In less than four market days, the sacred period of Aza would be upon us, and it has been getting me worried. As a young man, I have always depended on my elder brothers for survival, as my phobia for water never allowed me fish by myself. But at this current stage, it is absurd for a married man like me to leave my responsibility for my brothers to carry. Nze said to his wife, Nneka, as he expressed his helplessness. But baby, you once told me you can swim, how then do you develop such a phobia when you are good at swimming? His wife asked him. My dear, it is a long story, he responded.
The sacred period of Aza is a period of inevitable drought and famine in Umuaku kingdom. This was to serve as a punishment for the sins of the elders, who played different roles in the murder of Agu — the great farmer 20 years ago. This sacred period often comes on the seventh month of every 3 years and lasts for only 30 days. During the famine period, the people of Umuaku usually depends on the great sea of Adada as their source of survival. The sea becomes their only source of food for the period of that 30 days.
The year's sacred period is around the corner, and every family is making plans and re-strategizing on how to be successful in fishing. And Nze and his family are no exception. However, Nze who recently got married six months ago, often depends on his elder brothers during the sacred period of Aza, as a bachelor.
His dependence on his brothers is as a result of his unfortunate experience that led to the death of his father, Mr Ebu. It was the same time of the year in 1997 when Nze's father took him along for fishing in Adada sea. During their fishing period, his father's hook caught a big fish, which capsized their canoe while trying to raise the fish. While trying to swim out of the deep sea, Nze felt a strong pull force around him, that made it difficult for him to. It was a passerby that noticed his struggling and came to his rescue. However, Nze's father didn't make it out of the sea. It was a dreadful experience that resulted in Nze's strong phobia for water.
The sacred period of Aza is finally upon Umuaku kingdom. Of course, each family has made plans for this sacred period and are only waiting for the implementation. Some started fishing a few days into the Aza period, as they believed that it's better they start early in order to catch enough fish while they were still much in Adada sea. On the other hand, Nze had stored some food that would carry his family for a while.
Ten days to the end of the sacred period, the stored foodstuffs Nze had kept is almost finished. He needs to do the needful. As a married man with family, Nze would have to take responsibility for his family and his pregnant wife, if not they would all starve. He has to confront his fears. His options are limited, it's either he goes fishing and overcomes his fear or he stays and watches his pregnant wife starve.
Nze has been having several sleepless nights about what he needs to do. He has been lost in thoughts. The unfortunate event of his father's death is all new in his head both day and night. His wife Nneka is aware of all that her husband is going through, and has been trying her best to assist and encourage him. She has made several suggestions in attempts to convince him but all are to no avail.
She concluded to consult her husband's elder brothers. She spoke to them and they agreed to go for a family fishing. She came back and spoke with her husband but he didn't buy it all in. It was hard for him but looking at the condition of his wife and the efforts she has made so far, he agreed to go with his brothers. And that was how Nze overcame his fear, as he ended up having fun with his brothers around. It was just like their childhood days — thanks to the effort of his wife, Nneka.