THE WICKED FATHER (CHAPTER 1)
Okeke’s father had always wanted Okeke to take over from him. From the very day Okeke was born, his father had already decided his future. He wanted Okeke to succeed him as the chief worshipper of his deity, the great Okuku.
Okeke’s mother died when he was still very little. He barely remembered her face, but he remembered her kindness. Since her death, it was only his father and the shrine that filled the compound. Charms were everywhere. Statues stood like living things, watching every movement in the house.
Okeke grew up afraid, confused, and silent.
As he grew older, his father allowed him to go to school, not because he loved education, but because he believed education would make Okeke more respected when he finally took over the shrine.
One quiet night, his father called him.
“My son,” the old man said as he sat on a wooden stool under the mango tree. “Come and sit.”
Okeke sat carefully, his heart beating fast. Anytime his father called him at night, something serious was always coming.
“My son,” his father continued, “you are now a full-grown man. I am no longer strong like before. I can’t run around again.”
Okeke listened carefully. He said nothing.
“So now,” the man said, lowering his voice, “it is time for you to succeed me. When I am no longer in this world, you will take over my work.”
Okeke felt something heavy drop in his chest. “Papa,” Okeke finally spoke, “I don’t understand you.”
His father frowned. “What don’t you understand?”
“How can you tell me to worship your deity?” Okeke asked boldly. “Did I ever tell you I was interested?”
That was when everything changed.
“Will you shut up your mouth!” his father shouted angrily. “Don’t you know it is this deity that has been protecting this family? Even protecting you since you were small! How dare you speak against the great Okuku?”
Okeke stood up immediately.
“Papa, you are wrong,” he said, his voice shaking but firm. “It is only God Almighty that has been protecting us. Not some deity made by human hands.”He turned and walked away.
“Don’t worry,” his father shouted after him. “We shall see. You will do it whether you like it or not.”
Okeke entered his small room and sat on the floor. Anger, fear, and pain filled his heart. He regretted why he was even born into such a family.
“Where was this deity when my mother died?” The deity couldn't save her. he asked himself quietly.
Tears rolled down his face.
Okeke had always dreamed of becoming a better man. He wanted to help his community grow better. He prayed silently that one day, God would use him to save people.
To be continued......
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