What I see

I see a young lady in an African setting or environment. The painting on her face and dressing indicates that she is in a cultural gathering.

What I feel

I feel this young lady is unhappy and looks on, wishing her situation would change and she could be elsewhere rather than be in the said gathering.

My story

It seemed the weather could not help but offer its sympathies to Kikelomo by making the entire atmosphere dull. The sun had hidden behind the thick clouds and the temperature was a bit cool.

The council of the village elders were seated and murmuring between themselves, cups of tasty local palm wine in their hands. They waited for their leader, Ola Ajanaku, to grace the occasion with his presence after which the wedding would commence. The local musicians played and sang softly, entertaining the seated guests.

Wura touched Kikelomo's arm to get her attention. For a bride starting a new life, Kikelomo looked beautiful but gloomy and this made Wura extremely worried. She had never seen her friend this sad before, like she was being led to the slaughterhouse.

Kikelomo turned from staring at the council of elders of which her father was one to look at her best friend and bride's maid, Wura.

"Ore mi, you have to wipe this sad look off your face!" Wura whispered close to her ears so the mothers of the occasion sitting directly behind them would not hear. "It's your wedding, not a funeral."

Kikelomo frowned at her. "I cannot help it. You know I don't like this match my father has agreed to. It's all politics so he can get Baba Ajanaku's and Oba's favour."

Wura sighed. "You know this is how it works in our village. None of us have the luxury of marrying who we want to…"

"But the Prince already likes you and you like him back!" Kikelomo hissed, shocking Wura into silence.

The attack was unexpected from her friend but Wura was ready to accommodate Kikelomo, knowing she would have felt the same if in her position.

"I-I am sorry. I didn't mean it like that. You know I will never begrudge you a happy life." Kikelomo said taking Wura's hand in hers and squeezing it. Wura nodded.

"I believe everything will turn out fine. Bayo is a good man and hardworking too. You know he will take care of you."

Kikelomo turned to look at her groom, Bayo, seated with his friends and chatting. He must have felt her stare for he turned and locked eyes with her. Kikelomo quickly looked away.

"I know," She said quietly.

"And you have me too. I'll always visit." Wura said.

Kikelomo smiled a little just as loud gangan drum beats and praise words from the town crier announced the arrival of the council leader into the occasion.

Her heart skipped a beat. Her new life was about to begin.

---

I hope you enjoyed reading this story. This is my entry to A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words Contest. You are invited to participate.

Thank you for visiting my blog.