When Instincts Proved Right

Everyone, I have a good news" chief okafor announced with a smile as he laid his spoon beside his plate.

His wife ngozi looked at him curiously. "You look happier than the day you won the government contract" she said.

"Hahaha...maybe this means even more to me " he replied.

Their daughter Oluchi , leaned forward eagerly , "Tell us daddy" she said.

"The elders of umueze have invited me home, They have chosen to crown me Nze during the incoming New yam festival"

"Wow!, daddy you deserve it " Ada said as she clapped excitedly.

Ngozi reached out to her husband's hand.

"Congratulations, you have worked hard for years, and have helped so many people, you deserve it".

"I've already accepted the invitation, we will leave for the village on Friday " Chief okafor smiled proudly.

Everyone celebrated the news except Dominic . He stared at his food without saying a word.

His father noticed his unusual silence " Dominic you've been quiet, aren't you happy for me? "

Dominic looked up slowly.

"Dad I think you shouldn't go, I perceive danger". " please don't go".

The cheerful atmosphere disappeared immediately.

"What do you mean?" His mother asked.

"I don't know how to explain it . " I have this strange feeling that this invitation is a trap, and something terrible might happen if you go."

Ada smiled softly, " Brother you've been watching too much movies lately."

"Which movie? I'm serious " he replied.

Chief okafor smiled. "My son, fear has a way of playing tricks on us."

" This isn't fear"

"Then what is it "? His father replied

"I don't know... but just call and cancel the trip."

Ngozi shook her head gently.

"Dominic, your father cannot reject such an important title because of a feeling."

Dominic looked desperately at his father, "Dad I'm begging you"

Chief okafor stood up, placed placed two hands on his shoulder.

" I appreciate your concern because it comes from love, but i can't reject this opportunity because of a feeling." " I have been looking forward to this, and I can't turn it down."

Dominic swallowed hard. " Then let me come with you" he requested.

His father chuckled

"You have exams to write, beside your mother will be with me."

"I still don't like it "

Chief okafor smiled warmly .

"When I went return, you will laugh at yourself for worrying" .

Dominic forced a smile, but the heavy feeling in his chest refused to leave.

Friday morning arrived. They were ready to go. Ngozi hugged Ada " Take care of yourselves until we return."

"We will mum" she replied.

Chief okafor Walked towards Dominic. "Are you still worried ?" he asked

Dominic nodded. " More than ever "

His father smiled. " I will be back in three days".

Dominic held his father's arm

"Daddy..if there's even the slightest reason to leave the ceremony, please leave."

Chief okafor smiled gently.

"You won't give up, will you?"

"I just want you to be safe"

"I will be fine " his father replied.

Dominic watched his parents drove away.

Long after the car disappeared, he remained standing by the gate.

"I hope I'm wrong," he whispered to himself .

Umueze village was alive with celebration.

Traditional dancers filled the village square while drums echoed through the air.

Chief okafor and his wife received a warm welcome from relatives and elders.

"My son" one of the elders said, "today umueze honors one of its finest."

The coronation ceremony began .

Prayers were offered. The title staff was presented.

Coral beads were placed around chief okafor's neck.

The crowd erupted, "Onye Nze! Onye Nze! May you live long..!"

An elderly man stepped forward carrying a beautiful decorated calabash.

"As tradition demands" he began. "Our new Nze must drink" .

Chief okafor accepted it respectfully.

"Thank you my people" he lifted the calabash and drank. Everyone cheered him.

After the memorable occasion, everyone went back to their various homes.

Nze and his Lolo, also went back to the house to rest. Chief okafor was given a Palm wine, he didn't particularly know who gave him that wine, because gives were many and the ceremony made him not to fully pay attention to who brought some of the gifts.

He sat on his chair, in his sitting room, and poured himself a cup of the palm wine. After drinking more than half of the cup, he blinked severally.

His hands moved to his stomach, Ngozi frowned.

"Chief ..are you alright?" She asked

"I..." he whispered weakly.

The cup slipped from his hands, he suddenly collapsed.

"Help! Somebody help!" Ngozi was heard screaming.

Some people that heard her voice, rushed in and helped carried him to the hospital.

After hours in the emergency room, the doctor walked towards Ngozi.

" You're fortunate, we were able to stabilize him. The poison was severe but he responded to treatment. He's going to survive."

Ngozi burst into tears, this time it was tears of relief.

She quickly called Dominic.

"Dominic"

"Hello mummy, how is Daddy?" He quickly asked

"His recuperating, the doctor said he will survive" she answered

Dominic had a sigh of relief too.

After few days, chief and his wife returned back to the city, he hugged his son tightly.

"I owe you an apology, I thought you were simply afraid. I didn't realize your instincts were trying to protect me."

"Daddy I'm glad you're still here" Dominic replied as they hugged each other tightly.