🎬 Season 1, Episode 11 - “The Tightening”

 

“The Tightening”

Obiora gripped the steering wheel tightly, the road ahead blurring through tear-filled eyes. He dialed his mother's number again.

Calling Mama : IVR… "The number you are trying to reach is not available..."

He slammed the dashboard.

Dust rose as Obiora’s car sped through the narrow path. He was just a few kilometers from his village when his phone ranged by Aunty Amina's number.

OBIORA (urgent): “Aunty! I’ve been calling Mama where is she, is she alright?!”

AUNTY AMINA (softly, teary): “Obiora... your mother is gone oo your mother is gone. Just this morning, my son”

Silence.

“She clutched her chest and fell to the ground… before help could reach her.”

The phone slid from Obiora’s hand. The car veered, swerving dangerously before he stopped it. He rested his head on the wheel, screaming in pain. "I should have listened Mama, he cried uncontrollably.

His mother’s words echoed…

“That woman will be your undoing.” “My chest!”

Obiora stood beside the cold body of his mother, surrounded by mourning villagers. Guilt swallowed him whole.

“Mama… I should have listened he said again, oow Mama, please say something.”

In Obiora's absence, Chukwuamaka visited her family. She sipped juice lazily as her mother and father listened to why the surprised visit.

CHUKWUAMAKA: “Obi left me and went to the village without saying anything, I tried to get his attention but he ignored me… it’s like I don’t matter to him anymore.”

MOTHER: “Hmmm… so this is what has brought you here today.”

FATHER: "I'm very sure you've not turned back to your promiscuous life style?

Later, she met her best friend Ada at a bar.

ADA(In pidgin): “You said he no even torch you before he left? My sister, that man don dey change. And when them start to change like that, you for take quick action…”

She leaned closer.

“…you should visit Baba Eze. He’ll prepare something to keep him yours. Forever.”-The both smiled.

The air was thick with smoke. Owls hooted in the background.

Baba Eze, shirtless with red beads on both ankle, and a small bell, prepared a charm with whispering incantations.

He dropped a red wrapper, kola nut, and palm oil into a calabash.

BABA NSE: “Boil this with his shirt. Wash his photo in it before he comes home from wherever he went. He will never leave you again. But remember, if he's the man you love, then remain faithful to this course. Or else...”

Chukwuamaka nodded, clutching the charm.

The door opened. Obiora walked in looking miserable, suitcase in hand, eyes teary and head bowed.

Chukwuamaka came to meet him.

CHUKWUAMAKA: “You’re back my love…”

Obiora dropped his bag and hugged her… tight.

“I missed you. I’m so sorry… I shouldn’t have left you like that.”

She smiled slyly over his shoulder.

He didn’t see her fingers clenched around a tiny red thread hidden beneath her wrapper.

Obiora held her close in bed completely opposite of the coldness he once had toward her. He seemed as someone a spell has been casted on him.

His eyes seemed clouded. His smile… empty.

Outside the window, the wind howled, moving the curtains as though a ghost has entered the room..

To be continued...

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