Mr. and Mrs. Ekene, a couple in their sixth month of marriage, lived in a family compound that made Alice feel like she had been in the village for a long time. She developed a sense of belonging in a village she got to know through her marriage to Mr. Ekene, who had been a businessman in the city before returning after marrying Mrs. Alice.
Just as time waits for no one, days turned into weeks and weeks into months. A year into marriage, Alice became bothered, feeling the need to be happy. Ekene was there to help in all ways he could, but that wasn't the only delight she sought. The thoughts running in the minds of other members of the extended family were flogging her, doubling her uneasiness.
"My daughter, what is going on? It has been a year since you came to this house as our daughter-in-law. My son married you because he wants something from you," her mother-in-law said.
"Mama, I know what you are talking about. I'm even more bothered than you are; we have been trying and hoping on God for the fruit of the womb."
Without speaking further, she walked out, leaving Alice all alone. She was filled with a burden of unspoken pain. The family members who once showed her love were the same who turned to call her names. Four years passed, and there was no sign of a child coming forth.
Alice found herself swimming in the pool of cruel words from her mother-in-law, mockery from sisters-in-law, and stares from members of the extended family that were enough to make a witch disappear. The only person there to comfort her was Ekene, her husband, who stood by her, confronting her mother and siblings on her behalf.
From family, it extended to the villagers who saw her as a tree with branches but nothing to show. No day passed without Alice being the center of attention and discussion.
"I heard she was cursed during birth by her mother who died immediately she came forth," Nne whispered as she glanced around to be certain no one had heard that.
"How did you hear that? I know she's your sister-in-law, but she won't go deep telling you that," Amara said defensively as she adjusted the bucket of water on her head.
"My mum told me, and she heard that from her relatives. I can't wait for her to get kicked out. That's my mother's next plan, and I know Ekene can't even stand my father once he's ready to take action."
"Please, I have heard enough. I pray heaven sees her through and gives her a fruit of the womb. I hate people who are heartless, and you have proven to be one of them," Amara said angrily and increased her pace, walking faster than her friend, Nne, who didn't even care.
As the couple kept going about their daily lives, doing what was expected of them, one day they visited the hospital as usual, and that fateful day, the doctor's announcement shook sadness away from Alice. The worm that was the cause of disappointment turned to carry a child.
"When was the last time you visited the hospital?" Dr. Mos asked.
"We were asked to come monthly. For this month, this is our first visit."
"Okay, I wanted to be sure if you are aware of the development."
Without letting him finish, the couple glanced at each other and chorused the question together, "development of what?"
"Your wife is two weeks pregnant."
The couple's joy knew no bounds as they celebrated without the family members knowing the source of their joy. They harbored the news within them. The news spread like fire as her tummy protruded. The once mocked womb became a beacon of hope that shattered all the shackles family members and villagers told of her.
As her belly grew, so the villagers gossiped, each one telling another to go and tender apologies; it flowed like a fountain. Her mother-in-law sought mercy. Alice forgave and remained open to welcome her delight.
After the nine-month journey, Alice wrapped her son in her arms as she felt the delight in the warmth of maternal love. The daily voice of the infant echoed in the rooms, reminding the villagers and the once scornful family members of the arrival of the long-awaited. Alice, once filled with pain and sorrow, danced to the tone of motherhood, and Mr. Ekene with so much joy in his heart, embraced his wife.