Chapter 13: Back to the Academy

I go back to academy where I first entered palace, same teacher.

Classroom smelled of chalk and old books. Teacher greeted with wide grin, arms open. Other students looked up, curious.

I breathed free air, e sweet die.

For first time in years, I felt normal. Air lighter, walls less tall.

Because Tola Shun no dey, teacher no need teach Oba lesson, so I dey beg for story.

He obliged, spinning tales that made class lean in, hungry.

Teacher story better pass all storybook I dey see.

His stories painted mountains, rivers, bustling markets. I closed eyes, letting words carry me away.

He talk of Tangola mountain, river, market gist.

He described roasted maize, traders haggling, cool river water on feet. I almost forgot palace.

Fifth day of story, queen mother catch us.

She stormed in, wrapper flapping, eyes blazing. Class silent, teacher stammered.

She flogged me with mouth, no give dinner.

Scolding sharp, words flying. My stomach rumbled, but I hugged myself, proud to have heard story.

For night, Tola Shun showed with food box.

He tiptoed, grinning, tray loaded. My heart leapt.

I caught him, "You dey do anyhow o. If queen mother catch you, na wahala."

He winked, set food before me. "You sabi say I dey fear queen mother?"

Tola Shun arranged food, bowls making noise.

We giggled, trying to eat quiet.

I glared, make he gentle.

He stuck out tongue, piled more food.

He called me mumu.

I pouted, but smiled.

See all favourite food, I no quarrel with am again.

I dug in, troubles melting away.

As I ate, I realised food taste like queen mother kitchen.

I closed eyes, savouring. Taste of home.

I asked, "Queen mother no sabi, abi?"

Tola Shun: "She no sabi."

His wink told me otherwise, but I let it go, licking fingers clean.

I focused on food, Tola Shun said again, "Ifeanyi Tangola, you really be mumu."

He nudged me, eyes twinkling. I nudged him back.

I held my vex, humble, "Why you talk so?"

I tried to sound wounded, hoping for answer.

He no answer. This boy get wahala.

He just grinned, shoving more food. I shook my head, but heart happy.