All The Women Had Curvaceous Bodies Except Her, So She… #africanfolktales #tales – Ty

The sound of the sewing machine filled the small shop as ioma worked on a dress the bright yellow fabric spread across her lap the smooth texture cool against her Palms as she guided it through the machine the dress was for Madame chiner one of the wealthiest women in uku Village and it had to be perfect ia’s fingers moved with practiced ease stitching the final details but her mind wandered outside her shop the village bustled with life women walked to the market with baskets balanced on their heads chatting and laughing children

played in the dusty streets their loud happy voices carrying through the air ioma could hear everything but she stayed focused on her work she always stayed focused anything to avoid the glances and Whispers that followed her whenever she stepped outside aha ioma you’re still not done Madame chunk voice interrupted her thoughts IA looked up quickly a polite smile spreading across her face almost Ma just finishing the Hem Madame chiner leaned against the door frame her wide frame blocking the sunlight she was dressed in her usual

brightly colored wrapper and blouse her chest adorned with gold jewelry that jingled when she moved she had the kind of figure The Village admired full round and confident she looked at iom’s slim frame with a slight smirk the kind that wasn’t mean but wasn’t kind either I still don’t understand how you make clothes for other people when you don’t even have the body to fill them Madame chiner said with a laugh I’s fingers tightened on the fabric for just a second but her smile didn’t waver it’s not about me ma it’s about making sure

you look beautiful hum Madame chinor said Crossing her arms you better hurry up my husband won’t wait forever at the dance aoma nodded and turned back to her sewing her her chest felt tight but she pushed the feeling down she was used to comments like that everyone in Nuku seemed to think it was their right to remind her of what she lacked she finished the dress a few minutes later and handed it to Madame chiner the woman held it up admiring the neat stitches and vibrant design at least you’re good at what you do she said grudgingly I’ll

pay you later before ioma could protest Madame chinar was gone her laughter trailing behind her ioma sat back in her chair letting out a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding the shop felt too quiet now the noise from the street muted as though the walls had thickened she looked at the pile of Unfinished dresses on her work table and tried to find the energy to start again a shadow darkened her doorway you need to stop letting her talk to you like that IA turned to seen Kim her childhood friend leaning against the door frame and Kim

was taller than I with a strong curvy figure and a loud voice that made people pay attention her hands rested on her hips as she looked at ioma with a mix of frustration and pity it’s nothing IA said waving her hand it’s not nothing and Kim said stepping inside every time she comes here she finds a way to insult you why do you let her what do you want me to do and km aoma said her voice sharper than she intended fight her stop sewing for her this is how I make money and Kim sat on the edge of the table careful not to disturb the

fabric I’m not saying you should fight her but you don’t have to sit there and smile while she talks down to you you’re better than that aoma didn’t answer she didn’t want to talk about Madame chiner or anyone else in the village she just wanted to finish her work and go home Kim side all right fine let’s talk about something else have you heard emica is Back At The Mention Of His Name ia’s heart did a little flip she tried to hide it keeping her face neutral as she folded a piece of fabric I heard she said lightly Kim wasn’t fooled don’t

pretend you’re not excited I saw the way you used to look at him before he left for Legos that was years ago IA said quickly he probably doesn’t even remember me oh he remembers and Kim said grinning I I saw him at the market this morning and he asked about you aa’s hands froze he did and Kim nodded he asked if you still had your shop I think he might come by to see you the thought of emica walking into her shop made ia’s chest Titan in a different way she pictured him as he used to be tall handsome and confident with a smile that

made her feel like she was the only person in the world she wondered if he had changed you should wear something nice tomorrow and km said interrupting her thoughts maybe that green dress you made for yourself I don’t have time to think about that IA said shaking her head I have too much work to do you always have too much work km said rolling her eyes you deserve to enjoy yourself once in a while aoma didn’t respond she wanted to believe in Kim but it was hard how could she think about enjoying herself when she was constantly

reminded of how different was from the other women in the village as inkem left promising to return the next day ioma sat alone in her shop she tried to focus on her sewing but her thoughts kept drifting to emica she didn’t know why the idea of seeing him made her nervous maybe it was because she didn’t want him to see her the way the rest of the village did as someone who didn’t quite measure up the sun was setting when she finally closed the shop and walked home the path was quiet the sounds of crickets filling the air ia’s house was

small but tidy with a single room for sleeping and another for cooking she sat on her bed staring at the ceiling as the events of the day played over in her mind she thought about Madame Chin’s words about in Kim’s encouragement and about em most of all she thought about the feeling that had been growing inside her for years a longing to be seen not as a tailor or a hard worker but as a woman her chest felt heavy and for once it wasn’t because of the weight of the day it was the weight of being different of not fitting into the mold The Village

had created for women she wondered if there was a way to change that to change herself she pushed the thought away shaking her head it was silly she was who she was and no amount of wishing would change that but as she lay in bed staring at the Shadows on the ceiling the thought crept back into her mind what if she could change what if there was a way to be seen to be admired to be enough she closed her eyes willing herself to sleep but the question stayed with her lingering like a soft persistent whisper the next morning ioma

was back in her shop surrounded by Fabric and the sound of her sewing machine she tried to focus but her thoughts kept drifting ten km’s words from the day before did emica really ask about her why would he she shook her head pushing the thought aside there was no time to waste daydreaming The Village was livelier than usual with people moving about in hurried excitement ioma noticed it when she stepped outside to stretch her legs women were chattering in groups children ran in and out of the Market Square and even the men seemed

more animated than usual something was happening she didn’t have to wonder for long and Kem came rushing into her shop her face lit with excitement ioma you won’t believe it what now aoma asked brushing a piece of thread off her skirt Baba IU is here and Kem announced her hands on her hips like she had just shared the biggest news in the world who is Baba IU AA asked frowning and Kim gasped as though IA had just asked what the son was you don’t know Baba IU he’s the famous herbalist people say he can cure anything they say he has po for

beauty Love Money everything AA raised an eyebrow and you believe that chem waved her hand dismissively it doesn’t matter if I believe it what matters is that the whole village is talking about him he set up a stall in the Market Square and everyone is rushing there to see him a foma side I don’t have time for that nonsense I have work to do you always have work to do MIM said rolling her her eyes come with me just for a few minutes it won’t kill you to step out of this shop before IA could protest and Kem grabbed her arm and pulled her

toward the Market Square the crowd around Baba IU stall was bigger than aoma expected women jostled for space their voices blending into a noisy hum the man at the center of it all stood tall wearing a flowing white robe and a matching cap his beard was long and neatly trimmed and his eyes seemed to Sparkle as he spoke ladies ladies there’s enough for everyone Baba aibu said his voice smooth and commanding I have solutions to all your problems do you want your husband to love you more I have the answer do you want to look

younger and more beautiful I have the answer do you want to make more money I have the answer the women cheered hanging on his every word ioma folded her arms watching from the edge of the crowd this is ridiculous she muttered Kim nudged her why are you so serious it’s just for fun it’s not fun if he’s lying to them ioma said heun probably just here to take their money Kim Shrugged maybe but look at them they’re happy what’s the harm as IA watched a young woman stepped forward holding out a handful of naira notes Baba IU I want to

be more beautiful my husband doesn’t look at me the way he used used to Baba IU smiled his teeth white against his dark skin ah my sister you have come to the right place I have something special for you he reached into his stall and pulled out a small brown bottle this is the nectar of Elegance rub a little on your face and chest every morning and you will see the difference the woman took the bottle with shaking hands her face glowing with hope Kim leaned closer to ioma you see that imagine what he could do for you aoma

stiffened what’s that supposed to mean I didn’t mean it like that Kem said quickly I just meant you’re always so hard on yourself maybe he can help you feel better I don’t need help ioma said sharply I’m fine the way I am Kim gave her a look but didn’t argue as they turned to leave Baba IU’s voice Rose above the crowd you there young lady why don’t you come closer it took ioma a moment to realize he was talking to her the crowd parted slightly and she felt dozens of eyes on her her cheeks burned as she shook her head no thank you baba

IU chuckled don’t be shy I can tell you have questions come ask me anything Kim nudged her go on what’s the Worst That Could Happen ioma hesitated then stepped forward reluctantly Baba IU’s eyes sparkled L as he looked her over you are a beautiful young woman he said his voice low and smooth but I sense that you don’t see yourself that way aa’s stomach tightened I didn’t come here for anything she said quickly I was just looking looking is the first step Baba aibu said his smile never faltering tell me what do you wish for what is the one

thing you want that you think you can’t have the question caught her off guard she opened her mouth to deny it but the words wouldn’t come Baba aibu leaned closer whatever it is I can help you all you have to do is trust me aoma shook her head stepping back I’m sorry I have to go without waiting from Kim she turned and walked away her heart pounding later that evening as ioma sat alone in her shop she couldn’t shake Baba IU’s words they echoed in her mind stirring up feelings she had tried to bury she thought about the women in the

crowd their hopeful faces as they bought his potions for a moment she wondered if there was something to it what if he really could help her what if he had something that could make her feel enough she shook her head frustrated with herself this is stupid she muttered but deep down the thought had already taken root the night was quiet with only the sound of crickets breaking the silence I sat on her bed staring at the ceiling no matter how hard she tried she couldn’t stop thinking about Baba IU’s words they played over and over in her

mind like a song she couldn’t turn off what is the one thing you want that you think you can’t have she squeezed her eyes shut trying to block it out but deep down she knew the answer she wanted to be noticed to be admired to feel like she mattered in a village that always made her feel like she wasn’t enough her heart heart thudded in her chest as she sat up the thought that had been lingering all day took hold and she couldn’t ignore it anymore she had to know if Baba aibu could help her she had to at least try the streets were dark as

she stepped outside wrapping her Shaw tightly around her shoulders the moon cast a pale light over the village but most of the houses were dark everyone had gone to bed IA moved quickly her sandals making soft sounds against the dirt Roe when she reached the Market Square Baba IU stall was still there glowing faintly under a lantern he sat behind the table looking as calm and confident as he had earlier he didn’t seem surprised to see her ah young lady he said his voice low and smooth I thought you might come back

ioma hesitated her hands clutching her Shaw I I’m not sure why I’m here Baba IU chuckled softly you are here because you have questions and I have answers sit she lowered herself onto the wooden stool across from him her hands fidgeting nervously in her lap what do you want he asked leaning forward slightly ioma looked down at her hands then back up at him I want to be different she said quietly I want to feel beautiful Baba IU nodded slowly as though he had been expecting her answer and you shall I have just the thing for

you he reached under the table and brought out a small brown bottle the liquid inside shimmered faintly in the lantern light this is the nectar of Elegance he said placing it gently on the table rub a little on your face and chest every morning and you will see changes but you must follow the instructions exactly no more no less ioma stared at the bottle her heart pounding is it safe Baba IU’s smile didn’t falter of course I have sold this to many women and they have all been happy with the results but remember you must not tell anyone about

this it is our secret she hesitated her mind racing how much does it cost his smile faded slightly and his tone grew serious this is not cheap my dear beauty is a treasure and treasures have their price 5,000 naira 5,000 aom’s eyes widened that was a lot of money money more than she made in a week do not think of it as money Baba aibu said smoothly think of it as an investment in yourself isn’t it worth it to feel confident to walk through the village with your head held high ioma bit her lip her mind a whirlwind of thoughts she

thought of all the times people had laughed at her The Whispers behind her back the way Madame chiner looked at her like she wasn’t good enough she thought of emica and the way she wished he would notice her finally she reached into her bag and pulled out the money she had been saving for months her hands trembled as she placed it on the table Baba IU’s smile returned as he slid the money into his pocket and handed her the bottle you have made the right choice he said follow the instructions and you will not regret it ioma held the bottle

tightly as she walked back home her heart heavy with a mix of excitement and fear she placed it on her bedside table and stared at it for a long time before finally lying down the next morning ioma woke up before the sun she sat on the edge of her bed staring at the bottle part of her wanted to throw it away but another part stronger and more determined told her to try it she opened the bottle the scent of herbs and something faintly sweet wafting out carefully she rubbed a small amount onto her face and chest just as Baba IU had

instructed the liquid felt cool against her skin and she couldn’t help but wonder if it was already working as the day went on she couldn’t stop checking herself in the small mirror she kept in her shop at first she saw nothing different but by the evening she noticed her skin looked a little brighter her cheeks a little Fuller it was subtle but it was enough to make her heart race with excitement over the next few days the changes became more noticeable I’s chest began to fill out her skin glowed and even her posture seemed different

she caught people staring at her in the market and for the first time the looks weren’t accompanied by Whispers or laughter you’re looking good iom a customer said one afternoon what’s your secret IA Shrugged trying to hide her smile just taking better care of myself Kem noticed the changes too something’s different about you she said narrowing her eyes you’re glowing what’s going on nothing IA said quickly avoiding her gaze Kim raised an eyebrow H if you say so a week later Amica walked into her shop aa’s heart nearly stopped he looked

even more handsome than she remembered his tall frame filling the doorway his smile warm and genuine ioma he said his voice deep and smooth I heard you’re the best tailor in the village she felt her cheeks heat up I tried hi she said trying to keep her voice steady I need a new shirt for the festival next week he said stepping closer think you can help me of course she said quickly come in as she took his measurements her hands shook slightly but she kept her composure emica chatted with her like they were old friends and for the first

time she felt like he saw her not as a tailor but as a woman when he left he turned and smiled I’ll see you at the festival iom’s heart soared for the first time in her life she felt beautiful confident and worthy but as she stared at the bottle on her bedside table that night a small voice in the back of her mind whispered at what cost the morning sun filtered through the small window of ia’s room as she stood in front of her mirror she hardly recognized the woman staring back at her her skin had a new glow her chest was

Fuller and her features seemed softer more balanced she ran her fingers over her face hardly believing the changes as she walked to her shop heads turned the women whispered and the men smiled at her in a way that made her cheeks warm she tried to act like she didn’t notice but her heart raced for the first time she felt seen inside the shop and Kim burst through the door her face full of curiosity all right ioma talk what is going on what do you mean I foma asked pretending to focus on a piece of fabric you know exactly what I mean and Kim

said sitting on the edge of the worktable you look different better don’t tell me it’s just sleep and water aoma hesitated biting her lip it’s nothing Kim I’ve just been taking care of myself taking care of yourself Kim raised an eyebrow ioma I’ve known you since we were kids you don’t just take care of of yourself and suddenly look like a princess what are you hiding I’m not hiding anything IA said her voice defensive Kim leaned closer is it a man did someone give you something IA froze for a moment then shook her head quickly

no it’s not a man Kim watched her carefully her eyes narrowing H all right but if you’re doing something risky you’d better tell me aa forced a laugh I promise it’s nothing risky and Kem didn’t look convinced but she let it go changing the subject to the upcoming Village Festival the festival arrived sooner than ioma expected she spent the afternoon preparing slipping into the green dressing chem had convinced her to make months ago to fit her perfectly now hugging her new Curves in all the right places when she looked

in the mirror she hardly believed it was her as she stepped into the festival grounds the crowd seemed to part for her women whispered behind their hands and Men turned to watch her pass iom’s heart swelled with a mix of Pride and nervousness she felt like she was floating aoma a familiar voice called she turned to see emica walking toward her his smile wide and warm he was dressed in a crisp white shirt the one she had tailored for him you look amazing he said his eyes lingering on her thank you she said softly her cheeks

burning come let me buy you something to drink he said holding out his hand she hesitated for only a moment before taking it they walked through the Festival together stopping at stalls and talking like old friends IA felt a warmth she hadn’t known before a sense of belonging she had always craved but as the night went on a strange heaviness began to settle in her chest the first she thought it was the excitement or the heat but the feeling grew worse by the time they reached the Dance Floor her breaths felt

shallow and her vision blurred are you all right emica asked his brow furrowed with concern I’m fine she lied forcing a smile but as they started to dance her legs gave way beneath her she felt herself falling the world tilting around her and then everything went dark when I woke up she was lying on a mat in a quiet corner of the festival grounds and Kim was kneeling heing beside her Fanning her face with a piece of cloth what happened aoma murmured her throat dry you fainted and Kim said her voice sharp with worry what is going on iom

this isn’t like you I don’t know ioma said weakly don’t lie to me and Kim snapped you’ve been acting strange for weeks first you look completely different and now you’re fainting in the middle of a dance floor what is it tell me me the truth aa’s eyes filled with tears it’s nothing Kem promise it’s not nothing Kem said her voice Rising you’re my friend if something is wrong I need to know before ioma could respond emica appeared carrying a cup of water is she all right he asked his voice full of concern she’s fine and Kim said quickly

taking the cup emica knelt beside ioma his eyes searching hers are you sure you looked so pale I’m fine ioma said sitting up slowly I just I think I need to rest emica nodded helping her to her feet let me walk you home no I’ll take her and Kem said firmly wrapping an arm around iom’s shoulders emica hesitated then nodded all right feel better ioma as they walked back to her house and Kem kept her arm around ioma her grip firm talk and km said once they were inside ioma sat on the edge of her bed staring at the floor it’s nothing Kim I swear

and Kim folded her arms her eyes blazing if you don’t tell me what’s going on I’ll start asking questions around the village do you want that aa’s chest tightened she knew and Kim wasn’t bluffing taking a deep breath she reached for the small brown bottle on her bedside table and held it out this she said quietly and Kem took the bottle turning it over in her hands what is this it’s something I got from Baba IU aoma said her voice barely above a whisper he said it would help me Kim’s eyes widened you’ve been using this are

you serious ioma do you even know what’s in it he said it was safe ioma said quickly and it works look at me me look at you Kim said her voice Rising you fainted ioma you’re not eating properly and you’re acting strange how is that safe tears spilled down ia’s cheeks I just wanted to feel beautiful I wanted people to notice me is that so wrong and Kim’s expression softened but her voice was still firm it’s not wrong to want to feel good about yourself but this this is dangerous you don’t even know what’s in it I don’t care iom said her voice

trembling for the first time in my life people see me they respect me I can’t go back to the way things were and Kim sat beside her taking her hand ioma you’ve always been beautiful you didn’t need this and if you keep using it who knows what will happen to you aoma didn’t respond she couldn’t the thought of going back to being invisible was too much to bear as the night wore on and Kim stayed by her side her presence a silent reminder that she wasn’t alone but even as ioma drifted off to sleep the small brown bottle sat on the table

its promise of beauty and belonging too powerful to ignore ioma woke the next morning feeling heavy like a rock was sitting on her chest her body achd and her head throbbed as she sat up slowly on the edge of her bed she glanced at the small brown bottle on her bedside table and around for the first time it didn’t feel like a gift felt like a weight she couldn’t put down she barely had time to think about it before km burst into the room good you’re awake we need to talk aoma rubbed her temples and km it’s too early for this it’s not too

early when your best friend is doing something this dangerous and Kem said folding her arms do you know how scared I was last night what if something worse happens what if you don’t wake up next time ioma side avoiding her friend’s eyes I’m fine now it was just the Heat and all the excitement at the festival Kim shook her head don’t lie to me ioma this she pointed to the bottle on the table this thing is not normal you don’t know what’s inside it you don’t know what it’s doing to your body it’s working IA snapped her voice sharper

than she intended can’t you see that people notice me now they resp respect me even emica even emica what Kim interrupted her voice Rising do you think he’ll still like you if he finds out you’re using some fake potion to look like this do you think it’s worth risking your health your life just for him to notice you iom stood up her fists clenched at her sides you don’t understand and Kim you’ve never been the one people laugh at you’ve never been the one everyone calls plain or unwomanly you don’t know what it feels

like to be invisible and you think this is the answer Kim shot back her eyes blazing you’re better than this IA you don’t need some magic potion to prove your worth if em or anyone else can’t see how amazing you are then they’re not worth it ioma turned away her chest tightening she didn’t want to cry but the tears came anyway you don’t get it in Kim you don’t know what it’s like to feel like you’ll never be enough and Kim’s voice softened you’ve always been enough ioma you just don’t see it but this thing this bottle is not the way to

find out please promise me you’ll stop using it ioma stayed silent staring at the floor she wanted to believe in Kim but the thought of giving up the one thing that had finally made her feel beautiful was too much over the next few days The Whispers in the village grew louder people began to notice more than just iom transformation they noticed her pale skin her tired eyes and the way she moved like someone carrying a heavy load Madame chiner was the first to say it out loud she walked into iom’s shop one afternoon her loud voice echoing through

the room aoma what’s wrong with you you look like a ghost aoma forced a smile I’m fine Madame chinor just tired from all the work tired Madame chiner snorted you’re more than tired look at you are you sick I’m fine ioma repeated her voice tight Madame chiner narrowed her eyes well youd better take care of yourself no one wants a sick tailor when she left ioma slumped into her chair her head in her hands the cracks were beginning to show and she didn’t know how much longer she could keep up the act one evening as she sat

alone in her room the nightmares began they they were Vivid and terrifying filled with dark figures chasing her through endless corridors she woke up drenched in sweat her chest heaving as she gasped for air she reached for the bottle on her table but her hands trembled so badly she almost dropped it for the first time she wondered if mkim was right what if this wasn’t worth it what if she was hurting herself in ways she couldn’t see the next morning she decided to visit Baba aibu she needed answers The Market Square was quieter

than usual when she arrived but Baba IU stall was still there glowing faintly under the afternoon sun he greeted her with his usual smile but IA didn’t feel comforted by it this time ah my dear he said spreading his arms you look as beautiful as ever what brings you here today ioma hesitated clutching the bottle in her hand something’s wrong I’ve been feeling strange IU’s smile faltered for a moment but he recovered quickly strange how do you mean I’ve been fainting ioma said her voice shaking I’ve been having nightmares my

body doesn’t feel right is this normal Baba aibu leaned back his expression calm my dear these things take time your body is simply adjusting to the changes you must trust the process but what’s in it I F pressed what am I putting on my skin he waved a hand dismissively herbs oils natural ingredients nothing harmful then why do I feel like this she asked her voice Rising why do I feel worse every day Baba IU’s smile disappeared completely he leaned forward his eyes narrowing do you want to stop ioma do you want to go back to the way things

were to being invisible because that’s what will happen if you stop using this aa’s chest tightened his words cut deep because they echoed her own fears she shook her head tears streaming down her face I don’t know what to do you keep going baba aibu said firmly you’re almost there my dear don’t give up now ioma nodded slowly her hands trembling as she clutched the bottle but as she walked away a seed of Doubt had been planted and it refused to go away when she returned home and Kem was waiting for her her friend’s face was tight with

worry where were you Kem demanded I’ve been looking for you all day I went to see Baba IU AA admitted her voice small Kim’s eyes widened aoma why what did he say he said everything is fine ioma said though her voice lacked conviction he said I just need to trust the process Kim shook her head her frustration boiling over and you believe him after everything that’s happened ioma this man doesn’t care about you he’s just taking your money and ruining your life what do you want me to do and km aoma shouted her voice breaking I can’t just stop I

can’t go back to being the nobody I was before you were never a nobody and Kim said her voice softening not to me and not to anyone who truly cares about you iom’s shoulders sagged and she sank into a chair I don’t know who I am anymore and km I don’t know what to do and km knelt beside her taking her hands we’ll figure it out together but you have to let this go ioma you have to stop before it’s too late IA looked at the bottle on the table her heart heavy With Fear And Regret she wanted to believe in Kim but

the thought of Letting Go felt like losing everything she had worked so hard to gain and so the battle within her raged on pulling her deeper into a choice that seemed impossible to make Kem refused to let ioma out of her sight after their argument it wasn’t like ioma to look so defeated so drained the vibrant girl Kem had grown up with was slipping away and Kem couldn’t sit back and watch it happen 2 days after ia’s visit to Baba aibu and Kem stormed into her shop we need to talk she announced shutting the door behind her with more

Force than than necessary and Kem not now IA muttered her voice tired as she worked on the Hem of a dress yes now and Kim said grabbing a stool and sitting directly in front of ioma this is serious you can’t keep doing this to yourself I told you I’m fine IA replied not looking up from her work no you’re not Kim snapped you’re pale you barely eat and you’ve been acting like a stranger aoma look at me ioma finally looked up her eyes filled with exhaustion what do you want me to say Kim that I regret it that I hate myself

for starting this I can’t stop now I just I can’t yes you can and Kim said firmly but first we need to find out the truth about that man he’s lying to you aoma can feel it ioma frowned what truth Baba aibu said the potion is safe he said it’s just herbs and you believed him Kim asked her voice full of disbelief why would a man like that care about your health he’s making money off you aoma off your pain doesn’t that make you angry it doesn’t matter IA said her voice breaking he’s the only one who gave me a chance to feel different and

Kim’s expression softened but her determination didn’t waver I understand ioma but if you keep using that stuff you’re going to destroy yourself we need to expose him how aoma asked her voice small and Kem leaned forward her eyes blazing with determination we’re going to find out what’s really in that potion and then we’re going to tell everyone that evening under the cover of darkness ioma and Kim made their way to Baba IU’s stall the market was quiet the only sounds coming from distant crickets and the occasional bark of a dog and Kem

carried a lantern its dim light guiding their way what if he sees us IA whispered her heart pounding then we’ll deal with it and Kim replied her voice steady but we need answers when they reached the stall it was empty just as they had hoped Baba IU had likely retired for the night leaving behind only his supplies and the small wooden table where he conducted his business and km handed the lantern to ioma and began rummaging through the items on the table there were jars filled with strange powders bottles of colored

liquids and bundles of dried leaves tied with string what are we looking for aoma asked her hands trembling anything that proves he’s lying and Kim replied opening one of the jars and sniffing its contents she wrinkled her nose uh this smells like rotten fish as inem continued searching iom’s eyes fell on a stack of papers tucked under the table table she reached for them her curiosity peaked km look at this km took the papers her eyes scanning the words her face darkened as she read it’s a list of ingredients what does it say aoma asked

leaning closer it’s not just herbs and Kim said her voice low and angry there are chemicals in here ioma Dangerous Ones things that can hurt you aa’s stomach turned he said it was safe he lied and Kim said her voice trembling with rage this man is poisoning you and he’s probably doing it to other women too before they could say more a voice broke through the silence what are you doing they spun around to see Baba aibu standing a few feet away his expression cold and unreadable the lantern light cast Long Shadows across his face making

him look even more menacing ioma he said his tone deceptively calm I didn’t expect this from you IA took a step back clutching the papers tightly you lied to me she said her voice shaking you said it was safe and it is Baba IU replied his smile returning but you don’t understand the process these things take time your body is simply adjusting adjusting Kem snapped she’s been fainting having nightmares and feeling worse every day that’s not adjusting that’s poisoning Baba IU’s smile faltered you don’t know what you’re

talking about everything I’ve done is to help her no ioma said her voice growing stronger everything you’ve done is to help yourself you don’t care about me or anyone else you just want money Baba IU’s eyes narrowed be careful ioma you don’t want to make an enemy of me she’s not afraid of you and Kim said stepping forward and neither am I we’re going to tell everyone what you’ve been doing Baba aibu laughed a low chilling sound and who will believe you a desperate girl and her loud-mouthed friend I’ve helped this Village for years my

reputation speaks for itself then we’ll show them this and Kim said holding up the papers we’ll show them the truth Baba IU’s smile disappeared completely he took a step forward but km didn’t back down stay away from us she said firmly or you’ll regret it for a moment the three of them stood Frozen the tension thick in the air then Baba aibu stepped back his expression cold you’ve made a mistake he said quietly both of you without another word he turned and disappeared into the shadows as they walked back to iom’s house and Kim’s

grip on the papers was tight we have what we need she said said tomorrow we’ll show this to the Village AA nodded but her heart felt heavy she had trusted Baba IU believed his promises and now she was paying the price but as she looked at inkim her determination grew she wasn’t going to let him hurt anyone else the next day they would reveal the truth and this time IA wouldn’t be silent the next morning The Market Square was alive with its usual Buzz of activity women bargained loudly with traitors children darted through the

crowd with laughter and the smell of roasted maze filled the air but aoma and Kim weren’t there for business or pleasure they were there for justice ioma stood in the middle of the square clutching the stack of papers they had found the night before her hands trembled slightly but and km Stood Beside her a steadying presence are you ready Kim asked her voice firm but kind ioma swallowed hard and nodded I have to be they made their way to Baba IU’s stall which was already surrounded by eager women he stood behind the table

his familiar smile plastered across his face as he handed out bottles and jars good morning ladies he said smoothly how can I help you today perhaps a little something to brighten your skin or maybe stop lying to them iom’s voice rang out cutting through the noise like a knife the crowd went quiet and All Eyes turned to her Baba IU’s smile faltered but only for a moment he straightened his eyes narrowing ioma he said his tone calm but dangerous this is not the time for games this isn’t a game ioma shot back holding

up the papers I know the truth Baba IU I know what’s in your potions and it’s not what you’ve been telling everyone the crowd began to murmur women changing confused and worried looks what is she talking about one of them asked lies Baba IU said quickly his voice smooth she doesn’t know what she’s saying ioma you’ve been under a lot of stress perhaps you should go home and rest no ia’s voice cracked but she didn’t stop I’ve been using your potion Baba IU I trusted you and it’s been making me sick the murmurs grew louder the women

pressing closer to the star sick what does she mean Baba IU is this true Baba IU raised his hands trying to calm the crowd ladies please do not listen to this nonsense I have helped so many of you why would I do anything to harm you because you don’t care about helping anyone and Kim’s voice was sharp as she stepped forward you care about money that’s why you’ve been selling fake potions and lying about what’s in them fake someone whispered whered Baba IU’s smile turned cold and who are you to accuse me you have no proof we have

proof ioma said her voice shaking but strong she held up the papers this is a list of the ingredients in your Potions there are chemicals in here that can make people sick you’ve been poisoning us gasps rippled through the crowd the women turned to Baba IU their expressions shifting from confusion to anger is this true one of them demanded Baba IU’s smile disappeared completely his eyes darted around the crowd searching for a way out this is ridiculous he said his voice Rising these are lies she’s just bitter because

she wasn’t happy with her results that’s not true aoma shouted I fainted because of your potion I’ve been having nightmares feeling weak this is your fault Kim stepped closer to the table her eyes eyes blazing how many other women have you hurt Baba aibu how many lives have you ruined the crowd pressed closer their anger bubbling over I felt sick after using his cream one woman shouted my skin broke out and he told me it was normal another added Baba IU backed away from the table his face pale ladies please let’s not jump to

conclusions you’ve been lying to us one of the women yelled her voice trembling with rage you said your potions were safe you’re a fraud another shouted the crowd surged forward their voices rising in Anger Baba IU stumbled back his hands raised in a weak attempt to defend himself stop aa’s Voice cut through the chaos the women paused turning to her this isn’t just about me she said her voice steady despite the tears streaming down her face it’s about all of us he made us believe we weren’t good enough he made us think we needed him to

be beautiful to be worthy but we don’t the crowd fell silent her words sinking in I believed him ioma continued I thought I needed to change to be noticed to matter but I was wrong we were all wrong we don’t need him and we don’t need his lies the women nodded their anger shifting to determination what do we do now one of them asked we make sure he can’t hurt anyone else and Kim said firmly the women turned to Baba IU who was now cornered by the crowd his confident facade had crumbled replaced by fear you’re done Baba IU one of the

women said her voice low and steady get out of our village another added Baba IU opened his mouth to protest but the crowd surged forward forcing him to retreat he stumbled back grabbing a bag from his stall before running into the night as the crowd began to disperse ioma felt a wave of relief wash over her and Kim placed a hand on her shoulder smiling you did it and Kim said softly no iom said shaking her head we did it for the first time in weeks she felt free free from the lies the fear and the weight of trying to be someone she

wasn’t and as she looked around at the women standing together she realized she wasn’t alone the day after Baba IU fled the village ioma stood outside her shop staring at the Horizon the air felt lighter as though a heavy storm had passed people were still talking about what had happened at the market square but for the first time AA wasn’t worried about what they thought of her and Kem arrived midm morning carrying a basket of fresh bread she set it down on the work table and looked at ioma smiling Softly how are you feeling aoma Shrugged

I don’t know lighter maybe but also embarrassed embarrassed Kim asked sitting across from her why would you feel that I fom asde because I let myself believe him I let him take advantage of me and worse I hurt myself because I wanted so badly to be someone else and Kem reached over and took iom’s hand you don’t have to be ashamed you were trying to find something we all want to feel seen to feel good about yourself that doesn’t make you weak it makes you human aoma blinked back tears but I almost lost myself in the process

but you didn’t and Kim said firmly you stood up for yourself and for everyone else that strength ioma don’t forget that later that afternoon IA decided to visit the Village Square she wasn’t sure what she was looking for maybe closure maybe just a sense of normaly as she walked through the market people greeted her with smiles and nods you were so brave yesterday a woman said stopping her thank you for speaking up I didn’t realize how much I had let that man’s lies get to me IA smiled though her heart felt heavy I just did what I had

to another woman stepped forward holding a small jar I stopped using his cream after what you said my skin already feels better thank you ioma the warmth in their words eased some of the guilt in her chest she realized that her pain hadn’t been for nothing she had made a difference and that mattered back at her shop IA picked up a piece of fabric a vibrant green that reminded her of the dress she had worn to the festival she ran her fingers over it an idea forming in her mind when Kem returned that evening ioma was

already at work the sound of her sewing machine filling the shop what’s this Kim asked peeking over her shoulder it’s a New Dress iom said without looking up but it’s not for me it’s for anyone who needs to feel beautiful just the way they are Kem grinned you’re starting something new aren’t you aoma nodded I want to make clothes that fit every body type every shape no more trying to change ourselves we’re enough just as we are Kim clapped her hands together ioma that’s brilliant people are going to love this word of aa’s new project

spread quickly women began visiting her shop not just to order clothes but to share their stories they talked about the pressure they felt to look a certain way the insecurities They Carried and how Baba IU’s lies had prayed on those feelings one by one they began to let go of those insecurities ia’s shop became a place of healing a place where women could feel seen and celebrated for who they were a week later emica came to the shop ioma hadn’t seen him since the day of the festival and her heart skipped a

beat when he walked through the door ioma he said his voice War you’ve been busy she nodded her hands trembling slightly as she folded a piece of fabric there’s a lot to do I heard about what happened with Baba aibu he said stepping closer I’m sorry you went through that it’s It’s Over Now ioma said looking up at him I’m just trying to move forward emica smiled you’ve done more than that you’ve inspired people that’s not something everyone can do aoma felt her cheeks warm I didn’t do it alone Kem helped me still emica said his eyes

meeting hers it took courage to stand up and tell the truth that’s something I’ve always admired about you her breath caught you admire me of course he said his voice soft I’ve admired you for a long time IA I just didn’t know how to say it she looked at him her heart pounding for so long she had wanted to hear those words but now standing there she realized she didn’t need them to feel whole she had found her own strength her own voice even so his words felt like a bomb a reminder that she was seen not because of how she looked but

because of who she was that evening as the sun set over the village iom sat outside her shop watching the sky turn shades of orange and pink Kim joined her carrying two cups of tea you’ve come a long way and Kim said handing her a cup aoma smiled we’ve come a long way I couldn’t have done any of this without you Kim laughed you give me too much credit you’re the one who found the courage to speak up they sat in comfortable silence for a while the warmth of the the tea and the cool evening Breeze wrapping around them like

a blanket AA and Kim said after a moment are you happy ioma thought about it her gaze drifting to the Horizon I think I’m learning to be she said softly for the first time I’m not trying to be someone else I’m just me and that feels good Kem smiled raising her cup to being ourselves aoma raised hers in return to being enough and as they s their tea The Village around them settling into the quiet of night ioma felt a sense of Peace she hadn’t known in a long time she wasn’t perfect and she didn’t need to be she was enough just as she was