"I have always told you not to let the goat in!" My uncle yelled at the top of his lungs. His voice booming through the walls of his four bedroom apartment that houses six people.
I bowed my head and didn't make eye contact with him as he scolded me. I knew I was wrong for disobeying his orders, he had told me many times not to let the goat into the house but it was like the goat had a plan of its own. It always followed me into the house and rather than chase it away, I would let it stay.
"I'm sorry uncle Hakeem, it won't happen again" I said
"That was exactly what you said the last time and look at where we are!" He said with annoyance
I bent my head lower knowing fully well that this incident would still repeat itself again. I just can't help it.
"Why do you choose to disobey me alya, why?" My uncle asked, his eyes almost pleading. He pressed his fingers against his temple as he looked away.
"Do you not like living with us alya? Do you want to go back home?" He asked and at that moment, his wife walked in.
I raised my head to stare at my uncle and then at his wife. They had both been so loving and caring to me right from day one when I started living with them in the city.
My parents were poor villagers, they had no money but what they did have was a truckload of children. My mother was always pregnant every year, despite the fact that there was no money to feed these children.
Uncle Hakeem had come to visit his cousin and when he saw how brilliant I was, he decided to sponsor my education. My father was too poor and did not see the value in it, but uncle Hakeem showed him otherwise.
"My wife is a doctor and she earns good money every month. Alya can also do that and make you the father of a big woman" he said
"I would prefer you choose one of my oldest children. They are bigger than alya" my father replied, showing his decaying teeth
"My dear brother" he slowly shook his head "it is not about muscle or size, it is about brains. Alya is exceptionally smart and I want to help build her future"
My father had finally agreed to let me go and I was more than excited to leave my small village. This was two years ago, and I haven't seen my family since. I miss them.
My eyes darted from my uncle's face to my aunt as a single tear rolled down my cheek. I love the both of them dearly, they are good people. But.....I miss home.
"It reminds me of home" I said as another tear slid down
"What reminds you of home sweetheart?" My aunt asked, her words laced with concern
"The goat, it reminds me of home. Since I was little, we always had one at home back in the village" I sniffled.
Back in my village, our compound was always littered with animals especially goats.A feeling of nostalgia always overtook me whenever I perceived the stinking smell of goats.
" my poor child" my aunt said as she engulfed me in a comforting embrace
"I know it stinks and I'm sorry for disobeying you uncle Hakeem. I didn't mean to but...." My words got stuck in my throat as more tears streamed down my face, I began to cry uncontrollably.
"It's okay alya, it's okay" my aunt said, gently rubbing my back
Uncle Hakeem sighed and stayed quiet for a few seconds before he finally spoke "would you want to spend the next holiday in the village?" He asked
My face lit up and I nodded my head vigorously.
My uncle walked forward and wiped my face with the back of his hand.
"But you have to promise me one thing first. No more goats inside the house" he said with a smile on his face. A smile that I returned.