Chapter Ten

'Eva, I'll visit you tomorrow for my Christmas rice,' a young woman cheerfully exclaimed as she paused to greet me.

'We'll offer you Christmas tea instead. You can come in the evening for your Christmas rice,' I chuckled in response.

'I wouldn't mind eating akpu or abacha, but tea alone won't satisfy me,' she replied with a laugh. 'I can't fill my stomach with just water!'

I let out a soft, contented sigh. While it was customary to serve rice to guests during Christmas visits, our cherished family tradition was to begin with a warm cup of tea. It was a tradition we would continue to embrace throughout our lives.

In this magical moment, I glanced at my watch, realising there were only about ten minutes left until midnight, heralding the arrival of both a new day and Christmas. As the clock struck twelve, enchanting sounds of fireworks and firecrackers filled the air, accompanied by the heartfelt exchange of joyful Christmas wishes. My father also ignited the fireworks he had brought to the village. I giggled with delight as they soared skyward, illuminating the night with their brilliant colours. Excitedly, I retrieved my phone and called Chioma, and together we exchanged heartfelt Christmas and New Year wishes.

After ending the call with Chioma, a WhatsApp notification caught my attention. With a smile on my oval face, I read the message;

'Happy Christmas to my beautiful classmates. Wishing you all a Happy, Berry, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance…'

The message was from my classmate, Peter Obinna, the Class Prefect, who had sent it to our WhatsApp group chat.

I joyfully read the comments in the group chat before retiring inside to sleep. Although I wasn't particularly tired, I eagerly anticipated the morning, I forced myself to rest, determined not to greet Christmas Day with dark circles under my eyes.