EBUBE THE LITTLE GIRL
Hello. Good day to you all, I gladly greet you all who has been following back to back in all my stories, and as well a special regards to this very community, Respect to you all😎.
Today, we shall see another phrase of an emotional story of a young little girl who was just starting life, and her challenges. I believe me, dear parents, you will learn a lot as we carefully read.
As soon as the red-tinted car sped through the city, with Madam Linda seated next to Ebube, who gazed out the window, her expression serious and cold, the driver hummed a tune while navigating the bustling streets. Ebube clutched her bag tightly on her lap, containing only an old wrapper, her slippers, and a small photo of her and her mother.
Quietly sitting in the back seat next to the door, her eyes were swollen from crying, and her tiny legs trembled slightly. While she wasn’t entirely sure of her destination, she was aware that she wouldn’t be seeing her mother for a long time. After several hours on the busy road, they arrived at a large gate, which a man in a red shirt hurriedly opened as the car drove in.
Peering through the window, Ebube was amazed at the size of the house, adorned with colorful flowers and two imposing lion statues by the entrance. She’d never seen such a place before; everything appeared extravagant.
“Get out,” Madam Linda commanded sharply.
As Ebube stepped out, still clutching her bag, she scanned her surroundings slowly, feeling a tightness in her chest. She already missed her mother.
“So, this is where you'll be staying,” Madam Linda stated. “Follow the rules, and you’ll be fine. Is that clear?”
“Yes, ma,” Ebube replied quickly.
Ebube felt a mix of excitement and astonishment as they entered the house, which seemed like a scene from a dream. The floor shone like glass, and the lights above resembled twinkling stars. Pictures of Madam Linda's family adorned the walls, and on one side, she spotted a photo of a smiling boy and girl, seeming to have everything they could want.
“This way,” Madam Linda said, leading Ebube into a spacious kitchen where an older woman was peeling cocoyam, looking slightly weary.
“This is Aunty Vivian. She’s in charge of the household,” Madam Linda introduced. “You’ll work with her.”
Aunty Vivian glanced at Ebube while wiping her hands. “She’s small.”
“She’s eight,” Madam Linda replied. “But she’s strong; I’ve seen her work back in the village.”
“She will start tomorrow morning. Make sure she learns the house rules. If she shows any signs of laziness or disrespect, send her back to me,” Madam Linda instructed before leaving.
Aunty Vivian turned to Ebube again, this time with a softer expression. “What’s your name?” she asked.
“Ebube,” she answered.
“How old are you?”
“Eight.”
Aunty Vivian sighed. “Come, I’ll show you your room.”
They walked toward the back of the house, where a small building next to the generator had two tiny rooms. Aunty Vivian opened one that was unoccupied.
“This will be your room from now on,” she said as they entered.
The small space contained just a mattress on the floor, with no fan to cool the hot air.
“You’ll wake up at 4:30 every day. You’re expected to sweep the compound, clean the toilets, help in the kitchen, and wash dishes. You won’t eat unless Madam Linda permits it. If you feel like crying, do it here where Madam can’t see. Do you understand?”
Ebube nodded in response.
Aunty Vivian gave her one last look. “Rest now; tomorrow is your first real day.”
As soon as Aunty Vivian left, Ebube sat down on the mattress and took out her mother’s photo. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she didn’t try to stop them. Holding the photo close to her heart, she whispered, “Mama, I miss you. I will be brave.”
That night, her stomach rumbled with hunger, but no one checked to see if she had eaten or offered her food.
Wiping her tears, she stared at the dark ceiling, still clutching the photo as she made a silent vow: “One day, I will leave here. One day, I’ll go to school. One day, I’ll make you proud, Mama.”
With that small hope tucked in her heart, Ebube closed her eyes and attempted to sleep.
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