jide Happens to be the village elder and keeper of stories. Fortunately for Eniola, he found him under a huge mango tree.
"Child, you have come to seek answers about your dad?"
Bola nodded. "Yes Baba, but how do you know?
"There is always a connection with people who listen and the past". Baba Jide responded.
"Daughter, your father's story is a result of an old curse that has been having effects on grandfathers and the spirit of the forest."
"Old curse? Baba, I did not understand ".
Baba Jide repositions to answer Bola effectively.
"Listen, Daughter, The spirits did not always forget. What happened was they took your father because he rejected them". Baba Jide responded.
Bola's Heartbeat begins to increase. "Where did they take him to?" She responded.
"To the forest, another world that exists in worlds" Baba Jide responded.
That particular night, Bola was not able to sleep. She has made her decision, and nothing will bring her back; she has made up her mind to go to the forest. With torchlight with her, she steps out to the forbidden forest.
As she walked a few miles in the forest, she heard a voice just behind her. "Why are you here"
Turning back to see, a strange figure appeared.
"I want my father that is why I came here". She responded in fear but was still determined.
"Impossible for you. He offended the spirit and now he is facing his punishment." The strange voice responded.
"What will I do for him to be free?". Bola asked
"There is a price to be paid". The deep voice responded.
"Let me know the price"
"You must do away with the memories of him you have in your head. After you do that, the curse will be broken and then he will be free. But you will not be able to see him again but be rest assured he will be free".
That will be difficult for Bola to do. That means she will need to let go of every memory she has of her father, the way he smiled and looked, the moments spent together with her and many more. How can she let go of all these memories?
But well, Bola had no choice; she wanted to see her father, but much more; she wanted her father to be free from that curse.
"I accept to pay the price." She responded.
