Osaro was still recovering from the scars on her body and in her mind, after the Omege's incident.
"Osaro! Osaro!!" Oge called as she opened the woven curtain.
Osaro's eyes slowly locked onto Oge's concerned face.
"Osaro, I've been calling you for ages! Are you okay?" Oge asked, rushing to her side.
Osaro flinched, trying to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through her side. She gasped, clutching her ribs.
"I'm... I'm fine, Oge. Just feeling a bit vertiginous."
Oge's expression softened. "You need to rest. You've been through so much." She gently pushed Osaro back onto the mat. "I'll get some water. You must be thirsty."
Just as Oge was leaving Osaro's room, Mama Adana entered.
"Ahh, Osaro, I heard what happened, and I'm so sorry. I have not come to check up on you since; I was absorbed in work and duties assigned by our husband. You know we dare not go against him, as he has positioned eyes everywhere in this village. Hope you're fine? How are your wounds? Are you okay?"
"I'm hanging in there, Mama Adana," she said. "How's everyone doing?"
"We're fine, dear," Mama Adana replied, as Oge entered with water for Osaro.
Oge carefully set the water beside Osaro, concern etched on her face. "You should drink this, Osaro. You need to stay hydrated."
Mama Adana nodded in agreement. "Yes, dear, rest now. We'll take care of everything."
Osaro smiled weakly, feeling a wave of appreciation toward the women who had become like family to her. She took a sip of the cool water, letting its refreshing taste soothe her parched throat. As she lay back, Oge covered her with a soft blanket.
"We will get through this phase," Oge said, as they both talked Osaro to sleep as though she were a baby.
Osaro's eyes fluttered open, groggy from her short sleep. The loud voice of their husband, echoing through the compound, pierced the air:
"Tomorrow, we celebrate the Yam Festival! Everyone is expected to join in the preparations!"
Mama Adana and Oge exchanged tired, knowing looks, while Osaro struggled to sit up, her head spinning slightly.
"Osaro, lie back down," Mama Adana urged gently. "We'll handle the preparations. You need to rest."
"I know that I need to rest, but you know our husband. He said everyone is expected to join in the preparations. I can't afford to be in his bad books now. I'm still recovering from yesterday; the pain still lingers."
"I know that, but you can just—"
"I'm not taking chances, Mama Adana. Our husband is no joke, and I am already getting tired of his constant abuse, even when we all know I haven't even reached half a year here."
"We know, Osaro. But since you're insisting, we will leave the minor work for you to do," said Oge, as they pleaded with her to get some rest.
Osaro was still sleeping when Mama Adana entered. Tapping Osaro on her thigh, she woke up, looking better than before.
"Osaro, I'm sorry, but our husband calls for you."
"Why?" Osaro said, with fear in her eyes, her breath shaken, her temperature rising. "What have I done again?" Tears rolled down her eyes as she tried to stand up before Mama Adana offered her hand.
"I don't think you have done anything questionable, Osaro. Just go to him and give him listening ears."
"Okay," Osaro said, as she changed into something better than her oversized pajamas.
"Osaro!! I haven't seen you today. I thought you died last night, but hearing no cries and receiving no news this morning, I realized you were still alive. Do you know it is a crime for a wife to wake up and not send salutations to her husband? Must I remind you of everything? Do you think you're better or special?"
"I'm sorry, my husband. I was not feeling too energized this morning, and I have been sick..."
"Does being sick make one lack respect now? I have come to know that young girls don't learn until you're taught lessons. I will make sure you never defy me again."
"Please, my husband. I was very sick..."
"I don't want to know what was wrong with you. All I want you to do now is to get inside my inner chamber and get yourself ready for me."
Osaro reluctantly complied to avoid any further complications that would lead to more injuries. She cried out as she undressed herself and lay down carefully in pain.
Osaro's body ached deeply, her sickness making every movement torture. Despite her pain and weariness, her husband's touch was frantic and desperate, lacking the gentleness she longed for. She closed her eyes, tears slipping quietly as she bore the painful moments, feeling more alone than ever.
"Is this how I am going to continue?" she said, as she cried silently.