Chapter Nine
A green environment was what we truly needed. By filling our streets with plants and flowers, perhaps we could help reduce erosion in our community. I made a mental note to meet with my Agriculture teacher, confident that she would guide me further in my quest for a greener environment. As I turned my head and observed the deepening erosion, I muttered to myself, determined to take action.
Upon reaching my compound, a crowd had gathered to welcome us. Village children flocked around, and my mother kindly distributed biscuits and fruit candy to them. Some women stood nearby, engaged in hushed conversations with folded arms, while others asked us questions about the city. We reside in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, and we had returned to our humble village to celebrate Christmas with our loved ones.
That night, my grandmother treated us to a delightful meal of ofe ugu, akpu, and delicious palm wine. After dinner, I slipped on a pink knitted cardigan over my white nightgown and donned a pair of pink slippers. Together with my younger sister Ella, who looked elegant in her olive t-shirt and jeans, we ventured into the front yard.
Our front yard served as a pathway for strollers, and we exchanged greetings with everyone passing by, taking in the happenings within our neighbourhood.
Sitting beneath the ancient orange tree, my long hair swayed in the gentle breeze as we watched the flurry of activities around us. The tree's branches were adorned with green leaves and juicy oranges. My sister stood up, plucked some oranges, and skillfully peeled them with our kitchen knife. We savoured the delicious fruit, my excitement growing as I observed children chattering joyously, people gathering around a crackling bonfire, some heading to the church for the night vigil, and groups of girls engrossed in a game of oga. I couldn't help but notice a bunch of gleeful children playfully kicking up white harmattan dust as they darted about, some amusing themselves with old car tires, and the unmistakable sound of knock-outs filling the air.
Knock-outs, our colloquial term for firecrackers and bangers, filled the air with their explosive presence. Mischievous children seized the opportunity to play pranks, unexpectedly launching their firecrackers amidst unsuspecting passersby. The startled screams mingled with the bursting noise, intensifying the thrill of the moment. Everywhere, conversations filled the air, and it was evident that everyone eagerly awaited the stroke of midnight to extend their Christmas greetings to loved ones and strangers alike.