Bloodline and fractures (CNF)
"Jane, as we're traveling for this Christmas celebration, mind your business. Keep your eyes on your siblings, and stay in our lane." My mother warned sternly as we prepared to travel to our hometown for the Christmas celebration.
I had no idea who my uncles were, as we rarely visited our hometown, except this very year, because of the festival my parents wanted to attend.
"But Mom, if my cousins try to be friends with me, am I supposed to shut them out?"
My mom glared at me, and I felt goosebumps all over my body. "They wouldn't even dare to get close to you. And you shouldn't imagine that as well. You have been warned."
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The idea of not getting close to my cousins didn't sit right with me, but there was nothing I could do. I resolved to wait out and see how things would pan out when we got home. I decided that if they were friendly, I'd reciprocate, but if they turned out to be cold, I'd have no choice but to follow my mother's lead.
Christmas came, and my family traveled for the festival. Upon our arrival, one of my uncles arrived with his family. Their house was very close to ours, and I assumed that they were the family my mother had warned me about.
From our bedroom window, I watched as the children helped their parents arrange their home. They were a family of five, just as we were. The had two sons, and a daughter; same with my family. Their daughter looked towards my window, and our eyes met. She smiled at me, and my heart skipped, but I smiled back. And just like that, I knew I had made a friend against our parents wishes.
That night, I went to my dad's room to ask him what the feud between the families was about. He stared at me in disbelief.
"Jane, you're too young to let such things crowd your mind."
"But dad, I need to know. Today, their daughter smiled at me. If I'm to ignore her, I should at least know why."
"Jane, you're still too young to be bothered by all this. Anyways, from my own point of view, I can't remember what the feud is about. It probably had something to do with my grandparents, but when your grandma tried to put an end to it, they were adamant."
"Why don't you try to settle with them? Uncle seems like a nice man."
"Go to bed, Jane. And do not forget to heed your mother's warning."
There was nothing I could do anymore, other than to retire to my room. I made a mental note to say 'hello' to the girl the next morning if our parents left. And if she responded nicely, hopefully we'd become friends.
The next day, as everyone left for the festival, I stayed back and watched the house across from ours. I saw her parents and brothers leave, and I wondered if she was okay. Some hours later, I heard a loud cry coming from the other compound. It was the girl, and it felt like she was terrified.
I had the urge to go over, and check on her, but the thought of the trouble I'd face if my parents found out, kept me rooted on the spot. I stood by the window, and watched.
Soon, the girl ran outside, and collapsed on the floor. My chest knotted with fear, and I ran out to help her. I saw a bite mark on her skin, and she whispered that a scorpion had bitten her. I quickly ripped my dress, and tied her arm with it, then I ran out to call for help.
Luckily for me, the neighbors heard my screams, and came to our aid. Our parents were called, and she was taken to the hospital. I waited for the scolding from Dad and Mom, but it never came. They hugged me, and checked to see that I wasn't hurt as well.
Later that night as we had dinner, my uncle stopped by with his wife.
"I want to thank your daughter for saving my daughter today. Though our families aren't in the best of terms, she still came over, and helped her. I'm eternally grateful for her help."
"You're welcome. We're a family after all, and we should help each other whenever we can." My dad responded.
It was indeed a lovely sight to see the two men talk for the first time.
The next day, my mom took me to visit my cousin at the hospital, and I spent the whole day with her. We played, and talked about our schools.
Slowly, as the Christmas season came to an end, the long lasting feud between our families ended. And from then on till now, our families had been in peace, and now, traveling home for the Christmas festivities had become something everyone looks forward to. And all these happened because of two little girls.
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STOPThis was such a beautiful read. Your act of kindness and care is actually what settled the feud between families. Without giving proper reason, I don't think parents should involve their kids in whatever quarrel or issue they have with someone else. Imagine if you had heed to your mother's words and stayed indoor even when you saw the girl outside? Of course, maybe someone else would have helped. But at least, you're the one who did.
Nice storytelling. It has a lot to learn from
Thanks for the kind words 😊
And thanks for reading 😊
I'm glad I didn't heed to my mom's words and stayed indoors
Things might have gone sideways for sure