There was a murmur among the guests. Uncle Nimoh stepped closer, standing beside Madam Awusi.
“We came here with respect,” he added, “but this is not a ritual. This is humiliation.”
Mami Ajoa’s expression hardened. “If he cannot perform it, then he is not worthy of my daughter.”
Boma stepped forward slightly. “Mama, please,” he said gently, “let me handle this.”
Madam Awusi turned to him. “My son, this is not something you must prove.”
Boma looked at her calmly. “I know, but I gave my word.”
Afia stood nearby, her face filled with distress. “Boma, you do not have to do this. This is not fair.”
Boma met her eyes. “I understand, but I cannot walk away now.”
He turned back toward the tree. The crowd fell silent again as he approached it once more. The knife looked small in his hand compared to the size of the tree. It was clear to everyone that the task was impossible. Still, he raised the knife.
He struck the tree once. The sound was dull. The blade barely made a mark.
Some guests shook their heads. Others whispered quietly among themselves. “This is not right,” one of them said.
Afia covered her mouth, her eyes filling with tears. “This is wrong,” she repeated softly.
Boma did not stop. He struck the tree again and again. Each attempt made it clearer that he could not succeed. Yet he continued, not out of hope, but out of determination. He refused to be seen as someone who gave up.
Behind him, Mami Ajoa watched closely, her expression unreadable. To her, every failed strike confirmed her belief. But as Madam Awusi observed the scene, something else caught her attention. Her eyes moved from Boma to Mami Ajoa. She studied her carefully. Then her gaze settled on Mami Ajoa’s left ear. There was a small mark there.
Madam Awusi’s expression changed instantly. Her eyes narrowed slightly, as if trying to confirm a distant memory. She took a step closer.
“Wait,” she said quietly, almost to herself.
Mami Ajoa noticed her stare. “What is it now?” she asked sharply.
Madam Awusi did not respond immediately. She continued looking at her, her mind searching through the past. Then suddenly she spoke.
“Ajoa Mansa.”
