Uluoma sat in her late grandfather's rocking chair which was situated on the balcony. She never for one day thought that in her 30's she would be looking as dull as grey and feeling feeble in the heart. Neither did she envision herself to be returned to her paternal home after so many years of living with the man of her dreams.
Her life used to be colorful when Udoka, her husband was alive. The mouth-watering Egusi soup and pounded yam she used to serve him after hunting made his heart gleam. The back rubs she gave him at night before they slept on the brown mat made love seem more beautiful.
Even without a child, she lived happily with Udoka except for her pretentious in-laws who claimed to love her until she failed to birth offsprings. All they cared for was an heir to continue their family's lineage as Udoka was the only son of his father.
She sat steadily with eyes fixed on the farm view as she adjusted her wrapper to cover her legs properly. She was not to be seen indecent. She tried to force a smile from her lips as she remembered Udoka's last words of assurance to her but tears slipped down her eyes instead. She heard their voices again springing in her head.
"Evil woman, vile woman"
"You mean that witch? the one that refused to give her husband children?".
"She went too far in killing him. She must mourn him traditionally".
"Uluoma will not be spared. She will have no business with Udoka's properties".
"In fact, She will be returned to her father's house after the traditional rites have been carried out successfully."
"Oh, Udoka was such a blind man. He never saw how useless she was".
Uloma looked at herself with contempt. She wondered why she was being treated in such a cold manner. She hoped to find light in the little things but in her eyes, her body was covered with black clothing and her whole hair shaved until she was tagged the most unkept widow who mourned in deepest regrets.
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