It was raining heavily in the land of Timber Hills. A place of low-class people whose survival is hoped for farming, and trading. A land mixer with humans and supernatural dark beings, a place where humans are sold out by their families for a price. Timber Hills is a place for no soft-hearted.
The rain poured down heavily over the land of Timber Hills like the Gods were angry. Each drop followed by another accompanied by thunder made the view of Timber Hills dark, and difficult to see.
The dirty water flowing through the drainage into the village river, carrying mud, and any obstacles blocking its flow. The rate at which its flows made it scary for one to imagine falling into it.
There I was with my Aunt, as the water carried the mud and other particles down the channels. Aunt May's brown eyes flitted left and right frantically searching for someone. Trying to see beyond the darkness.
Aunt May was waiting for her buyer. She was to make a supply of 15 tubers of yam to the buyer, but here we're in the rain, so we waited for him. Aunt May held the umbrella so firmly, while I struggled with the big bag that was filled with yam. As I was curious to know if this man would show up, perhaps, he kept us waiting under the rain for him.
Aunt May is the only relative I have ever since my mother died as I was told by Aunt May. So I was left with pictures of her. Aunt May has been there for me and has filled the role of a mother in my life, even though we have no money, but her love for me was everything.
"Aunt May… are you sure he will come? The rain is making things difficult now, and it seems it won't stop yet."
She stared at me looking at how I'm struggling with the bag.
"Oh Joyce, he will come, have some patience, my dear."
I could see Aunt May's face that she was worried, as she rubbed and wrung her hands together.
"Hold on Joyce, I'll be right back. I need to check the shop if the man went there. Be careful. Stay here."
"Let me go with you Aunt." She insisted.
"No, dear. I won't stay long."
"Okay Aunt, I'll make sure I safeguard the bag." She smiled.
I stood alone in the rain alone in the dark waiting for the buyer. The wind grew stronger, as it blew wet air towards my body, making it easy for me to feel cold.
I thought of going after my Aunt May if she was okay or not, just as I was pondering on making a decision. I saw a figure through the rain walking in my direction with an umbrella. I wasn't sure if it was a man or woman, but the figure's walking steps were calm. "Who could that be in the dark?" I thought to myself.
It came closer… closer… and then it revealed itself. It was a man in a large raincoat that covered his body.
"Hello… who's there? Show yourself?" I shouted, waiting for a response.
Suddenly, I couldn't see the man again.
"Where did he go?"
"Hello dear."
I felt a cold touch on my shoulder making me shiver, as I turned to see a huge man behind me. The man stared at me, his dark green eyes, as he narrowed down to me, and me.
He asked a question, "where is Aunty May?"
"She went to the shop, because of you?"
"Good." As he scanned the vicinity to ensure nobody was watching.
"Sir, your goods are here." I pointed at the bag.
"Oh, yeah,"
He went for the goods, then hesitated for a while, scanned the environment, then seized my wrist and dragged me by the hand, along with the bag.
"What are you doing Sir? Let go of my hand now!" I shouted as I screamed for help.
I tried to pull away, but couldn't. So I picked up my shoe and smashed his head with the heel of my shoe as hard as I could before I made a mad dash into the street leaving the man in pain.
The man came after me in pain, I ran with all my strength, turning into alleys, crossing the little roads, before hiding in an uncompleted building. As I was gasping for air, a soft hand covered my mouth firmly, and slowly turned my face towards her.
In shock, I said, "Mum…" as my eyes were opened wide.
The End
