Mama counted the coins carefully and tied them in the old handkerchief which she always tucked into her thick cotton half-slip hidden under several layers of wrapper to keep them safe.
I sprinkled water on the freshly harvested pepper and pumpkin leaves, arranging them in the basket; their luscious healthy colour would attract the eyes of good buyers.
With ease, mama balanced the basket on her head, her headscarf formed a cradle and she set off to Orie Ozuda; she would walk tirelessly for miles and that basket would stay put.
‘Nwamaka my daughter, I hope today’s market day will be a good one and if I sell all my goods, tomorrow I will buy you that shoe for running that you’ve been asking for.’
‘Thank you, mama,‘ I replied with happiness ringing in my voice. I imagined my feet encased in the white canvas and I could hear the voices of my schoolmates cheering me on as I raced to the finish line; they always say that I run like 440.
Tomorrow never came. Mama never made it back. Her crushed body was brought back to the compound with her coins still carefully tucked under her half-slip. Nwamadi’s 440 car killed mama. I never ran again.
© Jacqueline
Quick Glossary
Run like 440 – a term used to emphasize how fast she ran.
Orie Ozuda – a market day
Nwamaka – an Igbo name for a girl. It means beautiful child.
a cooking pot and twisted tales 
A sad tale Jacqueline. It was only while reading that I realised the story (you) belong to the Igbo which is the same tribe as my son in law Ugo (Ugochukwu). Small world.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
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It’s truly a small world 🙂
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What a tragic story. An effective narrative with simple words. Sadly road accidents are a major killer in our country too..
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Even here in the UAE there’s no day short of an accident the only thing is that fatality is less.
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Reblogged this on All About Writing and more.
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How sad,i wish she’d take up running again
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A tragic tale but full of feeling and love
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My heart goes out to Nwamaka.
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So sad story..
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I love and appreciate you adding the glossary; such a thoughtful addition. Great writing!
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Thank you, Vicki, for reading and commenting. I’m glad that you enjoyed it.
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Sad but very beautiful too
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Thanks dear.
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such a disappointment for the girl to lose her mother and hope…
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It was certainly devastating.
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Wonderfully poignant!
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Thanks Orville.
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