CHAPTER THREE

The boy was named Kambili because of the circumstances that surrounded his birth and the entire family.

It was then more than eight years and they hadn't gotten another child, his mother was beginning to give up on conception again because of her age. They focused on bringing up Kambili the best way they could even though they were peasant farmers.

All those years, Mr Vincent maintained his promise of offering sacrifice to the Ebem deity twice a year. It wasn't easy on him and his family but he was scared of the consequences that may come if he tries terminating his commitment to the deity.

Kambili attended the community primary school, Ajani which was the only school that existed in their community as at that time. The community took care of the school fees of any child who was ready to go to school at the basic level.

Kambili was just in primary 5 when his father developed a serious ailment and died after two months of battling with the ailment Mr Vincent's only brother who had been in the city for so many years was informed about his demise. He came back and did all the necessary preparation and they gave him a befitting burial.

His wife mourned him for one year according to their tradition. During her mourning period, she wore black clothes all through, her hair wasn't combed nor shaven at all as it's been done in the Eastern part of Nigeria mostly she only washed it. She wouldn't go to any distant place or any public gathering. She mostly stayed within their village.

During those mourning periods, Kambili was helping his mother out on the ones he could.

After that one year, her hair was shaved and her mourning clothes were burnt. Then she continued living her normal life.

Those periods aren't easy for widows but it's what they do to show that they truly love and respect their husbands.

On the other hand, Kambili's mother never thought about the promise her husband made at Ebem shrine. She never supported it from the beginning. She only remained quiet for peace to reign as she had no choice

Just eight months after removing her mourning clothes, she developed a mysterious illness and died a few weeks later.

Then Kambili was preparing to write common entrance exams he was so devastated.

His uncle came back for her burial as well

After his mother's burial, he left with his uncle to the city because he had no one else to stay with in the village.