All Chapters of Something more than gold: Chapter 11 - Chapter 19

Amidst the feeling of being far away from home and the abundant heat, Omalicha began to wonder if Ugonna knew the route they trailed upon because it appeared to he endless in her opinion.They travelled in overloaded lorries that carried various kinds of foodstuffs as well as passengers; people of different sizes, live stocks ranging from its availability in the various parts of the country, live hens, vegetables, shrubs and dried fishes were packed into the same choking compartment. On the first day, she nursed enthusiasm, and shared a happy grin, showing her joy as one of the lucky ones to ride the loud horse, as the children in Umuowa called the vehicles. But when it got to day-two, she spent it nursing the wood-marks and mosquito bites sustained overnight, and her joy vanished. "Umuowa does not have these things." She groaned, showing her bite marks to Ugonna and the latter did same, making mockery of her naivety. On the third day of the journey, Om

Ugonna pulled her along and showed the address he wanted to a food-seller at the lorry station who directed them correctly to Oloje in mushin.Omalicha was sure of their destination after that and was led by Ugonna through the corners of street and small stalls bordering houses."I know this is not where you live. So, where are we going to?" Omalicha finally summoned the courage to speak.Ugonna gave her a look and decided to answer the running question on her mind. "No, I live miles away from here. Jobs are easier to get here and so, we will be staying here with my brother, he will help you get a job. I will advise you to forget all these you see, and do what is good. You know your father would be proud to know of your achievement." He pulled his lips into a smile that faded when he noticed her lack of interest."Father was wrong to think fortune dwells in this place." Omalicha told herself, having digested the unkept habitat. They walked into th

 Omalicha ran back into the room and curled up into her previous position except this time,  she had her face turned to the wall. She exerggerated her breathing pace, pretending to be asleep.  The pale, yellowish light became brighter as they walked in.  

Buchi ordered a gourd of palm-wine for them both and kept teasing the woman who served him and who kept topping off her tiny glass. Then he drank from his calabash, and she drank from her glass. It made him happy and he said: “Learn to drink, my dear. A