Chapter 11

As the growling grew closer, Chinua strained his eyes to see in the blackness before him. From the shadows emerged a pack of hyenas, their massive forms barely fitting within the dim moonlight. Each step they took shook the ground beneath them.

Chinua’s mind screamed in protest; he wanted to run, but he forced himself to stay put. The hyenas sniffed the damp breeze, trying to pick up his scent. Their cackling and screeching filled the air.

He had to choose the right moment to run. Waiting until the animals’ gaze shifted, he sprang to his feet and dashed away. He barely got far before a treacherous root tripped him, sending him sprawling face-first into the damp earth. Mud filled his mouth, and the world spun for a brief moment.

As Chinua struggled to rise, the hyenas closed in. They held their wet noses against his exposed skin, their foul breath filling the air. Drool dripped from their razor-sharp teeth.

A cold shiver raced down Chinua’s spine as the hyenas lunged, their growls reverberating around him. Breath caught in his throat, he pressed his hands against the forest ground. He stared at the glint of their fangs, feeling the cold sweat tickle down his temples as the creatures closed in, ready to pounce.

In that split second, a piercing whistle shattered the night. The hyenas flinched, some retreating towards the sound. It gave Chinua a fleeting opportunity to escape. He tried to seize it, but struggled to stand.

“Run, osiso. Oyibo, run!” A girl’s voice whispered urgently in the darkness, urging him on. He scrambled to his feet and bolted, adrenaline propelling him deeper into the forest.

He could still hear the chilling cackles of the hyenas behind him. He ran so fast that his pulse raced frantically beneath his skin. Though he wasn’t athletic and had never run this hard before, he ignored his aching muscles and stumbling feet. He strategically slowed when he saw the girl who had warned him. Relief rippled through him when they reached each other; she dragged him farther into the forest.

After they’d stopped running, Chinua’s breath came in ragged gasps. The forest seemed quieter now, but the echoes of the hyenas’ cackles still haunted him. He leaned against a mossy trunk, trying to steady his heaving chest.

“Why did you help me?” he asked, his voice trembling slightly. The question hung in the air unanswered, as the tension of their escape lingered between them.

“I have my reasons,” she finally pointed out, her tone sharp. “But let’s focus on staying alive for now.” 

“I’m not an oyibo,” Chinua blurted out, his words tumbling over each other in between gasps. He hated being called that—it reduced him to just the color of his skin. Back in school, his classmates would taunt him with it, mocking him for being albino. Why did she have to use that word now? His past always seemed to catch up with him, even in moments of life and death.

“Gini?!” the girl asked, puzzled. She feigned ignorance, her brow furrowed.

“I am not an oyibo or ajebo; my name isn’t yellow or white. Stop calling me names,” Chinua groused firmly, scratching the scar on his wrist for comfort. Her use of the term was intentional, and it made his temper flare.

She looked at him, puzzled as if she didn’t understand. “But your skin looks white. That’s what we call people like you in my village. Like the missionaries with no toes.” She stared at his covered feet curiously. “Even now your toes are hidden,”

“I am an albino, and these are shoes,” Chinua responded, glancing at her bare feet. “Where are yours?” he asked, concerned.

“Why would I cover my feet?” she asked with a dismissive shrug. “I like feeling the earth goddess, Ani, beneath me.” 

Chinua stared at her, bewildered. She’s got to be joking, he thought. But the sharp glint in her eyes told him she wasn’t. “My name is Chinua.” he affirmed. “Stop calling me names. It’s really annoying.” Without waiting for a response, he turned and began walking away. “Are you coming or not?” he called over his shoulder. 

“I’ll do whatever I want!” the girl shouted back, her voice grating on his nerves. “But we need to move fast. I saved you once, and I won’t be able to do it again if we don’t stay ahead of what’s out there.” 

Chinua, now thoroughly annoyed, turned to confront her. He noticed her face tightening into a frown, her hands clenched into fists. “Look, it’s not like I can survive out here alone anyway. So…thanks, I guess. Whatever your name is.” 

The girl’s expression darkened. She reached for the beads around her neck, a vein creasing on her forehead. “It’s Obiageri. And let’s get one thing straight—I’m here to make sure you don’t get yourself killed or worse, lost.” 

“What are you talking about? We’re already lost.” Chinua muttered, the words escaping before he could stop them. “I don’t see how you’ve made things any better.” 

Obiageri’s jaw dropped “I just saved your life! Do you really think you’d still be breathing without me?” she blurted.

Chinua avoided her scornful gaze. “But I don’t remember asking for your help,” he replied curtly.

Obiageri shook her head, her face growing bitter. You ungrateful little liar!” she snapped. “Tufiakwa! Your ancestors must be rolling in their graves.”