The divorce suit was well on the way, she'd almost finished packing her things.


Ẹjọ́ ìkọ̀sílẹ̀ ti wà lọ́nà, òun náà ti fẹ́rẹ̀ ẹ́ palẹ̀mọ́ àwọn nǹkan rẹ̀ tán.


Tinu gave her no problem, the little girl was full of life and spirit, she herself had been blessed with good health.


Tinú ò sì fún un ní wàhálà kankan, ọmọbìnrin kékeré náà kúnfún ìyè, ẹ̀mí àlàáfìà tó péye ni Ọlọ́run fi jíǹkí òun fún ara rẹ̀.


In spite of the difficult period at home she'd maintained her pretty look, her elegant posture.


Ládúrú ìnira tó wà nílẹ̀ ó sì rẹ̀wà síbẹ̀, ìdúró rẹ̀ dún síbẹ̀.


Nobody seeing her would ever think she was a woman with problems.


Kò sí ẹni tó má ri tá sọ pé obìnrin tó ní ìṣòro ni.


With her present girlish shape and figure, she could go back to England and re-enter the glamorous world of fashion.


Pẹ̀lú ìrísí omidan tí ó ní lọ́wọ́ lọ́wọ́ yìí, ó lè padà sí England kí ó sì tún padà sí àyè oge síse ẹ̀.


She would need only three or four months tuning up and reconditioning her body, then catch up finally.


Á kàn nílò láti tún ara rẹ̀ ṣe fún bí oṣù mẹ́ta sí mẹ́rin, á padà sípò.


So no regrets, she sang hilariously, she clapped her hands, she danced.


Fún ìdí èyí, kò sí àbámọ̀, ó rẹ́rìn-ín tàríyá-tàríyá, ó palẹ̀mọ̀, ó jó.


Her soprano voice was throated, and trembling, she wiggle her hips the imaginary rhythm of the brass and the wind instruments, she took measured steps forward backward and jumped up excitedly telling herself again and again that she was a happy woman, happy... h-a-p-p-y! happy... very happy.


Ohùn òkè rẹ̀ tínrín, ó sì ń gbọ̀n rìrì, ó jùdí sí ìlú àti orin inú afẹ́fẹ́ tí ó ń rò lọ́kàn, ó ka ìwọ̀n ẹsẹ̀ díẹ̀ síwájú-sẹ́yìn ó ń fò sókè tìdùnnú-tìdùnnú, ó tún sọ fún ara rẹ̀ léraléra pé obìnrin tí ó láyọ̀ ni òun, ó láyọ̀... l-á-y-ọ̀! láyọ̀... láyọ̀ gidi gan.


Labake straightened her back and threw out her chest, arms swung freely, her feet marked time left, right, left right, she was sweating!


Làbákẹ́ na ẹ̀yìn, ó sì ti àyà sí wájú, ó jupá láìsídìíwọ́, ó ń gbé ẹsẹ̀ sósì sọ́tùn-ún, sọ́tùn-ún sósì, ó ń làágùn!


But wait... what really was happening?


Ṣùgbọ́n dúró ná ó ... kí gan-an ló ń sẹlẹ̀?


Labake stopped briefly to ask herself.


Làbákẹ́ dúró díẹ̀ láti bi ara rẹ̀ ní èyí.


She held her breath minute, pondering.


Ó sé èémí fún ìṣẹ́jú kan, ó ń wòye.


Why all this show of excitement and intoxication?


Kíni ìdí fún gbogbo àfihàn ìdùnnú àti ìyírí yìí?


Was she going mad? Was she going crazy too?


Ṣe òun ti ń ya wèrè? Ṣe òun náà ti ń ya wèrè ni?


"""No, No,"" she answered herself... No."


"""Rárá, Rárá o,"" ó dá ará rẹ̀ lóhùn ... Rárá."


It was Alamu going mad, it was Alamu who had infact, gone mad.


Àlàmú ló ń sínwín, kódà, Àlàmú ló tí ya wèrè.


Not her ... Not her!


Kìí ṣe òun ...kì í ṣe òun!


Before God and man!


Níwájú Ọlọ́run àti ènìyàn!


Labake stretched forward her two arms and danced, more enthusiastically, to that imaginary rhythm of music.


Làbákẹ́ ná ọwọ́ rẹ̀ méjéèjì síwájú, ó sì jó pẹ̀lú ìtara sí ìlú àfinúrò orin náà.


No more problem for her.


Kò sí ìṣòro fún un mọ́.


She was happy, quite happy. She breezed into the sitting room with her clumsy dancing footsteps, her strange, intricate movement of the hips, slowly towards the standing mirror where she became even more excited


Inú rẹ̀ dùn, ó dùn dáadáa. Ó bẹ́ wọ inú yàrá ìgbafẹ́ pẹ̀lú ìgbésẹ̀ ijó rẹ̀ tó lọ́pọ̀, ìsọwọ́jùdí rẹ̀ sàjèjì, ó ń rìn súnmọ́ jígí adádúró díẹ̀díẹ̀ níbi tí inú rẹ̀ ti tún bọ̀ dùn sí i.


She threw up her two hands into empty air and twisted her body round and round and round several times - until she became dizzy.


Ó ju ọwọ́ rẹ̀ méjéèjì sínú afẹ́fẹ́ ó sì yípoyípo láìmọye ìgbà títí tí òyì fi kọ́ ọ.


Then she slumped into the nearby chair, breathing heavily, perspiring profusely.


Ó sì ṣubú sínú àga tí ó wà nítòsí, ó ń mí lókèlókè.


Then the whole building started a momentary journey into space with her as its solitary astronaut...


Lẹ́yìn èyí ni gbogbo ilé bẹ̀rẹ̀ ìrìnàjò àjò pàtàkì sínú òfurufú pẹ̀lú rẹ̀ gẹ́gẹ́ bí adáwakọ̀ òfurufú ...


Why? Why all these? She asked herself again. What's happening? Wasn't she really running out of her mind too?


Kíni ìdí? Kíni ìdífún gbogbo èyí? Ó tún ara rẹ̀ bi. Kí ló ń sẹlẹ̀? Se orí tirẹ̀ náà o ti máa yí báyìí?


Zenabu heaved a heavy sigh from behind the pantry door where she stood watching her madam.


Sènábù mí kanlẹ̀ láti ẹ̀yìn ìlèkùn ilé ìkóunjẹpamọ́ sí níbi tí ó ti ń dúró wòran màdáámù rẹ̀.


She had heard madam's strange songs and now she's seen her dance a strange, off-beat dance.


Ó ti gbọ́ àwọn orin àjèjì màdáámù, ó sì tún ti rí ijó abàmì rẹ̀ tí ò bálù mu.


As she tried to get back inside the pantry to avoid her attention, she knocked her head against the wall and tripped over the plates she'd just brought inside the pantry.


Bí ó ṣe wá ń gbìyànjú àti padà sínú ilé oúnjẹ láti má jẹ́ ki wọ́n rí i, ó sẹrí mọ́ ògiri, ó sì ṣísẹ̀ sórí àwọn abọ́ tí ó sẹ̀sẹ̀ kó wọ ilé oúnjẹ náà.


There was something about madam now that was always pushing Zenabu away from her.


Nǹkankan máa ń wà nípa màdáámù báyìí tí ó ń lé Sènábù lára rẹ̀ ni gbogbo ìgbà.


Each time she saw her something always told her to run away, or hide.


Nígbàkúgbà tí ó ba rí i, nǹkankan máa ń sọ fún un pé kí ó sá lọ, tàbí kí ó sá pamọ́.


Madam had been so aggressive in recent times.


Màdáámù ti ń kanra ganan lẹ́nu ọjọ́ mẹ́ta yìí.


It did not appear that she liked her anymore - the way she now looked and talked to her.


Kò fẹ́ jọ pé ó fẹ́ràn rẹ̀ mọ́ ìsọwọ́ wò ó àti bí ó se ń ba sọ̀rọ̀.


Each time madam showed up in the sitting room, therefore, Zenabu would find her way into the toilet to answer nature's call!


Nígbàkúgbà tí Màdáámù bá farahàn ní yàrá ìgbafẹ́, kíá ni Sènábù máa ń wábi gbà wọ ilé ìgbọ̀nsẹ̀ láti lọ sẹ̀yọ́!


But, it did not seem as if that trick would work anymore.


Sùgbọ́n kò fẹ́ jọ pé ọgbọ́n yẹn máa ṣiṣẹ́ mọ́.


Because only yesterday, madam cried out: Zenabu! Zenabu! Where is this mischievous little creature?


Nítorí àná alánàá ni màdáámù ṣì kígbe pé: Sènábù! Sènábù! Ibo ni èké kékeré yì wà?


Here madam! Here madam! Zenabu had answered.


Níbí Màdáámù! Níbí Màdáámù! Sènábù dáhùn.


"""Inside the toilet as usual? What the hell is wrong with this little wretch?"


Nílé ìgbọ̀nsẹ̀, bí ó ṣe ń ṣe? Kí ni ó ń bá olòṣì kékeré yìí jà ná?


"Always in the toilet 'Nothing madam! Here I am madam!"" Zenabu had stood before her, looking at her pleadingly."


"Gbogbo ìgbà ní ilé ìgbọ̀nsẹ̀ ""kò sí nǹkankan Màdààmú, èmi rè é màdààmú"" Sènábù dúró níwájú rẹ̀, ó ń wò pẹ̀lú ojú ẹ̀bẹ̀."


Madam's smart fingers caught Zenabis little ears, and as she uttered some obscenities shook her violently, pushing her hither and thither.


Ọwọ́ màdààmú ti yára gbá etí Sènábù kékeré mú ó sì sọ àwọn ọ̀rọ̀ ìríra sí i, ó gbò ó jìgìjìgì síbí sóhùn-ún.


"You will soon go away!' she shouted, ""your job here is almost done, you don't seem to know."


"Ó pariwo, ""Wà á tó lọ, isẹ́ ẹ ti fẹ́rẹ̀ ẹ́ tán, ó dàbí i pé o ò mọ̀."


Soon you'll be returned to your people.


Láìpé, wọn á dá ẹ padà fún àwọn ènìyàn rẹ̀.


Give me just two or three days.


Fúnmi lọ́jọ́ méjì sí mẹ́ta.


Labake let go her hands and Zenabu's body hit the floor with a thump!


Làbákẹ́ tú ọwọ́ rẹ̀, Sènábù sì subú, gbà!.


There was nobody near to tell all these to.


Kò sẹ́nikẹ́ni nítòsí láti sọ gbogbo èyí fún.


Zenabu, very much, longed for somebody to relate her experience to - a trusted person, one who would understand and pity her.


Ó wu Sènábù púpọ̀ láti rẹ́ni sọ ìrírí rẹ̀ fún - ẹni tó ṣe é fọkàn tán, ẹni tí yóò yé, tí yóò sì káàánú ẹ̀.


Imagine her joy when at last, old Mama again knocking at the door of the house.


Ẹ wòye bí ayọ̀ rẹ̀ ṣe kún tó nígbẹ̀yìn gbẹ́yín tí màmá àgbà tún kan ìlẹ̀kùn ilé yẹn.


And her all alone in the house too!


Tí ó tún bá òun nìkan nílé!


Mama had barely taken her seat when Zenabu's tongue started to wag like the restless tail of a dog on seeing its owner.


Màmá ò tíì jóòkó tàìjókòó ti ahọ́n Sènábù bẹ̀rẹ̀ si í gbòn bí i ti ìrù ajá tí ó ń mì tí ó bá rí olówó rẹ̀.


Madam has gone mad! Zenabu announced to old Mama.


Màdáámù ti ya wèrè! Sènábù kéde fún màmá àgbà.


Gone thoroughly mad! It is a great looks wild like the bush cat.


Wọ́n ti ya wèrè gan-an! Ó ti jọ ehànnà, bí ológbò-igbó.


Her rough bushy hair has dropped carelessly over her neck, stretching to her shoulders making her look like a devil.


Irun rẹ̀ tí ó ki bí i igbó yẹn ti dà wálẹ̀ sí èjìká rẹ̀, èyí sì ń jẹ́ kí jọ èṣù.


Her finger nails are now very long and sharp, like the beak of the kingfisher.


Èékánná rẹ̀ ti wá gùn gan-an ó sì mú, à fi bí ti ẹnu ẹyẹ.


There was not a day madam would not deep her long nails inside her cheeks and pull her by the ears.


Ọjọ́ kan ò lè kọjá kí màdáaḿù má ti èékánná yẹn bọ̀ ọ́ lẹ́rẹ̀kẹ́ kí ò sì fà á létí.


She showed her blistered ears and swollen cheeks to Mama.


Ó fi etí àti ẹ̀rẹ̀kẹ́ rẹ̀ wíwú han màmá.


Madam would one day tear her to pieces, at the rate she was going, with those long, sharp nails of hers or with those snaggy iron teeth because she had become mad.


Màdáámù á sì yá á sí wẹ́wẹ́ níjọ́ kan pẹ̀lú bí ó ṣe ń lọ yìí, pẹ̀lú èékánná gígùn rẹ̀ tí ó mú yẹn tàbí eyín irin rẹ̀ yẹn nítorí ó tí ya wèrè.


Very mad, Zenabu confessed she was fed up, and would like to go back to her people at home.


Wèrè gidi, Sènábù jẹ́wọ́ pé ó ti sú òun, á sì wù òun láti padà sọ́dọ̀ àwọn ènìyàn rẹ̀ nílé.


Listening to Zenabu relate her story gave Mama great joy.


Màmá láyọ̀ ńlá bí ó ṣe ń tẹ́tí sí bí Sènábù ṣe ń sọ ìtàn rè.


She patted the little girl on the back and told her not to worry.


Ó fi ọwọ́ lu ọmọ náà jẹ́jẹ́ lẹ́yìn, ó sì sọ fún un pé kí ó má ṣe dààmú.


All would be well at last...


Ohun gbogbo á dára níkeyìn ...


It was good Labake was running mad.


Ó dára bí Làbákẹ́ ṣe ń yí lórí.


It was expected.


Ohun tí wọn ń retí ni.


Mama was not surprised.


Èyí kò sì jẹ́ ìyàlẹ́nu fún màmá.


Esuniyi had told her Labake would have a bitter taste of her own medicine before long.


Èṣùníyì ti sọ fún un pé Làbákẹ́ á jẹ nínú ẹ̀fọ́ ìkà tí ó ti rò kí ó tó pẹ́.


And now, it has started to happen, greater things were soon going to happen.


Ní báyìí, ó tí wá ń sẹlẹ̀, nǹkan tí ó ju èyí á tó máa sẹlẹ̀.


Mama was in town to collect some of Labake's hair and her fingernails.


Irun-orí àti èékánná Làbákẹ́ ni màmá wá gbà ní ìgboro.


Esuniyi needed them for further action so that Labake's final doom might be sealed.


Èṣùníyì fẹ́ lò ó láti fi túnbọ̀ ba ti Làbákẹ́ jẹ́.


It should not surprise anybody, therefore, to see Labake - probably next week or week after - run out to the streets and pitch her home in the market square under the full glare of people who had come to buy and sell.


Kò ní láti ya ẹnikẹ́ni lẹ́nu lẹ́yìn èyí láti rí Làbákẹ́ lẹ́yìn ọ̀sẹ̀ kan tàbí méjì ní àwọn òpópónà kí ó sì dúró sí gbàgede ọjà níbi tí àwọn ènìyàn tí wọn wá ṣe kárà-kátà á tí rí ìran pípé wò.


Esuniyi had said it and Mama knew that was exactly what would happen.


Èṣùníyì ti sọ ọ́, màmá sì mọ́ pé bí ó ṣe máa sẹlẹ̀ gan-an nìyẹn.


Finally, Labake would crawl on her knees, in penitence to Esuniyi's lunatic asylum.


Nígbẹ̀yìn gbẹ́yín, Làbákẹ́ á fí orúnkún rẹ̀ ráwọ ọgbà Èsúńiyì pẹ̀lụ́ ìronúpíwàdà.


In the case of Alamu, Esuniyi had told Mama there was no cause for alarm anymore.


Ní ti Àlàmú, Èṣùníyì ti sọ fún màmá pé kò séwu lóko mọ́.


Alamu's condition would start improving henceforth.


Ipò tí Àlàmú wà á máa yàtọ̀ sí dáadáa láti ìsínyì lọ.


Mama was happy, all what Esuniyi told her had started to come to pass.


Inú màmá dùn, gbogbo nǹkan ti Èṣùníyì sọ fún ló ti ń wá sí ì músẹ.


Alamu returned home and met his mother with a gay countenance.


Àlàmú padà délé, ó sì bá ìyá rẹ̀ pẹ̀lú ìrísí tó fi inú dídùn hàn.


He greeted the old woman smiling prostrating.


Ó kí ìyá náà pẹ́lù ẹ̀rín músẹ́ lẹ́nu ní ìdọ́bálè.


He was returning from an important mission to town, the outcome of which greatly cheered his spirit.


Ó ń ti ibi isẹ́ kan pàtàkì nígboro bọ̀, èyí ti àyọrísí rẹ̀ mú un dárayá.


For the first time in nine months, Alamu heaved a sigh of relief.


Fún ìgbà àkọ́kọ́ nínú oṣù mẹ́sàn-án, Àlàmú mí ìmí ìtura.


For nine whole months, he had surrounded himself with a mystery that had continued to baffle everybody; a secret that had proved impossible for anybody to decipher - except for that one man who was so dear to him - Adio his only friend.


Fún odidi oṣù mẹ́sàn-án gbáko ní ó ti yí ara rẹ̀ ká pẹ̀lú àdììtú kan tí ó rú gbogbo ènìyàn lójú; àsírí kan tí kò ṣe é ṣe fún ẹnikẹ́ni láti tú - yàtọ̀ sí ọkùnrin kan tí ó súnmọ́ ọn pẹ́kípẹ́kí - Àdìó ọ̀rẹ́ rẹ̀ kanṣoṣo.


Now the end of that mystery was in sight.


Níbáyìí, òpin àdììtú yẹn ti wà nítòsí.


The end of his mental and physical agony was in view, the end of his madness was at hand.


Òpin sí dàrúdápò ọpọlọ àti ìrora rẹ̀ ti súnmo itòsí.


He had been told to wait for only two more weeks when all his problems would be practically solved.


Wọn tí sọ fún un pé kí ó dúró fún ọ̀sẹ̀ méjì sí i tí gbogbo ìṣòrorẹ̀ á fi yanjú pátápátá.


Alamu couldn't believe his ears.


Àlàmú kò gbà etí rẹ̀ gbọ́.


Eagerly, he counted the days one, two, five, ten, fifteen...


Pẹ̀lú ìwànwara ní ó fi ń ka àwọn ọjọ́, ení, èjì, ẹ̀ta, ẹ̀rin, àrún, ẹ̀wá, mẹ́ẹ̀dógún ...


Fifteen more days! He counted the hours! The minutes!


Ọjọ́ mẹ́ẹ̀dógún sí i! Ó ń ka wákàtí! ìsẹ́jú!


Adio was amused at Alamu's show of thrill and excitement.


Ó jẹ́ ìyàlenu fún Àdìó bí Àlàmú ṣe ń ṣe àfihàn ìrusókè ìdùnnú rẹ̀.


Well, two weeks more they say and judgment would be delivered?


Bẹ́ẹ̀, ọ̀sẹ̀ méjì sì ni wọ́n sọ, ìdájọ́ á sì wáyé?


That was too short a time compared with the nine months that he'd been waiting.


Ìyẹn kéré púpọ̀ níye sí oṣù mẹ́sàn-án tí ó ti fi ń dúró.


Was he going to cry or was he going to smile after a fortnight?


Ṣé yóò sunkún ni, tàbí yóò rẹ́rìn-ín músẹ́ lẹ́yìn ọ̀sẹ̀ méjì?


He'd been told he would smile.


Wọn tisọ fún un pé á rẹ́rìn-ín músẹ́.


Everything pointed to the fact that he would smile.


Gbogbo nǹkan ló sì tọ́ka sí i dájúdájú pé yóò rẹ́rìn -ín músẹ́.


So, it was just proper that he should start smiling from now on, in hope and optimism.


Fún ìdí èyí, ó tó kí ó kúkú bẹ̀rẹ̀ sí i rẹ́rìn- ín músẹ́ láti ìsìnyí nínú ìrètí áti ìgbàgbọ́ pé gbogbo nǹkan a sìse fún rere.


That was why he now met his old mother with a dazzling natural smile...


Ìdí nìyí tí ó fi fi ẹ̀rín músẹ́ tó rí yan-ran yan-ran kọ mọ̀nà pàdé ìyá rẹ̀...


Mama watched her son, and her heart sang for joy.


Màmá ń wo ọmọ rẹ̀, ọkàn rẹ̀ sì kọrin fáyọ̀.


Here was her son now smiling at her and responding normally to questions and discussions.


Ọmọ rẹ̀ wa rè é tó ń rẹ́rìn-ín músẹ́ sí i tí ó sì ń fèsì bí ó ṣetọ́ sí ìbéèrè àti àsọgbà ọ̀rọ̀ wọn.


What was more, Alamu politically took permission from his mother that he had other things doing in town again. He would, therefore, be going back but would not be long.


Kílótún kù, Àlàmú fi tọ̀wọ̀tọ̀wọ̀ tọrọ ìyọ̀ǹda lọ́wọ́ ìyá rẹ̀ pé òun ṣì tún ní àwọn nǹkan mìíràn láti ṣe ní ìgboro. Fún ìdí èyí ó fẹ́ padà jáde ṣùgbọ́n kò níí pẹ́.


Her son now had the courtesy to take permission! The first part of the job had been accomplished! God bless Esuniyi.


Ọmọ rẹ̀ ti wá ńi ìbuyì fún un, láti gbà ààyè! Apá kìíní iṣ́e náà ti parí! Á dáa fún Èṣùníyì.


Mama waited patiently for Labake to return.


Màmá dúró pẹ̀lú sùúrù pé kí Làbákẹ́ dé.


And when she saw her approaching from a distance, she quickly rummaged through the basket she brought from the district and took out a small bottle inside which she kept the herbalist's concoction.


Nígbà tí ó sì rí i tí ó ń bọ̀ lọ́ọ̀ọ́kán, ó tètè tú apẹ̀rẹ̀ tí ó gbé wá láti ìgbèríko, ó sì mú ìgò kékeré tí ó tọ́jú òògùn babaláwo rẹ̀ sí.


She'd been properly briefed by Esunivi on how she would apply it.


Èṣùníyì ti sọ bí ó ṣe máa lò ó fún un.


So, now, she staggered towards the doorstep of Labake's room and sprinkled the concoction, in a straight line.


Nísìnyí, ó ta gbọ̀n-ọ́n gbọ̀n-ọ́n sẹ́nu ọ̀nà yàrá Làbáké, ó sì wọn òògùn náà sílẹ̀ sórí ìlà tẹ́ẹ́rẹ́ kan.


It was important that Labake should walk across it as she entered her so that she might be more violently possessed both mind and body.


Ó se pàtàkì kí Làbákẹ́ dá a kọjá bí ó bá ti ń wọ yàrá rẹ̀ kí tiẹ̀ lè túbọ̀ bá a ní tọkàn-tarà.


After sprinkling the preparation, Mama turned round and round five times according to the herbalist's instructions.


Lẹ́yìn tí ó bá ti wọn òògùn náà tán, Màmá yípo yípo lẹ́ẹ̀marùn-ún gẹ́gẹ́bí babaláwo rẹ̀ ṣe la kalẹ̀.


But as she was starting on the fourth round, Labake entered, watching the old woman, mouth agape.


Bí ó ṣe wà lórí ẹ̀ẹ̀kẹ́rin, Làbákẹ́ wọlé, ó ń wo ìyá àgbà náà, pẹ̀lú ẹnu rẹ̀ ní lílà sílẹ̀.


Mama stood for a while, nodded in reply to Labake's greetings and then leaned against the wall facing Labake's room, muttering to herself, several times, the short incantatory sentence she'd been asked to recite on first seeing Labake.


Màmá dúró fún ìgbà díẹ̀, kanrí mọ́lẹ̀ ní èsì kíkí Làbákẹ́ ó sì fẹ̀yìntì ògiri tí ó kọjú sí ògiri yàrá Làbákẹ́, ó ń sọ àwọn ìpèdé tí wọn ní kó pè tí ó bá ti fojú gán-án-ni Làbákẹ́ sí ara rẹ̀ láìmoye ìgbà.


At the end of it all, Mama laughed.


Ní òpin gbogbo rẹ̀, màmá bú sẹ́rìn-ín.


Labake's appearance was indeed wild, it was even more terrible than Zenabu had described it.


Ìrísí Làbákẹ́ jọ ti ẹhànnà gidi, ó tiẹ̀ tún banilẹ́rù ju bí Sènábù ti ṣàpèjúwe rẹ̀.


Labake had really gone mad now - the way she looked like some dreadful monster from inside an old cave poised for rampage!


Làbákẹ́ ti wá ya wèrè gidi báyìí - bí ó ṣe rí, ó dàbí i ewèlè tí ó wá láti inú ihò àpáta tí ó ti ṣetán ìjà!


Her bushy hair dangled over her neck and shoulders and hid part of her face.


Irun rẹ̀ tí ó dàbí i igbó dà wálẹ̀ sọ́rùn àti èjìká rẹ̀, ó sì bo apá ibìkan lójú rẹ̀.


The hair... yes, that was one of the items she'd come for.


Irun yẹn ... bẹ́ẹ̀ ni, ọ̀kan lára àwọn nǹkan ti ìyá wá wá rè é.


Before leaving for the district later in the day, she had to ensure that a sizeable lock of that hair was cut and kept away inside her basket.


Kí ó tó máa lọ sí ìgbéríko ní ìrọ̀lẹ́, ó gbọ́dò rí i pé ó rí èyí tó tó wọ̀n nínú irun náà gé kí ó sì tọ́jú rẹ̀ sínú apẹ̀rẹ̀ rẹ̀.


Then, Labake's long finger nails, her red, long nails.


Lẹ́yìn náà ní èékáná gígùn ọwọ́ Làbákẹ́, èékán gígùn pupa rè.


That was one other item she'd come to fetch.


Ìyen tún ní nǹkan tí ó wá mú.


Mama's eyes roamed from Labake's black hair to her red nails for some time.


Ojú màmá ń wo láti irun orí Làbákẹ́ dúdú dé èékaná pupa rẹ̀ fún ìgbà díẹ̀.


Finally she looked Labake straight in the face and said;


Nígbẹ̀yìn, ó wo Làbákẹ́ tààrà ó sì ní;


"""Hem... Hem... Hem!"" she cleared her throat, ""Hem... You. You are still here?"""


"""Ẹm Ẹm Ẹm!,"" ó kọ́kọ́ tún ọ̀nà òfun rẹ̀ ṣe. ""Ẹm....Ìwọ. Ìwọ sì wá níbí?"""


"Labake ignored her and walked towards her room. ""What else are you staying here for?"""


"Làbákẹ́ fi ojú paárẹ́ ó sì rìn lọ sí ọ̀nà yàrá rẹ̀. ""Kí lo tún ń dúró ńbí fún?"""


"""Me?,"" Labake asked."


"""Ṣé èmi?,"" Làbákẹ́ bèèrè."


She entered her room crossing Mama's border! Falling into Mama's laid down trap! The herbalist's trap!


Ó wọ yàrá rẹ̀ lọ ní dídá ibòdè màmá kọjá! Ó kó sínú páńpẹ́ màmá! Páńpẹ́ babaláwo!


"And in a minute, she rushed out of her room again and confronted Mama, wearing a murderous look. ""I am now listening!"""


"Ní ìṣẹ́jú kan, ó kù gìrì jáde láti inú yàrá rẹ̀, ó dójúkọ màmá pẹ̀lú ìwò tí ó lè pànìyàn lójú rẹ̀. ""Mo ti ń gbọ́ báyìí!"""


"""She glared. What are you saying, old woman? """


"Ó wo o. ""Kí ni ó ń sọ, ìyá àgbà?"""


"""Asking you... """


"""Mò ń bi ẹ..."""


"""Asking me what, old woman!"""


"""Bi mí ní kí ni, ìyá àgbà?"""


"""Whether you are ..."""


"""Bóyá o ò ..."""


"""Whether you are what, old woman!"""


"""Bóyá o ò se kí ni, ìyá àgbà!"""


"""Not yet gone ..."""


"""Tí ì lọ ..."""


"""Gone where, old woman! ,"" Labake had moved closer to Mama now, pointing her long red finger nails threateningly."


"""Lọ ibo, ìyá àgbà!,"" Làbákẹ́ ti súnmọ́ màmá báyìí, tí ó sì ń na èékáná pupa gígùn rẹ̀ tìhàlè-tìhàlè."


"""You want to beat me?"""


"""Ṣe o fẹ́ nà mí ni?"""


Look old woman! My palms are itching to slap the face of an old witch!


Wò ó ìyá! Àtẹ́lẹwọ́ ń yún mi, ó ń ṣe mí bí kí n gbá ojú àjẹ́ àgbà kan!


See my fingernails moving and moving, anxious now to pluck out the eyes of the hag from their sockets.


Ṣé o rí bí ìka ọwọ́ mi ṣe ń sún yìí, ó ń sé wọn bí i kí wọ́n fa ẹyin ojú àjẹ́ méjéèjì yọ láti inú àkò.


"""Me! Me, Labake?"""


"""Èmi! Èmi, Làbákẹ́?"""


I feel a tingling sensation inside my mouth! I want to test the sharpness of my teeth!


"""Mo ń ní àìbalè nínú ẹnu mi! Mo fẹ dánbí ẹyín ẹnu mi ṣe mú tó wò!"


Dipping them inside the wrinkled pallor of an old hag!


"Nípa rírì wọ́n bọ inú àwọ̀ híhunjo àgbàyà kan"""


"""Who? It is you old hag! You that is mad! """


"""Tani? Ìwọ àgbàyà yìí ni! Ìwọ lo ya wèrè!"""


"""Me? mad? """


"""Èmi? wèrè?"""


"""Yes, mad! You turned round and round like one in the grip of an epileptic fit."


Bẹ́ẹ̀ni, wèrè! Ó wò yípo yípo bí i ẹni tí gìrì wárápá gbé.


You leaned against the wall like a tired old dog!


Ó lẹ̀ mọ́ ògiri bí ajá gbígbó tó rẹ̀.


You whispered like the nanny goat chewing the cud! Mad! Mad! I Say Mad! What else are you but a mad woman!


Ó ń sọ̀rọ̀ kẹ́lẹ́ kẹ́lẹ́ bí ewúrẹ́ alágbàtó tí ó ń jẹ́ àpọje lẹ́nu! Wèrè! Wèrè! Wèrè ni mo sọ! Kí tún ni ẹ bí kò ṣe wèrè lobìnrin!


Labake stood breathing heavily on Mama.


Làbákẹ́ dúró, ó ń mí lókèlókè lé màmá.


A sentence more from Mama even a word more, and Labake would have hauled herself on the old woman and sent her grave before the appointed time.


Bí màmá bá sọ gbólóhùn kan sí i, bó bá sọ ẹyọ ọ̀rọ̀ kan, Làbákẹ́ ò bá ti bò ìyá àgbà náà, á sì rán an lọ sí sàréè láìtó ọjọ́.


Mama smiled, and tactfully withdrew.


Màmá rẹ́rìn-ín músẹ́, ó sì fi ọgbọ́n ẹ̀wẹ́ jáwọ́.


She was not annoyed, not annoyed at all.


Kò bínú, kò bínú rárá.


Labake was already under a spell.


Òògùn ló ń sisẹ́ lára Làbákẹ́.


Labake had literally dug her own grave now that she had crossed the concoction line across the doorstep of her own room.


Làbákẹ́ ti gbẹ́ kòtò ara rẹ̀ nísìnyí tí ó ti dá ìlà òògùn kọjá lẹnú ọ̀nà yàrá rẹ̀.


What remained for her to do was to literally put Labake inside the prepared coffin, nail the coffin, and bury it inside the deep earth.


Ohun tí ó kàn kù fún un ní kí ó gbé Làbákẹ́ sínú pósí, kí ó kàn án pa, kí ó sì sín-in sínú ilẹ̀ tí ó gbẹ́.


Mama withdrew and allowed Labake to continue raving and raging.


Màmá yọwó, ó sì gbà Làbákẹ́ láàyè láti tẹ̀síwájú láti máa sọ̀rọ̀ fitafita pẹ̀lú ìrunú.


Mind your own business henceforth, old hag! Stop poking your wrinkled nose! You have outlived your usefulness.


Láti ìsínyì lọ, sọ́gbá ẹ àgbàyà! Yé é na imú híhunjo rẹ̀ yẹn! Ó tí gbélé ayé kọjá ìwúlò rẹ̀.


Leave me old witch! Leave me alone! Go back to the district to say your last prayers on earth.


Fi mí sílẹ̀ àjẹ́ àgbàyà! Fi mí lọ́rùn sílẹ̀! Padà lọ sí ìgbéríko láti lọ ṣe àdúrà ìkẹyìn rẹ̀ lórí ilẹ̀ eèpè.


Your time is up already and your grave is ready.


Àsìkò rẹ̀ tíẹ titó, sáré rẹ̀ sí tì wà nílẹ̀.


Never come to town again.


Má wà sí ìgboro mọ́ láé.


You hear that hag!


Ṣóogbọ́ bẹ́ yẹn àjẹ́!


Mama did not utter a word in reply, rather she was smiling, she knew what was happening.


Màmá ò fèsì ọ̀rọ̀ kan, kàkà bẹ́ẹ̀ ń ṣe ló ń rẹ́rìn-ín músẹ́, ó mọ̀ ohun tó ń sẹlẹ̀.


Labake was mad now.


Làbákẹ́ ti ya wèrè báyìí.


Thoroughly mad. Just as Esuniyi had said, so she would not give a single reply, very soon, Labake would pack to her new home in the market square. So, let the tirade continue: Go on!


Wèrè sán-ún sán-ún. Gẹ́gẹ́ bí Èṣùníyì ṣe sọ fún, ìdí èyí kò ní èsì kankan, láìpẹ́, Làbákẹ́ á kẹ́rù lọ sí ilé rẹ̀ tuntun ní gbàgede ọjà. Fún ìdí èyí, kí idán ìbínú sọ̀rọ̀ náà tẹ̀síwájú: Tẹ̀síwájú!


Yes, go on! Are you tired?


Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni, kò tẹ̀síwájú! Ṣe ó ti rẹ̀ é ní?


You couldn't be tired yet! Let the tirade continue by all means!


Kò tí ì yẹ kí ó rẹ̀ ẹ́! Ó gbọ́dọ̀ jẹ́ kí ó tẹ̀síwájú lọ́nàkonà!


After some five minutes, there was quiet Mama winked at Zenabu; silently and knowingly, the little girl nodded her head back.


Ìdákẹ́rọ́rọ́ wà lẹ́yìn ìsẹ́jú márùn-ún, màmá sẹ́jú sí Sènábù; kẹ́lẹ́kẹ́lẹ́ náà ní ọmọbìnrin kékeré náà kanrí mọ́lẹ̀ padà.


She had grown so much used to Mama now that communication between them had become quite easy.


Ó ti mọwọ́ màmá tó bẹ́ẹ̀ tí ìbánisọ̀rọ̀ ti wá rọrùn láàrin wọn.


Labake, after working herself up, setting her own body ablaze went inside the bathroom to have a cold shower and swiftly, Zenabu moved into action.


Lẹ́yìn tí ó ti dá ara rẹ̀ láàmú, tí ó ti gbé ẹ̀mí ara rẹ̀ gbóná Làbákẹ́ gbọ̀nà balùwẹ̀ lọ láti sanra pẹ̀lú omi tútù, ní kíá sì ni Sènábù bẹ̀rẹ̀ isẹ́


She was not a stranger to madam's bedroom, she knew all the nooks and corners of things included in the room.


Kì í ṣe àjèjì sí yàrá màdáámù, gbogbo ibi kọ́lọ́fín àti ikòrògún yàrá náà ni ó mọ̀.


She knew where madam kept all her most private of all her possessions.


Ó mọ gbogbo ibi tí màdáámù ń tọ́jú àwọn nǹkan ẹ̀ sí títí mọ́ àwọn nǹkan àṣírí rẹ̀.


And now that madam had neatly packed, it was all the more easy for Zenabu to locate the two items she was looking for. Under three minutes, she had finished the assignment and she came out of madam's room clutching the two items, neatly wrapped up inside an old paper, and smiling at Mama.


Nìsínyí tí màdáámù ti fẹ́rẹ̀ ẹ́ kó ẹrù rẹ̀ tán, ó rọrùn fún un láti rí àwọn nǹkan méjì tí ó wà. Láàrin ìsẹ́jú mẹ́ta, ó tí parí isẹ́ tí wọn gbé fún un ó sì jáde láti inú yàrá màdáámù, tí ó sì di nǹkan méjéèjì mọ́wọ́, ó fi bébà àtijọ́ kan wé e, tí ó sì rí tónítóní, ó sì ń rẹ́rìn-ín músẹ́ sí màmá.


Mama got the piece of paper and quickly tucked it away inside her basket.


Màmá gbà á ó sì tètè fi sínú apẹ̀rẹ̀ rẹ̀.


When finally Labake emerged from inside the bathroom, what she saw was little Zenabu playing with Tinu on the corridor, and Mama bidding Alamu who had just come in goodbye promising to check back on him before the end of that week.


Nígbà ti màdáámù jáde láti inú balùwè, ohun tí ó rí nípé Sènábù kékeré ń bá Tinú seré lẹ́nu ọ̀nà, màmá sì ń dágbére fún Àlàmú tó sẹ̀sẹ̀ ń wọlé dé, tí wọn sí ń ṣe ìlérí láti wá wò ó kí ó to di òpin ọ̀ṣẹ̀ náà.


The two items were secure inside her basket.


Àwọn nǹkan méjì náà wà ní ìpamó nínú apẹ̀rẹ̀ rẹ̀.


Mama had stolen a look at the two items herself, and had been very much pleased: four of Labake's long red nails which she pointed at her a short while ago and which she had removed as she Chtered the room.


Màmá ti jí àwọn nǹkan náà wò nínú apẹ̀rẹ̀ rẹ̀, ó sì tẹ ẹ lọ́rùn; mẹ́rin nínú èékánná pupa ọwọ́ Làbákẹ́ tí ó fi nawọ sí i láìpẹ́ yìí, tí ó yọ nígbà tí ó wọ yàrá.


Her false nails! Then Labakes Small lock of hair, which some minutes ago had boen dangling over her body and which she had removed as she prepared to go to the bathroom, her wig!


Èékán-ná ayédèrú! Àti díẹ̀ nínú irun Làbákẹ́ tí ò dà wálẹ̀ sára rẹ̀ láìpẹ́ yìí tí ó yọ nígbà tí ó fẹ́ wọ balùwẹ̀, ayédèrú irun rẹ̀!


These two items now for Esubiyi!


Àwọn nǹkan méjì yìí ti wà nílẹ̀ fún Èṣùníyì.


The time was near, when Labake would run of the house into the streets naked: when she would pitch her home at the market square, when she would crawl on her knees to Esuniyi's camp in the isolated area of the forest in the district!


Àsìkò náà ti súnmọ́, ti Làbákẹ́ á sáré jáde nínú ilé níhòòhò wọ òpópónà: ìgbà tí ó máa ṣo gbàgede ọjà di ilé, ìgbàtí á rákò lórí orúnkún rẹ̀ wọ ọgbà Èṣùníyì tí ó wà ní agbèègbè ìyàsọ́tọ̀ nínú igbó ìgbèriko.


So far so good, that about summed up the radiance on Mama's face as she related the story of her successful visit to town to Esuniyi.


Gbogbo ìyẹn ló yọ́risí ìdánmọ́rántó hàn lójú màmá bí ó ṣe ń ròyìn ìtàn àseyọrí ìrìnàjò rẹ̀ sí ìgboro fún Èṣùníyì.


Alamu's condition had improved, Alamu would not suffer the indignity of having his head shaved. He would not suffer the humiliation of being thrown inside the dark room of the mad house with those eccentric inmates velling and hooting.


Ipò Àlàmú ti yàtọ̀, kò ní i kan àbùkù orí fífọ́ mọ́. Kò ní jiyà ìrẹnisílẹ̀ tí wọn á ti jù ú sí yàrádúdú ilé ẁer̀e pẹ̀lú àwọn ògidì asínwín tí won máa ń han tí won tún ń pariwo gẹ́gẹ́ bí alágbàágbé.


"I can still see trouble,' Mama heard Esuniyi say, ""Trouble is not yet over completely."""


"""Wàhálà ni mo sì i ń ri yìí,"" màmá gbọ́ ti Èṣùníyì sọ èyí ""Ìjọ̀ngbọ̀n ó tí ì parí pátápátá."


"As long as the enemies agent remains with your son at home, anything could still happen."""


Ní wọ̀n ìgbà tí aṣojú àwọn ọ̀tá bá sì wà nínú ilé pẹ̀lú ọmọ rẹ̀, ohunkohun ló sì le sẹlẹ̀.


"Mama looked at Esuniyi, ""what shall we do now with Labake?"""


"Màmá wò Èṣùníyì, ""Kí la wá fẹ́ ṣe pẹ̀lú Làbákẹ́ báyìí?."""


Accursed Labake.


Làbákẹ́ ẹni ègún.


The enemies' agent.


Aṣojú àwọn ọ̀tá.


Mama felt a sharp pin pricking her heart, Labake was that pin!


Ó ń ṣe màmá bí ìgbà tí abẹ́rẹ́ tó mú gún-un lọ́kàn Làbákẹ́ sí ní abẹ́rẹ́ náà.


"She must be flushed out', Esuniyi continued, ""and very quickly too."""


"""A ní láti tì í jáde,"" Èṣùníyì tẹ̀síwájú, ""kíákíá sì ní pẹ̀lú."""


It's only then that we can breathe properly.


Lẹ́yìn náà ní á tó le rímú mí.


But with these two things you have brought now.'


Sùgbọ́n pẹ̀lú nǹkan méjì tí ẹ ti mú wáyìí ...


Esuniyi held out the piece of paper inside which Labake's lock of hair and nails were wrapped.... 'No problem, Mama'


"Èṣùníyì yọ bébà ti wọn di irun àti èékáná Làbákẹ́ sí yìí jáde... ""Kò sí wàhálà, Màmá."""


Mama cleared her throat.


Màmá tún ọ̀nà ọ̀fun rẹ̀ ṣe.


Well, thank you. What I want you to do now is to... to... to...


Bẹ́ẹ̀, ẹ ṣeun. Ohun tí mo fẹ́ kí ẹ ṣe nísìnyí ní pé kí..kí ... kí ...


They were interrupted by the sound of a deep murmur coming from inside one of the rooms of the mad house.


Ohùn ẹjọ́ wuuru kíkí kan láti ọ́kan nínú àwọn yàrá ilé wèrè náà ní ó dà ọ̀rọ̀ mọ́ wọn lẹ́nu


What I will want you to... to... to...


"""Ohun tí màá fẹ́ kí ẹ ...ẹ ...ẹ ..."""


The murmur from the mad house had now developed into a loud noise, splitting listeners'.


Ohùn wuuru tí ó wa láti inú ilé wèrè náà ti wá di ariwo ńlá, tí ó fẹ̀rẹ̀ dí ènìyàn létí.


That was a common feature of Esuniyi's enclave.


Èyí ni àbùdá àhámọ́ Èṣùníyì kan.


No doubt, his people were at their game their, usual game.


Láìsí àní-àní, àwọn èèyàn rẹ̀ ti bẹ̀rẹ̀ eré ìje wọn bí wọ́n ṣe máa ń ṣe.


The usual physical attack one another had probably started again.


Ìjà tí wọ́n máa ń já fún ti bẹ̀rẹ̀ níyẹn.


Each time they started it, it was usually like hell itself breaking loose.


Nígbàkugbà tí wọ́n bá si bẹ̀rẹ̀, gbẹgẹdẹ máa ń gbiná.


They would pounce on one another, like rabies-infected dogs and snap and smack and tear.


Wọn á bo ara wọn bí i ajá ọlọ́kúnr̀un, wọn á lu ara wọn, wọn á tún ya arà wọn jẹ.


The lunatics yelling noise drowned Mama's voice.


Ariwo àwọn wèrè náà mú ohùn màmá wálẹ̀.


Mama had started appealing passionately to the medicine man to use all his power to eliminate Labake as quickly as possible - today or tomorrow.


Màmá ti bẹ̀rẹ̀ si í bẹ Bàbá olóògùn pẹ̀lú ìtara, pé kí ó lọ gbogbo agbára rẹ̀ láti yanjú Làbákẹ́ ní kíákíá - lónìí sọ́la.


Bring her down to her knees.


Kí ó mú un wálẹ̀ lórí orúnkún rẹ̀.


Cause the other invisible enemies of her son to wander naked into the thick jungle where hyenas and leopards would be waiting to launch a fierce attack on them, that was what she wanted.


Kí ó jẹ́ kí àwọn ọ̀tá ọmọ rẹ̀ yòókù tí ò ṣe é́ fojú rí rìn lọ níhòòhò sinú igbó kìjikìji tí ìkòkò àti àmọ̀tẹ́kùn á ti máa dúró láti dojú kọ wọ́n, ohun tí Màmá fẹ́ nìyẹn.


That was what she was telling Esuniyi to do when the noise from the lunatics came on more and more compellingly.


Nǹkan tí ó ń sọ fún Èṣùníyì pé kí ó ṣe nìyẹn tí ariwo àwọn wèrè yẹn fi tún pọ̀ sí i.


Esuniyi stood up abruptly, he raced towards the direction of the noise.


Èṣùníyì dìde gírí, ó sáré sọ́na ibi tí ariwo náà ti ń wá.


In a minute, he ran back again.


Láàárín ìṣẹ́jú kan, ó ti sárẹ padà.


He rushed inside an inner room in his own Apartment.


Ó sáré wọ yàrá kan nínú iyẹwù tirẹ̀.


He came out circling a long whip over head.


Ó jáde pẹ̀lú àtòrì kan tí ó ká yí orí rẹ̀.


His eyes bulged. The veins stood out in single layers over his strong arms, his lips trembled, his body shook with anger and emotion.


Ojú rẹ̀ ràn. Isan dá dúró lọ́tọ̀ ní ọwọ́ rẹ̀ líle, ètè rẹ̀ ń gbọ̀n, ara rẹ̀ ń gbọ̀n pẹ̀lú ìbínú àti ìmí-ẹ̀dùn.


At nomal times, Esubiyi would look innocent and calm, talking slowly, quickly, camestly.


Ní àwọn ìgbà tó ṣe gẹ́gẹ́, Èṣùníyì máa ń tutù, á jọ aláìsẹ̀, ara rẹ̀ balẹ̀, á máa sọ̀rọ̀ díẹ̀díẹ̀, láìpariwo pẹ̀lú ìfọ̀kansì.


He would smile gently, looking you straight in the face as he spoke.


Á rẹ́rìn-ín músẹ́ jẹ́jẹ́, á máa wojú yín bí ó ṣe ń sọ̀rọ̀.


He was then like any other man, every other man like you and me.


Nígbà yẹn ó dàbí i gbogbo ọkùnrin, bí ọkùnrin gidi bí ìwọ àti èmi.


But on such occasions as this, when this camp was in pandemonium, Esuniyi was a completely different man.


Sùgbọ́n lẹ́ẹ̀kọ̀ọ̀kan báyìí, ti yán-pọn-yán-rin bá wà nínú àgọ́ yì, Èṣùníyì máa ń di ọkùnrin àrà ọ̀tọ̀.


He would bark out orders, his voice roaring like a clap of thunder. He was a man of great strength and physique.


Á pariwo àsẹ rẹ̀, pẹ̀lú ohùn rẹ̀ tí ó ń búramú-ramù bí àtẹ́wó ààrá. Ó jẹ́ òkùnrin tí ó kúnfún okun ńlá àti ìrísí.


He would grab his victim with the viciousness of an octopus and the ferocity of a tiger.


A gbá ẹni tí ó ṣè mú pẹ̀lú ìwà èérí àti ìrorò ẹkùn.


The strong muscles of his arms would become tense and straighten up.


Iṣan apá rẹ̀ á yi, á wá le koko.


The bones would screech almost cracking.


Egungun rẹ̀ á nà, á fẹ́rẹ̀ ẹ́ lè kán.


His victim would let forth a fearful yelp and recoil immediately in total submission like the trampled millipede.


Ẹni tí ó gbá mú náà á pariwo ìbẹ̀rù, á sì padà sẹ́yìn pẹ̀lú ìjọ̀wọ́ pátápátá bí i ti ọ̀ọ̀kùn tí ati ra mọ́lẹ̀.


Apart from the use of physical force, Esubiyi had other methods.


Yàtọ̀ sí ti ipá ojú kó-ojú, Èṣùníyì ní àwọn ìlànà mìíràn.


You would see him holding his blood-stained antelope horn high up in the air, addressing the four elements - the controllers of human destiny - invoking the invisible spirit of the air to work on the boiling nerves of the lunatics and restore them to order.


Wà á rí i tí ó di ìwo ẹtù rẹ̀ ti ẹ̀jẹ̀ ti yí mú sókè nínú afẹ́fẹ́, á máa bá àwọn àwòmọ́ mẹ́rin ayé sọ̀rọ̀, àwọn adarí kádàrá ẹ̀dá - ó ń perí àwọn ẹ̀mí inú afẹ́fẹ́ láti sisẹ́ nínú iṣan gbígbóná àwọn wèrè náà kí ara wọn lè wálẹ̀.


And it would be so, if only momentarily.


Ó sì máa ri bẹ́ẹ̀, bí ó tilẹ̀ jẹ́ fún ìgbà díẹ̀.


"But now, it was the ""wham-wham-wham! method."


Sùgbọ́n nísìnyí, ìlànà wámú-wámú-wámú ni ó fẹ́ lò.


For over five minutes, Mama heard the lashing sound of the whip over human bodies and shrank.


Fúnbí ì ìsẹ́jú márùn-ún, Màmá ń gbọ́ ohùn àtòrì lára àwọn ènìyàn ara rẹ̀ sì súnkì.


This was truly no ordinary place.


Ibí yìí kì í ṣe ibi lásán rárá.


At the end of his punitive step, Esuniyi retumed to Mama with the composure of a normal human being, a serene look, once again, on his face.


Ní òpin ìgbésẹ̀ ìfìyà-jẹ̀nìyàn rẹ, Èṣùníyì padà lọ bá màmá pẹ̀lú ìkórajo ènìyàn tí ó pé, pẹ̀lú ojú ọmọlúàbí lẹ́ẹ̀kan sí i.


"""It has to be like that,"" he told Mama. ""That's how it should be Mama... otherwise ... otherwise..."" Mama nodded knowingly."


"""Ó ní láti rí báyẹn,"" ó sọ fún màmá, ""Bí ó ṣe yẹ kí ó rí ní yẹn màmá ...bí bẹ́ẹ̀kọ́ ...bí bẹ́ẹ̀kọ́..."" Màmá kanrí mọ́lẹ̀ ní ìdáhùn."


She knew what Esuniyi's 'otherwise' meant...


"Ó mọ ohun tí ìtumọ̀ ""bí bẹ́ẹ̀kọ́"" Èṣùníyì jẹ́..."


Otherwise, the Lunatics themselves would take over the control of the mad house.


Bí bẹ́ẹ̀kọ́, àwọn wèrè fúnrawọn náà ágbàjọba ilé náà.


Otherwise, they would turn the place into a battlefield.


Bí bẹ́ẹ̀kọ́, wọn á sọ ibẹ̀ di pápá ogun.


Otherwise they would attack himself one day and chase him out of his house. They can even kill him.


Bí bẹ́ẹ̀kọ́ wọn a dojúkọ Èṣùníyì lọ́jọ kan, wọn á sì lé e jáde kúrò nínú ọgbà rẹ̀. Wọn tún lè pá a


Otherwise, they would burn down all the buildings inside the camp and escape.


Bí bẹ́ẹ̀kọ́, wọn á dáná sun gbogbo ilé inú àgọ́ náà, wọn à sì na pápá bora.


There was nothing they would not do once law and order broke down.


Kò sí nǹkan tí wọn ó le ṣe tí òfin àti àsẹ bá dàrú.


Mama heaved a sigh of relief.


Màmá mí ìmí ìtura.


She had cause to be Thankful to God.


Ò ní ìdí láti máa fọpẹ́ fún Elédúmàrè.


What would she do if Alamu to be there among these people and be given this harsh, acrimonious treatment?


Kí ni ìbá ṣe kání pé Àlàmú wà láàrin àwọn ènìyàn yìí, tí yóò sì gba ìhùwàsí ìroro burúku yìí?


What would she do if it was her son that was now standing, half naked, under that tree, some yards away, pointing at nothing and talking to the empty air?


Kí ni ìbá ṣe kání ọmọ rẹ̀ ní ó dúró lábẹ́ igi ọ̀kánkán yẹn, tí ó ti fẹ́rẹ̀ ẹ́ já sí ìhòòhò tán, tí ó ń nawọ́ sí nǹkan tí ò sí, tí ó sì ń bá afẹ́fẹ́ òfìfo sọ̀rọ̀?


If it was Alamu that was now walking round and round that small building without any motive, and in such endless merry-go-round? What would she do? Nothing.


Bí ó bá jẹ́ Àlàmú ní ó ń rìn yíká ilé kékeré yẹn láìnídìí nínú irú ìrìn láyípo yìí? Kí ni ìbá ṣe? Kò sí.


If it was Alamu that was now clad in rags and urinating on the palm of his outstretched left hand and laughing?


Bí ó bá jẹ́ Àlàmú ni ó wọ àkísà tí ó tún ń tọ̀ sí àtẹ́lẹwọ́ ọwọ́-òsì rẹ̀ tí ó ná síwájú tí ó tún ń rẹ́rìn-ín?


Esuniyi watched Mama and noticed the grim look of concern over her countenance


Èṣùníyì wo màmá, ó sì ṣàkíyèsí ìkorò tó wá lójú rẹ̀.


Mama, there is no cause for fear.


Màmá, kò sí ìdí fún ìbẹ̀rù.


All will be well at last.


Ohun gbogbo á dára níkẹyìn.


The whole job is as good as finished.


Gbogbo isẹ́ náà ti fẹ́rẹ̀ ẹ́ parí.


But you still have to bring him here.


Sùgbọ́n ẹ ṣì ní láti mú u wá sibí


"""Bring who?"" Mama asked."


"""Mú tani wá?"" Màmá bèèrè"


"""Bring your child Mama. Your son?"""


"""Ẹ mú ọmọ yín wá màmá. Ọmọkùnrin ti yin?"""


You mean that... that... Alamu still has to.. to... come...


"""Èyí túmọ̀ sí pé... pé... Àlàmú tún ní láti... láti... wá"""


Yes, he must be here himself, personally.


Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni, ó ní láti wà níbí, fúnrarẹ̀.


To drink from the medicine pot, to swim inside that open whirlpool, and to be incised on the cheeks, chest and the armpits.


Á mu láti inú ìkòkò àgbo, á wẹ̀ nínú odò àgbo ní gbangba, à á sì sín gbẹ́rẹ́ sí i lẹ́rẹ̀kẹ́, ní igbá àyà àti abíyá rẹ̀.


Your child has to be adequately protected.


Ọmọ yín ní láti ní ìdáàbòbò tó péye.


Nothing must be left to chance.


Nǹkankan ò gbọdọ̀ yọ ọ́ lẹ̀.


Mama looked disturbed.


Ìwò ìdààmú wà lójú màmá.


How easy was it going to be bringing Alamu to the district, and to the asylum? That aspect of the matter had just occurred to her. How was she going to do it?


Báwo ní yóò ṣe rọrùn fún un láti mú Àlàmú wá sí ìgbèríko, páàpáà júlo, sí ọgbà Èṣùníyì? Apá ọrọ yìí sẹ̀sẹ̀ hàn de sí ni. Báwo nì ó ṣe máa ṣe é?


Should she feign sickness, send a message down to him in town and ask him to come and see her urgently on her sick bed?


Ṣé kí ó dọ́gbọ́n àìsàn, kí ó ránsẹ́ sí i nígboro pé kí ó wá rí i kíákíá ní dùbúlẹ̀ àìsàn rẹ̀?


What would she say when finally he arrived?


Kí ni yóò sọ fún un tó bá ti wá dé?


Should she come out frankly and tell him the truth?


ṣé kí ó wá sọ òótó fún un ni?


The bitter truth about his condition?


Òtítò tí ó korò nípa ipò rẹ̀?


The truth that he himself had not been aware of all these days?


Òtítò ti òun gan alára kò mọ̀ láti iye ọjọ́ yìí?


Mama reflected for a minute.


Màmá rò ó fún ìsẹ́jú kan.


Her mind wandered


Ọkàn rẹ̀ ṣáko lọ.


Well, no choice, no choice, she had to do it.


Bẹ́ẹ̀, kò sí àní-àní, kò sí àní-àní, ó ní láti ṣe é.


It was a task she must perform.


Ó jẹ́ isẹ́ tí ó gbọ́dọ̀ ṣe.


Afterall, Alamu was her son, her only son.


Paríparí ẹ̀, ọmọ rẹ̀ ṣáà ni, ọmọ rẹ kan ṣoṣo.


She was duty-bound to let him know the whole truth however unpalatable it was going to be to him.


Ẹ̀tọ́ rẹ̀ ni láti jẹ́ kí ó mọ̀ gbogbo òótọ́ ọ̀rọ̀ náà, bí ò bá tiẹ̀ dùn mọ́ ọ́n.


"""You are mad!"" She would let her son know point blank - and without mincing words."


"""O ti ya wèrè!,"" Á jẹ́ kí ọmọ rẹ̀ mọ̀, á dijú sọ ọ́ láìdéènàpẹnu."


It would surely sound unbelievable to him, probably hurt him, probably embarrass him.


Dájúdájú kò ní gba eti rẹ̀ gbọ́, ó lè dùn-un, ó lè tàbùkù bá a.


But she would not care.


Ṣùgbọ́n kò ní wò ìyẹn.


She would say it again, loud and clear.


Á tún un sọ dáadáa.


"""Alamu, you are mad! The way you talk shows you are mad."


"""Ó ti ya wèrè Àlàmú! Ìṣọwọ́sọ̀rọ̀ rẹ̀ gan-an fi hàn pé o ya wèrè."


The way you behave shows you are mad.


Ìhùwàsí rẹ fihàn pé o ya wèrè.


The way you look shows you are mad.


Bí ó ṣe ń wò gan-an fi hàn pé ó ya wèrè.


Yes. You-are-mad-my-son! But Alamu, it is the work of the enemies.


Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni. Ọmọ mí ó ti ya wèrè! Sùgbọ́n Àlàmú, isẹ́ àwọn ọ̀tá ní.


"It would be important to let him know, ""This is the work of the enemies."


"Ó máa ṣe pàtàkì láti jẹ́ kí ó mọ̀, ""Iṣẹ́ àwọn ọ̀tá ni èyí."""


And, at the centre of it all is none but your very wife, Your own very wife. She's the enemies' agent'.


Àti wí pé, pabanbarì gbogbo rẹ̀ ò ṣẹ̀yìn ìyàwó rẹ̀, ìyàwó rẹ̀ gan-an. Òun ní àsojú àwọn ọ̀tá.


Whether or not Alamu would believe this was not important to her.


Bóyá Àlàmú gba èyí gbọ́ tàbí kò gbà á kò ṣe pàtàkì sí i.


She would not care a jot.


Kò kàn án bín-in-tín báyìí.


That was going to be Alamu's own problem.


Wàhálà ti Àlàmú nìyẹn.


"What was important was to let him know all the details, all the truth. ""But let me tell you, Alamu, that Labake will pay. You don't worry.,"" she would console her son with it."


"Nǹkan tí ó ṣe pàtàkì ni láti jẹ́ kí ó mọ̀ ǹkan tó ń sẹlẹ̀ lẹ́kùn-ún rẹ́rẹ́, gbogbo òtítọ́ ibẹ̀. ""ṣùgbọ́n jẹ́ kí n sọfún ẹ Àlàmú, Làbákẹ́ yẹn á fẹnu họra. Ìwọ ṣáà má ṣèyọnu.,"" á tu ọmọ rẹ̀ nínú pẹ̀lú èyí."


You just don't worry.


Ìwọ ṣáà má ṣèyọnu.


"""I have tried my best to save the situation and Esubiyi has been assisting us so much."


"""Mo ti sa gbogbo ipá mi láti wá ojútùú sí i, Èṣùníyì sì ti ń ràn wá lọ́wọ́ gidi."


That's why you are still alive today, that's why you have not gone out onto the streets - you may not know.


Èyí ló fà á tí o fi wà láàyè lónìí, ìdí níyì tó ò ṣe tí ì já sí ìgboro - ìwọ lè má mọ̀.


On your behalf. I have made sacrifices to the gods with billy goats, alligator pepper, bitter kola and red palm-oil.


Nítorí tìrẹ. Mo ti rubo àwọn òrìsà pẹ̀lú ewúrẹ́, orógbó, ataare àti epo pupa.


Mama knew Alamu would be shocked to hear all these but, could she be bothered?


Màmá mọ̀ pé gbogbo èyí á já Àlàmú láyà bí ó bá gbọ́, sùgbọ́n ṣé ó yẹ kí ìyẹn tún da òun fún rarẹ̀ láàmú?


No, she would not even raise her head up to look at her son's face.


Rárá, kò ní wulẹ̀ gbé orí sókè láti wojú ọmọ rẹ̀.


"""Now, get prepared Alamu,"" she would finally tell him, we are going together now to see Esuniyi."


"""Àlàmú gbaradì,"" á pàpà sọ fún un ""A jọ ń lọ rí Èṣùníyì nísìnyí."""


"""Me? What for?"" She could imagine her son questioning back, protesting."


"""Èmi? Fún kí ni?,"" Ó ń rò ó bí ọmọ rẹ̀ ṣe ń dáhùn ìbéèrè padà, tí ó ń tẹnumọ pé."


"""Not me! Not me!."""


"""Èmi kọ́! Èmi kọ́!"""


"""It's you Alamu!,"" she resolved she would shout back, 'It's you, You, you and me! We'll go together now, to the herbalist."


"""Ìwọ ni Àlàmú !,"" ó pinnu láti pariwo mọ́ ọn padà, Ìwọ ni, Ìwọ, Ìwọ àti èmi! A jọ ń lọ nísìnyí ni, sọ́dọ̀ oníṣègùn."


You will drink from his medicine pot. Take your bath inside the open pool in the centre of his camp and be incised on the body.


Wà á mu láti inú ìkòkò àgbo rẹ̀. Wà á wẹ̀ nínú ibú omi tí ó wà ní ààrin ibùdó rẹ̀, wọn á sì sín gbẹ́rẹ́ sí ọ́ lára.


Alamu would probably Laugh at her and walk away, or take to his heels even.


Àfàìmọ̀ kí Àlàmú má fi ṣe yẹ̀yẹ́ tàbí kí ó kàn kúrò níwájú rẹ̀, tàbí kí ó tilẹ̀ ki eré mọ́lẹ̀.


She would pursue him herself.


Màmá fúnrarẹ̀ á lé e mú.


Mama imagined herself chasing Alamu down the stony crooked forest path.


Màmá wóye ara rẹ̀ bí ó ṣe ń lé Àlàmú lọ sọ́nà igbó olókùúta náà.


Chasing him to the bank of river Akokura, appealing to him to come back. begging him, before he would cross that river.


Tí ó ń lé e lọ sọ́nà etí odò Akókurà, tí ó bẹ̀ẹ́ pé kí ó padà, tí ó ń bẹ́ẹ̀ kí ó tó di wí pé ó kọjá odò náà.


Before he would cross the Rubicon.


Kí ó tó di wí pé ó kọjá ibi tí kò ti ní lè padà.


Once he crossed river Akokura, there will be no further hope.


Bí ó bá filè kọjá odò Akókurà, kò ní í sí ìrètí kankan fún un mọ́.


He should not cross any river - or else... She imagined her son still hurrying away.


Kò gbọdọ̀ kọjá odò kankan, bí bẹ́ẹ̀ kọ́... Ó ń wòye bí ọmọ rẹ̀ ṣe ń kánjú lọ.


The mighty power of the enemies was upon him, pushing him, pushing him, making him resist all attempt to bring sanity back. She could hear Alamu snapping back at her.


Ọwọ́ agbára ńlá àwọn ọ̀tá wà lára rẹ̀, ó ń tí í, tì í, ó ń jẹ́ kí ó máa kọ gbogbo ìgbìyànjú láti mú kí orí-rẹ̀ pé. Ó ń gbọ́ bi Àlàmú ṣe ń jágbe mọ́ ọn.


Go back to the village Mama! Go and rest in the village! I would go back to town.


Màmá, ẹ padà sábúlé! Ẹ lọ sinmi lábúlé! Èmi á padà sí ìgboro.


Nothing is wrong with me! I have business to do in town, so, I am hurrying away!


Nǹkan ò ṣe mí! Mo ní iṣẹ́ tí mo fẹ́ ṣe ní ìgboro, mo tètè ń lọ!


Mama imagined herself launching a grip, a firm grip on him, a 'kill-me-now, kill-me-now' grip.


Màmá tún wòye ara rẹ̀ bí ó ṣe gbá a mú, ó gba mú gírí-gírí, ìgbámú 'pamí-nísìnyí, pamí nísìnyí'.


Esuniyi laughed, Mama sat straight, waking up suddenly from her momentary dream.


Èṣùníyì rẹ́rìn-ín, Màmá jókòó sára, ó déédé tají lójú àlá àsìkò tí ó ń lá.


Esuniyi had all along been watching her reading her mind.


Èṣùníyì tí ń wò ó látẹ̀ẹ̀kan ti ó ń ka nǹkan tí ó ń lọ lọ́kàn rẹ̀.


It was as if he had seen the picture of what went on inside it.


Ń ṣe ni ó dàbí i pé ó ti rí àwòrán nǹkan tí ó ń lọ níbẹ̀.


"""Your son will not refuse coming to the district Mama."" Esunyi said, I'll go with you to bring him."


Màmá, ọmọ yín ò ní kọ̀ láti wá sí abúlé'. Èṣùníyì sọ, Màá tẹ̀lé yín lọ láti mú un wá.


He will gladly follow us.


Tayọ̀tayọ̀ ló máa fi tẹ̀lé wa.


Don't worry Mama, I'll just pop into their house for a minute or two.


Ẹ má da ara yín láàḿu màmá, màá kàn yọ fóró sínú ilé wọn fún bí ìsẹ́jú kan sí méjì.


Our eyes would be four, and that's all. I'll rush back to the district and he'll follow later, probably that same day or the following day.


Ojú wa á ṣe mẹ́rin, o dẹ ma tan sibẹ. Màá sáré padà wá sí abúlé, á sì tẹ̀lé mi bí ó bá yá bóyá ni òní jẹ́ lọ́jọ́ náà tàbí ọjọ́ kejì.


Mama heaved a heavy sigh again, she had implicit confidence in the powers of the medicine man.


Màmá tún mí kanlẹ̀, ó ní ìgbẹkẹ̀lé tó dúró gírí nínú agbára bàbá olóògùn.


With this man, Esuniyi, nothing seemed impossible.


Pẹ̀lú ọkùnrin yìí, Èṣùníyì, ó fẹ́rẹ̀ ẹ́ lè má sí nǹkan tí ò ṣeéṣe.


So, she left for the village with a feeling of relief.


Fún ìdí èyí, ó gbọ̀nà abúlé lọ, pẹ̀lú ìtura lọ́kàn rẹ̀.


There was one vacant room inside Mama's mud building in the village where Alamu could put up, if need be, when finally they succeeded in bringing to the district.


Yàrá òfìfo wà nínú ilé alámọ̀ Màmá níbi tí Àlàmú lè dúró sí, bí ó bá nílò, lẹ́yìn tí ó bá ti jàjà ṣàṣeyọ́rí nínú mímú un wá si abúlé.


He did not have to return In the same day.


Kò nílò láti padà sí ìgboro ní ọjọ́ náà.


Esuniyi might want him to stay over.


Èṣùníyì lè fẹ́ kí ó sùn mọ́jú.


In that case, Alamu could come to the village and stay the night.


Fún ìdí ìyẹn, Àlàmú lè wá sí Abúlé kí ó sì sùn mọ́jú ọjọ́ kejì.


Mama set about putting the vacant room in good order instantly, she brushed down the cobwebs and chased away the geckos and cockroaches.


Màmá bẹ̀rẹ̀ sì í tún yàrá náà ṣe lẹ́sẹ̀kẹsẹ̀, ó gbọn gbogbo jàǹkárìwọ̀ sílẹ̀, ó sì lé àwọn ááyán àti ọmọ-onílé lọ.


She sprinkled water on the floor and started sweeping it, she sneezed for the umpteenth time, her head rang like a bell.


Ó wọ́n omi sílẹ̀, ó sì bẹ̀rẹ̀ si í gba a, ó ń sín láìmoye ìgbà, orí rẹ̀ ń ró bí agogo.


She blew her nose, water came from her eyes and she went deaf for a minute.


Ó fún imú rẹ̀, omi jáde lójú rẹ̀, etí rẹ̀ di fún ìsẹ́jú kan.


Later when she yawned, the doors of her ears flung open and the trapped air rushed out of them, again she sneezed.


Nígbà tó yá ti ó yán, ìlèkùn inú eti rẹ̀ ṣí gbayawu, atẹ́gùn tó ti há síbẹ̀ sá jadé ó tún sín.


Life was all suffering.


Ìjìyà gbá à ní ayé jẹ́.


That was even more so with Mama.


Bí ó ṣe rí fún màmá gan-an rè é.


She'd suffered, probably like no other woman had ever suffered before.


Ó ti jìyà, irú ìyà ti obìnrin kankan ò jẹ rí.


Four times in her life, she lost her pregnancy. Two before Alamu and two after him.


Ẹ̀ẹ̀mẹ́rin ní ayé rẹ̀ ni oyún ti bàjẹ́ mọ́ ọn lára. Méjì kí ó tó bí Àlàmú àti méjì mìíràn lẹ́yìn Àlàmú.


Then she couldn't become pregnant again, then she reached menopause.


Lẹ́yìn náà kò lè lóyún mọ́, ó wọ iye ọjọ́ orí tí kò ti lè ṣabiyamọ mọ́.


Alamu remained her only child.


Àlàmú nìkan lọmọ kan ṣoṣo tí ó ṣẹ́kù fún un.


When about ten years ago, her son went to the white man's country, Mama felt she had lost the battle to cure permanent happiness in life.


Níbí i ọdún mẹ́wàá sẹ́yìn, tí ọmọ rẹ̀ lọ sí ìlú Òyìnbó, Màmá rò wí pé ogun wíwá ayọ̀ ayérayé ti borí rẹ̀.


It was as if Alamu had gone on a jourmey of no return.


Ń ṣe ní ó dàbí ẹni pé Àlàmú ti rìn ìrìnàjò àrèmabọ̀.


Mama was virtually left alone in the world.


Màmá nìkan ló dàbí ẹni pé ó kù láyé.


"Her only ""garment' had been literally stripped off her."


"""Aṣọ"" rẹ̀ kanṣoṣo ní wọn ti bọ́ lára rẹ̀."


And she stood naked.


Ó wá wà ní ògòlòǹto.


Life lost its colour and radiance.


Ayé ti pàdánù àwọ̀ àti ẹwà rẹ̀.


Alamu's father who could have provided the much-needed support and assurance for her had broken down in health and later died whispering the name of his son, Mama became visibly shaken mentally and emotionally, thereafter.


Bàbá Àlàmú tí ì bá ṣe alátìlẹ́yìn àti olùfọ kàntán ti dùbúlẹ̀ àìsàn tí ò sí jẹ orúkọ ọmọ rẹ̀ lẹ́nu títí ó fi ku, èyí gbo màmá dé ọpọlọ àti ìmọ̀lára lẹ́yìn ìgbà náà.


It was true they often read Alamu's letters to her hearing, letting her know Alamu was alive.


Òótọ́ ni pé wọn máa ń ka lẹ́tà Àlàmú sí eti ìgbọ́ rẹ̀, láti fi jẹ́ kí ó mọ̀ pé Àlàmú ṣì wà láàyè.


Still Mama would not believe.


Ṣùgbọ́n síbẹ̀síbẹ̀, Màmá ò gbàgbọ́.


She would close her eyes and listen to the soothing words contained in Alamu's letter. He was hale and hearty, doing well in his studies, he was there in the cold land struggling to secure a better future for himself and Mama, very soon he would be coming back home to join her.


Á dijú rẹ̀, á sì tẹ́tí sí àwọn ọ̀rọ̀ ìtura tó wà nínú lẹ́tà Àlàmú. Ara rẹ̀ á yá, ó sì mókun, ó sì ń ṣe dáadáa nínú ẹ̀kọ́ rẹ̀, ó wà níbẹ̀ nínú òtútù, ó ń tiraka láti wá ọjọ́ iwájú fún ara rẹ̀ àti Màmá, láìpẹ́ á máa padà bọ̀ nílé láti wá dara pọ̀ mọ́ ọn.


Mama should take heart, stay alive and continue to pray for him.


Kí Màmá mọ́kàn, kí ó wà láàyè kí ó si tẹ̀síwájú láti máa gbàdúrà fún un.


"""Your ever loving son - Alamu."""


"""Ọmọ yín onífẹ̀ẹ́ òótọ́ - Àlàmú """


Mama would open her eyes and muse to herself in disbelief.


Màmá á lajú rẹ̀, á sì ṣàṣàrò sí ara rẹ̀ ni àìgbàgbọ́.


Could all these be true really?


Ṣe gbogbo èyí lè jẹ́ òtítọ́ ṣá?


All these might just be a mere sweet dream.


Gbogbo èyí lè jẹ́ àlá dídùn lásán.


Or the trick of some good people who did not want her inside the grave too soon.


Tàbíkí ó jẹ́ ète àwọn èèyàn dáadáa kan tí kò fẹ́ kí ó wọ sàréè láìtọ́jọ́.


Those who did not want her to die of loneliness, who then had to console her with letters allegedly written by her son.


Àwọn tí kò fẹ kí ó ku ikú àdágbé, tí wọn sì ní láti tù ú lọ́kàn pẹ̀lú lẹ́tà tí wọn ní ọmọ rẹ́ kọ.


The son she knew, deep down in her heart had gone on a journey of no return.


Ọmọ rẹ̀ tí ó mọ̀, lọ́kàn ara rẹ̀ ti lọ sí ìrìnàjò àrèmabọ̀.


Lost forever, after waiting eight years in vain for Alamu's return, there was no other conclusion Mama could draw.


Ó ti sọnù títí láé, lẹ́yìn tí ó tí dúró ìdúró asán fún ọdún mẹ́jọ fún ìpàdabọ̀ Àlàmú, kò sí ìpinnu mìíràn tí màmá lè ní.


And that explained why the old woman gazed at her son in wonder and incredulity the day he finally arrived back in the country from England.


Ìyẹn ni ó sì sàlàyé ìdí tí ìyá àgbà náà ṣe wo ọmọ rẹ̀ ni ìwò ìyanu àti àìgbàgbọ́ ní ọjọ́ tí ó jàjà padà sílé láti ìlú England.


That explained why, for a whole week after, Mama kept asking herself whether the healthy looking Vivacious young man was really Alamu or his ghost.


Ìyẹn sàláyé ìdí, tí màmá fi ń bí ara rẹ̀ bóyá ọmọkùnrin tí o dá ṣáṣá yìí ni Àlàmú, tàbí òkú rẹ̀ ni fún odidi ọ̀sẹ̀ kan gbáko.


And she called him by all his names - all the affectionate names he gave him during childhood, several times each day for one whole week.


Ó sì ń pè é ní gbogbo orúkọ rẹ̀ - gbogbo àwọn orúkọ tókúnfún ìfẹ́ tí ó ń pè é nígbà kékeré, láì mọyè ìgbà lọ́jọ́ kọ̀ọ̀kan fún odidi ọ̀ṣẹ̀ kan.


It was the climax of her joy, such joyous period would came back again to Mama. Life was one long chain of suffering. No end to it.


Ó jẹ ṣónṣó ayọ̀ rẹ̀, irú ìgbà ayọ̀ bẹ́ẹ̀ ò padà dè bá Màmá mọ́. Ilé ayé jẹ́ ṣẹkẹ́ṣẹkẹ̀ ìyà gígùn kan. Tí kò lópin.


It was a continuous event.


Ó jẹ́ ìgbésẹ̀ tí ó ń tẹ̀síwájú.


Mama thought the end of suffering had come with the return of her son.


Màmá rò ó wí pé òpin ìjìyà òun ti dé nígbà ti ọmọ rẹ̀ dé.


But precisely two years after Alamu's retum, a heartache of a different dimension took possession of Mama.


Ṣùgbọ́n kété tí ó pé ọdún méjì lẹ́yìn ti Àlàmú dé, ìbànújẹ́ tí ó gbọ̀nà àràmìíràn yọ ló tún dé bá Màmá.


A heartache which gave her several sleepless nights, which made her have several dreadful dreams, which made her breasts twitch several times, and which now made her a regular visitor to the herbalist's asylum.


Ìbànújẹ́ tí ó fún un ni ọ̀pọ̀lọpọ̀ àìroóorún-sùn òru, tí ó jẹ́ kí ó máa lá àìmọye àlákàlàá, ti ó ń jẹ́ kí omú rẹ̀ máa já pàtì láì mọyè ìgbà, tí ó wá sọ ọ́ di àlejò gbogbo ìgbà sí ọgbà babaláwo.


All for love of the child.


Gbogbo èyí, fún ìfẹ́ ọmọ.


It was not possible to fathom the depth of a mother's suffering over the child.


Kò ṣeé ṣe láti mọ̀ ìjìnlẹ̀ ìyà ìyá lórí ọmọ.


That's one reason the mother is the true owner of the child.


Èyí ni ìdí kan pàtàkì tó fi jẹ́ pé ìyá ní ó lọmọ lóòótọ́.


Mama made a desperate resolution, next time she set her eyes on Labake, the story was going to be different.


Màmá ní ìpinnu líle kan lọ́kàn rẹ̀ pé nígbà tí ó bá tún fojú kan Làbákẹ́, ìtàn náà á yàtọ̀.


She would be downright violent with her, knock her head against Labake's chest, tear at her.


Á gbé e gbóná fún un, á sẹ orí rẹ̀ mọ́ Làbákẹ́ láyà, á ya á jẹ.


She would not wait for that slow vengeance of the herbalist anymore.


Kòní í dúró de ẹ̀san díẹ̀díẹ̀ ti babaláwo yẹn mọ́.


The day she met Labake again, perdition would come down quick and fast on her.


Lọ́jọ́ tí ó bá tún padé Làbákẹ́, á pa á run ní kíákíá.


Leave Alamu alone! she would shout on the enemies' agent, holding her by the throat, leave my son alone! My only son.


"Fi Àlàmú sílẹ̀! Á pariwo lé aṣojú àwọn ọ̀tá, á dì ì lọ́fun mú ""Fi ọmọ mi sílẹ̀! Ọmọ mí kan ṣoṣo."


My garment, leave my only garment alone to enjoy his life Pack and go!


Asọ mi, fi asọ mi kan ṣoṣo sílẹ̀ kí ó gbádùn ayé rẹ̀. Kẹ́rù ẹ kí o lọ!


Pack your load and go now!' It is going to be an order.


"""Kó ẹrù rẹ̀ kí ó lọ nísìnyí! Á jẹ́ àṣẹ."


No dialogue anymore with the enemy at home.


Kò sí ìtàkùrọsọ pẹ̀lú ọ̀tá tí ó wà nílé mọ.


She would not give her chance to snap at her like she did the other day, calling her old woman, hag, witch...


Kò ní fún un láyè láti dá gbọn un bí ó ṣe ṣe níjọ́sí, tí ó ń pè é ni ìyá àgbà, àgbàyà, àjẹ́...


Pack your load and go now! Let's see your back Labake. Never dare look back!


Kó ẹrù ẹ́ kí o lọ nísìnyí! Jẹ́ ká rí ẹ̀yìn rẹ Làbákẹ́. O ò gbọdọ̀ wẹ̀yìn!


Accursed woman! Daughter of a witch! Agent of the devil! Go! Go away!


Obìnrin tí wọn fí ń sépè obìnrin! Ọmọ ìyá àjẹ́! Asojú Èṣù! Lọ! Máa lọ!


Mama dropped the broom she was holding and tears started trickling down her wrinkled cheeks


Màmá jù ìgbálẹ̀ tí ó dìmú sílẹ̀, omijé bẹ̀rẹ̀ sí ṣàn wálẹ̀ lẹ́rẹ̀kẹ́ rẹ̀ tí ó ti hunjọ.


Later, she started to sob violently.


Nígbà tí ó yá, ó bẹ̀rẹ̀ si í sunkún gidi.


Would she have that strength to attack Labake?


Ṣé á lè ní okun láti kojú Làbákẹ́?


Would her feeble hands not disappoint her that day?


Ṣé ọwọ́ rẹ̀ tí ò lágbara yìí ò ní dójú tì í lọ́jọ́ náà?


Would Labake's youthful energy not rumble her tired stomach, send steam rushing down her nostril, throw her tongue out of her mouth?


Ṣé agbára ọ̀dọ́ tó wà lára Làbákẹ́ òní da inú rẹ̀ tí ó ti rẹ̀ yìí rú, Ṣé kò ní ran eruku jáde nímú rẹ̀, tí á sì yọ ahọ́n kúrò lẹ́nu rẹ̀?


Oh! If only she knew how to pull the trigger of a damn gun!


Oh! Bí ó bá jẹ́ pé ó mọ bí wọn se ń fa irebọn ìbọn ni!


But, let Alamu be brought first! Let her son be saved first!


Ṣùgbọ́n, kí ó mú Àlàmú wá ná! Kí ó gba ọmọ rẹ̀ sílẹ̀ ná!


Mama was not happy dissipating her energy on an eye for eye, tooth for tooth' venture.


Inú màmá kò dùn sí fífi okun inú rẹ̀ ṣòfò lórí wàhálà ojú-fún-ojú, eyín-fún-eyín.


That would come later.


Ìyẹn á wáyé bí ó bá ya.


But now, let Alamu first be rescued.


Ṣùgbọ́n báyìí, kí wọ́n kọ́kọ́ gba Àlàmú sílẹ̀ ná.


Esuniyi had promised to follow her.


Èṣùníyì ti ṣe ìlérí láti tẹ̀lé e.


They were going together to bring him from town.


Wọ́n jọ máa lọ sí ìgboro láti mú un wá ni.


For the better part of the night, Mama's eyes refused to close.


Ní gbogbo òru, Màmá kò le sùn.


Alamu would, no doubt, be embarrassed to see her in company of a fetish priest in the dreaded apete garment.


Láìsí àní-àní, ojú á ti Àlàmú láti rí i pẹ̀lú babaláwo tí ó wọ ẹ̀wù apẹtẹ tí ó kuńfún ẹ̀rù.


But that was how it should be, he should understand.


Ṣùgbọ́n bí ó ṣe yẹ kí ó rí nìyẹn, ó yẹ kí ó yée.


He should try to understand ... he must understand.


A gbìyànjú láti ní òye... O gbọ́dọ̀ yé e.


Mama's eyes started blinking ... blinking.


Màmá bẹ̀rẹ̀ sí i ṣẹ́ ojú... ṣẹ́ ojú.


Finally the eyes closed up in sleep.


Nígbẹ̀yìn gbẹ́yín, ó sùn.


The old woman's mind, thereafter, went numb to everything.


Ọkàn ìyá àgbàlagbà kúrò nínú gbogbo nǹkan nígbà tó yá.


Numb to the hooting of the owl on the surrounding trees of the forest.


Ó kúrò nínú híhó ẹyẹ òwìwí lórí àwọn igi igbó àyíká.


Numb to the incessant barking of the dogs in the centre of the village.


Ó kúrò nínú gbígbó àwọn ajá ń ààrin gùngun ìlú.


It was not anything easy, saying the final goodbye to a home that had been one's own for a long time.


"Kì í ṣe ohun tí ó rọrùn láti ṣe ""ó dààbọ̀"" sí ilé tí ó tí jẹ́ ti ẹni fún ìgbà pípẹ́ ."


No matter the way such a home had presented itself to the person leaving it.


Láìwo bí ilé náà ti ṣe gbé ara rẹ̀ kalẹ̀, fún ẹni tí ó ń fi í lẹ.


Labake knew this very well.


Làbákẹ́ mọ èyí dáadáa.


So now, she heaved a heavy sigh and looked round nervously at everything inside the house.


Ní báyìí, ó mí àmíkàn ó sì wo gbogbo nǹkan inú ilé yíká tìlọ́ra tìlọ́ra.


She was probably spending her last day in Alamu's house.


Bóyá, ọjọ́ rẹ̀ tí ó kẹ́yìn, ní ó ń lò yìí nílé Àlàmú.


She had dressed up and was about to go out to do some urgent business in town.


Ó ti múra ó sì fẹ jáde láti lọ ṣe àwọn òwò kíá kíá kan ní ìgboro.


Already, she had negotiated with a mammy wagon driver.


Ó ti bá awakọ̀ ọ̀kọ̀ akẹ́rù kan dú nàá-dúrà sílẹ̀.


The driver would be around tomorrow with his vehicle, to carry away her things.


Awakọ̀ náà ń bọ̀ lọ́la pẹ̀lú ọ̀kọ̀ rẹ̀ láti wá fi kó àwọn nǹkan rẹ̀ lọ.


She'd told the driver how she wanted the job done.


Ó ti sọ fún dẹ́rẹ́bà náà bí ó ṣe fẹ́ kí isẹ́ náà ṣe rí.


She wanted the job completed with dispatch, in not more than, say, two hours.


Ó fẹ́ kí isẹ́ náà parí láìfàkókò ṣòfò, kí ó má ju bí i, kání wákàtí méjì.


The neighbours attention should not be attracted at all.


Kò gbọdọ̀ pe àkíyèsí àwọn aládúgbò rárá.


The mammy-wagon driver had promised his Co-operation and assured Labake that the business would not take him and his men more than one hour.


Awakọ̀ ọkọ̀-akẹ́rù náà ti ṣe ìlérí ìfọwọ́sọwọ́pọ̀ rẹ̀, ó sì fi Làbákẹ́ lọ́kàn balẹ̀ pé isẹ́ náà kò ní gba òun àti àwọn èèyàn òun ju wákàtí kan lọ.


I swear to God Almighty who made me, he said, sucking his forefinger and then pointing it to the sky emphatically.


Mo fi Ọlọrún tó dámi ṣẹlẹ́rìí, awakọ̀ náà sọ èyí, ó fa ìka ìlábẹ̀ rẹ̀ mú, ó sìnáàsí ojú ọ̀runfún àtẹnumọ́.


Labake was happy.


Inú Làbákẹ́ dùn.


Final adieu! This had never been anything easy for anyone.


Ìdágbére ìkẹyìn! Èyí kì í ṣe ohun tí ó rọrùn fún ẹnikẹ́ni.


And it was not going to be an easy thing for Labake either.


Kò sì lè jẹ́ nǹkan tí ó rọrùn fún Làbákẹ́ náà.


Her heart started beating fast.


Okàn rẹ bẹ̀rẹ̀ sí í lù kì kì kì.


There were so many things to say goodbye to.


Àwọn nǹkan tí ó fẹ ki pé ó dì gbóṣe pọ̀.


She entered the kitchen, muttered something to herself, and came out of it. She entered the bathroom, whispered something to herself and went into the toilet.


Ówọ ilé ìdáná, ó sọ̀rọ̀ wúyẹ́wúyẹ́ ara rẹ̀, ó sì jadé. Ó wọ balùwẹ̀, ó sọ̀rọ̀ kẹ́lẹ́kẹ́lẹ́ sí ara rẹ̀, ó sì wọ ilé-ìgbé.


In a minute, she came out of the small room, and peeped inside Alamu's room.


Ní ìṣẹ́jú kan, ó jáde kúrò nínú yàrá kékeré, ó sì yọjú wo ìyàrá Àlàmú.


She surveyed the empty room briefly.


Ó wo yàrá ofìfo náà fírí...


She saw Alamu's dirty clothes piled up on the standing hanger, some of them scattered on the bed.


Ó rí asọ ìdọ̀tí Àlàmú tí ó kó jọ sórí ibi ìfasọkọ́ onídùró, àti àwọn mìíràn tí ó fọ́nká sí orí ibùsùn.


A pyramid of files stood on his table.


Atòjọ fáílì ìwé dúró lórí tábílì rẹ̀.


Then those cob-webs in the corners of the room.


Lẹ́yìn náà ni àwọn jà-ǹ-kárìwọ̀ kọ̀rọ̀ yàrá.


A foul odour permeated the air in Alamu's room.


Òórùn burúkú kan gba afẹ́fẹ́ inú yàrá Àlàmú.


Labake held her nostrils.


Làbákẹ́ fi ọwọ́ di ihò imú rẹ̀.


Everything was topsy-turvy inside the strange room - the room of a mad man! Labake slammed Alamu's door and went inside her own room again.


Gbogbo nǹkan ní ó doríkodò nínú yàrá àjòjì yìí - yàrá ọkùnrin wèrè kan! Làbákẹ́ jan ilẹ̀kùn náà padé, ó sì tún wọ inú yàrá tirẹ̀.


In another minute, she came out of it and emerged in the sitting room, her eyes desperately burning red.


Ní ìṣẹ́jú mìíràn, ó jáde níbẹ̀ ó sì wọ yàrá ìgbafẹ́, ojú rẹ̀ pọ́n gidi.


That was the end! She rushed out of the flat into the street.


Òpin nì yẹn! Ó kù gìrì jáde kúrò ní ilé náà wọ òpópónà.


Instinctively, she gazed back at their flat.


Tiyè-tiyè, ó padà wo ilé wọn.


What a dreadful picture Alamu's flat now cut in her eyes.


Irú àwòrán ìbẹ̀rù wo ní ilé Àlàmú wá dà lójú rẹ̀.


When they first moved into the flat shortly after their wedding, it was with the high hope of making the place a paradise.


Nígbà tí wọn kọ́kọ́kó wọ inú ilé náà ní kété tí wọn ṣègbeyàwó, ó wà pẹ̀lú ìrètí gíga láti sọ ilé náà di párádísè.


She encouraged Alamu to purchase items that would make the house look exquisite.


Ó gba Àlàmú níyànjú pé kí ó ra àwọn nǹkan ti yóò mú kí ilé náà rẹwà.


And she used all her experience as a trained model and designer to make the home look good.


Ó sì lo gbogbo ìrírí rẹ̀ gẹ́gẹ́ bí ológe àti olùdárà láti jẹ́ kí ilé náà rí dáadáa.


She rested flower vases on all the window panes, hung photographs neatly on the wall in the corners of the sitting room and the bedrooms.


Ó kó àwọn àpótí òdòdó sí ojú àwọn fèrèsé, ó fi àwòrán kọ́ sára ògiri ní kọ̀rọ̀ yàrá ìgbafẹ́ àti àwọn iyẹ̀wù.


They purchased special carpets for the sitting room.


Wọ́n ra kápéétì ara ọ̀tọ̀ fún yàrá ìgbafẹ́.


The curtains and window blinds were of air quality.


Àwọn kọ́tíìnì àti ìbòjú fèrèsé jẹ́ gidi.


Everything inside the house in order.


Gbogbo nǹkan inú ilé ló wà létò-létò.


Visitors to their house breathed the smell of fresh flowers and were full of for the lady of the house.


Àwọn àlejò tó bá wá sí ilé wọn máa ń gbóòórùn òdòdó tútù, wọn sì máa ń kan sárá sí ìyá-ilé náà.


Labake was grand style - so it seemed pleased.


Èyí tẹ́ Làbákẹ́ lọ́rùn.


The matrimonial home had taken off in.


Ilé ọkọ náà ti bẹ̀rẹ̀ ní ara ọ̀tọ̀ bí ó ṣe jọ.


But was that truly a home?


Ṣùgbọ́n, ṣe ilé nìyẹn?


Labake was later compelled to begin asking herself.


Làbákẹ́ padà bẹ̀rẹ̀ si í tún ara rẹ̀ bi.


Was she not merely decorating a house, instead of building a home?


Ṣé kì í ṣe pé ó kàn dára sí ilé lásán ni, kàkà kí ó fi kọ́ ilé?


It did not take Labake a long time to realize that building a good matrimonial home was more than merely furnishing and decorating the rooms of a building.


Kò pẹ́ kí ó tó yé Làbàkẹ́ pé kíkó ilé ọkọ ẹni ju títò àti dídárà si àwọn yàrá ilé lọ.


The real home was made up of people - husband and wife interacting intimately with each other, loving each other, planning together, looking ahead to the future with hope and optimism.


Ilé gidi ni àwọn ènìyàn - ọkọ àti ìyàwó tí wọn ń bá ara wọn sọ̀rọ̀ tímọ́-tímọ́, tí wọn nífẹ̀ẹ́ ara wọn, tí wọn jọ ń ṣètò, tí wọ́n jọ ń wo ọjọ́ iwájú pẹ̀lú ìrètí àti ìgbàgbọ́ pé ohun gbogbo á dára.


The real matrimonial home was made of human beings with human feelings.


Ilé ọkọ gidi kún fún ènìyàn àti ìmọ̀lára ènìyàn.


Not the building - wall and roof.


Kì í ṣe ilé lásán - òrùlé àti ògiri.


Not the hypocritical decoration of the rooms, Labake now knew.


Kì í ṣe bí á ṣe dára sí àwọn yàrá, Làbákẹ́ ṣẹ̀ṣẹ̀ mọ̀.


She clutched her small handbag firmly under her and walked out into the street hailing a taxi.


Ó fi báàgì ìkọ́pá rẹ̀ sábẹ́ apá rẹ̀ ó sì rìn wọ òpòpónà náà, tí ó ń pé kabúkabú.


It did not take her long, this time, to get to Oke-Ado.


Kò pẹ ẹ́, lásìkò yìí, kí ó tó dé Òkè-Àdó.


Although the short-cut was still impassable, a of work had been done by the government on the long Agbeni Ogunpa road.


Bí ó tilẹ̀ jẹ́ pé, ọ̀nà àbùjá ò tí ko ṣe é gbà, ọ̀pọ̀lọpọ̀ iṣẹ́ ni ìjọba ń ṣe ní títì Agbeni sí Ògùnpa gígùn yẹn.


Some discipline was injected into the danfo and taxi drivers and the war against indiscipline with the street had been waged and won too.


Àwọn òfin ìkóni-níjàánu kan ti wọ ara àwọn awakọ̀ dánfó àti kabúkabú, àti ogun tí wọn dàkọ, àíní-ikora-ẹni-nìjàánu àwọn ọlọ́jà òpòpónà tí ó ti ṣe.


They all feared the new decree soon to be enforçed by the government.


Gbogbo wọn ni wọ́n bẹ̀rù òfin tuntun tí àwọn ìjọba fẹ́ fi lẹ́lẹ̀ láìpẹ́.


Any, driver who parked his vehicle wrongly would be summarily dealt with by the mobile courts; any driver who caused a traffic hold-up' would also be handed over to the courts and for traders who engaged in street trading, stiff penalties awaited them.


"Awakọ̀ kí awakọ̀ tó bá gbé ọkọ̀ rẹ̀ sọ́nà lọ́nà àìtọ́ á fojú winá ní àwọn ilé ẹjọ́ alágbèéká; awakọ̀ to bá dá ""súnkẹrẹ-fàkẹrẹ"" ọkọ̀ sílẹ̀, wọn á fà á lé ilé-ẹjọ́ lọ́wọ́; àwọn ọlọ́jà tí ó bá tajà ní òpópónà, ìjìyà tí ó le ń dúró dè wọ́n."


So now, the street was clear and driving on Agbeni Ogunpa road, like every other road of the city, was becoming more and more pleasurable.


Ní báyìí, òpòpónà wá mọ́ féfé, wíwakọ̀ lópòópónà Agbeni Ògùnpa wá ń dùn mọ́ bí i tí àwọn títì mìíràn nílùú ńlá.


Soon Labake was in her lawyers' chambers.


Láìpẹ́, Làbákẹ́ ti dé ìyẹ̀wù àwọn agbejọ́rò.


The environment in the chambers no longer scared her.


Àyíká ìyẹ̀wù náà kì í bà á lẹ́rù mọ́.


It had become familiar to her now.


Ó tí mọ́ ọn lára.


The panic and the anxiety which gripped her during her first visit had completely disappeared.


Ìpayà àti àìbalẹ̀ ọkàn tí ó gbá a mú nígbà àkọ́kọ́ tí ó máa dé ibẹ̀ ti pòórá pátápátá.


She felt at ease now as she spoke freely with the friendly receptionist.


Ara rẹ̀ balẹ̀ báyìí bí ó ṣe ń bá olùgbàlejò iléeṣẹ́ náà sọ̀rọ̀.


"""You are lucky today madam', the receptionist said, presenting a smile."


"""Ẹ ṣoríire lónìí màdáámú,"" olùgbàlejò náà sọ̀rọ̀ pẹ̀lú ẹ̀rín músẹ́ lẹ́nu,"


"""Yes, lucky. He's in', ""Really?"


"""Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni, ẹ mọ̀ ọ́n rìn. Wọ́n wà nínú ilé."" ""Ṣé lóòótọ́?"""


"Yes, Then I am lucky, ""You are indeed madam."


"""Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni,"" ""Mo ṣoríire nìyẹn,"" ""Lóòótọ́ ni màdáámú."


But you'll have to wait for a few minutes.


Ṣùgbọ́n ẹ ní láti dúró fún bí i ìṣẹ́jú díẹ̀.


There's somebody in there with him him'.


"Ẹnìkan wà pẹ̀lú wọn."""


Thank you, I'll wait'.


"""Ẹ ṣeun, màá dúró."""


This was Labake's fourth visit to the chambers.


Èyí ni ìgbà ẹ̀ẹ̀kẹ́rin tí Làbákẹ́ ti ṣe àbẹ̀wò sí ìyẹ̀wù náà.


She had not been lucky since her first visit, to meet any of the two lawyers.


Kò ní àǹfààní láti bá wọn, yàtọ̀ sí ìgbà àkọ́kọ́, kí ó bá ìkankan nínú àwọn agbẹjọ́rò méjèèjì.


At various times, she had been told they were out.


Ní ọ̀pọ̀ ìgbà wọ́n ti sọ fún un pé wọ́n jáde.


At one time she was told Lawyer Mustafa had gone on a business trip overseas.


Nígbà kan, wọ́n sọ fún un pé agbẹjọ́rò Mústàfá ti lọ fún ìrìnàjò òwò lókè-òkun.


Labake was not surprised to hear that.


Kò ya Làbákẹ́ lẹ́nu láti gbọ́ ìyẹn.


She remembered he had dropped a hint to that effect the other time.


Ó rántí pé ó ti sọ nǹkan tí ó jọ èyí ní ìgbàtí órí iyẹn.


He said he would make a trip to England or, was it to America?


Ó ní òun á rìn ìrìnàjò lọ sí Englandi, Àbí ṣé Amẹ́ríkà ni?


During another visit, she was told that Lawyer Mustafa's partner had gone to argue a case in a Lagos Court.


Ní ìgbà àbẹ̀wò mìíràn, wọ́n sọ fún un pé ìkejì agbẹjọ́rò Mústàfá ti lọ ṣe àwíjàre ẹjọ́ kan ní ilé-ẹjọ́ Èkó.


During Labake's last visit to chambers she met the lawyers' confidential secretary who assured her that action had started on her case.


Nígbà àbẹwò ìgbẹ̀yìn Làbákẹ́ sí ibẹ̀, ó pàdé akọ̀wé àṣírí àwọn agbẹjọ́rò náà, tí ó fi í lọ́kàn balè pé iṣẹ́ti bẹ̀rẹ̀ lórí ẹjọ́ rẹ̀.


The case had been registered, and its strategy mapped out by the lawyers.


Wón ti ṣe àkọsílè ẹjọ́ rẹ̀, ọ̀nà àti ṣiṣẹ́ rẹ̀ sì ti jáde.


The wedding album, the marriage ring and the certificate she brought had been inspected and would be tendered in court as exhibits.


Ìwé àkójopọ̀ àwòrán ìgbéyàwó, òrùka ìgbéyàwó, àti ìwé-ẹ̀rí ìgbéyàwó tí ó mú wá ni wọ́n ti yẹ̀wò fínní fínní, wọn á sì fi hàn nílé ẹjọ́ gẹ́gẹ́ bí ẹ̀rí.


Labake had listened in rapt attention.


Làbákẹ́ ti tẹ́tí pẹ̀lú ìfọkànsí.


What remained for her, the secretary said, was to formally meet any of the two lawyers for a brief chat.


Ohun tí ó kù fún un tí akọ̀wé náà sọ ni pé, kí ó pàdé ọ̀kan lára àwọn agbẹjọ́rò méjèèjì fún ìtàkùrọ̀sọ ráńpé.


Then they would quickly file the suit, issue a court summons to her husband, and prepare to go to court to argue the case.


Lẹ́yìn náà ni wọ́n á gbé ẹjọ́ náà lọ ilé-ẹjọ́, tí wọ́n á fi ìwé ìpèlẹ́jọ́ ráńṣ́ẹ́ sí ọkọ rẹ̀, wọn á sì gbaradì láti lọ sí ilé-ẹjọ́ láti ṣe àwíjàre ẹjọ́ náà.


The confidential secretary had assured her that her case was going to be very easy to prosecute, compared with the other naughty ones the lawyers handled.


Akọ̀wé àṣírí náà fi í lọ́kàn balẹ̀ pé ẹjọ́ rẹ̀ á rọrùn láti gbá mú, ó yàtọ̀ sí àwọn ẹjọ́ gbẹ̀ ẹ́ gbẹ̀ ẹ́, tí àwọn agbẹjọ́rò náà ti gbá mú.


Hers would be quickly disposed of in not more than two proceedings.


Wọn átètè parí tirẹ̀ ní ìjókòó ẹ̀ẹ̀mejì.


Now Labake was lucky, She would hear it all from the horse's mouth.


Ní báyìí, oríti bá Làbákẹ́ ṣe é, Á gbọ́ ọ̀rọ̀ lẹ́nu ọlọ́rọ̀.


Lawyer Mustafa's partner was in, and she was shortly going to meet him over the matter.


Ìkejì agbẹjọ́rò Mústàfá wà nínú ilé, á sì lọ bá a láìpẹ́ lórí ọ̀rọ̀ náà.


She would be meeting this second lawyer for the first time.


Á pàdé agbẹjọ́rò kejì yìí fún ìgbà àkọ́kọ́.


The friendly receptionist kept her at ease, talking intimately to her.


Olùgbàlejò tó kóni mọ́ra náà fi í lára balẹ̀, ó ń bá a sọ̀rọ̀ tímọ́tímọ́.


"""How are the children?"


"""Àwọn ọmọ náà ńkọ́?"""


"""Thank you."


"""Ẹ ṣeun"""


"""And their father, madam?"


"""Àti bàbá wọn, màdáámú?"""


Fine, thank you', What else would Labake say?


"""Wọ́n wà dáadáa, ẹ ṣeun,"" Kí tún ni kí Làbákẹ́ sọ?"


Her eyes wandered. Everybody with their own problems.


Ojú rè wò. rá-rà-rá oníkálùkù pẹ̀lú ìṣòro tirẹ̀.


Tinu's father was alright, would she say he was not alright?


Bàbá Tinú wà lálàáfíà, àbí ṣe yóò sọ pé kò sí lálàáfíà ni?


Labake's eyes caught the gold watch twinking on the wrist of the receptionist.


Ojú Làbákẹ́ rí aago ọ̀rún-ọwọ́ wúrà tí ó ń kọ mọ̀nà lọ́rùn ọwọ́ olùgbàlejò náà.


She noted the phosphore scent glow of its tiny hands.


Ó ṣàkíyèsí ọwọ́ aago náà tí ó ń tàn.


This was an opportunity for her to change the topic of discussion over to some general things.


Èyí jẹ́ àǹfàànì fún un láti yí kókó ọ̀rọ̀ wọn padà sí nǹkan gbogbo ògbò.


"""You have a fine wrist-watch', Labake observed. addressing the receptionist, ""Newly purchased, I suppose?"""


"""Ẹ ní aago ọrùn-ọwọ́ tó rẹwà,"" Làbákẹ́ sọ èyí, ó ń bá olùgbàlejò náàwí, ""Tuntun ni, àbí?"""


Yes, madam.


"""Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni, màdáámú."


Bought only two months ago.


Oṣù méjì sèyín la rà á.


We got it in Washington during our honeymoon.


Ìlú Washington la ti rà á, nígbà ìgbádùn àṣẹ̀ṣẹ̀ṣe ìgbéyàwó.


My husband has a similar one.


Ọ̀ko mi náàní irú ẹ̀.


You see, we are always purchasing things together.


Ṣéẹ rí i, a jọ máa ń ra nǹkan papọ̀ ni.


Buy a blouse and he would want a shirt!


Bí mo bá ra búláòsì, òun náà á fẹ́ ṣẹ́ẹ̀tì!


Buy a shirt and he too would want a pair of trousers.


Bí mo ra ṣẹ́ẹ̀tì kan òun náà á fẹ́ ṣòkòtò kan.


Buy a wig and, oh my God! Dapo would want a hat!


"Bí mo bá ra irun aláwọ̀sórí, Olúwa ò! Dàpọ̀ náàá fẹ́ fìlà."""


I see. That's good'.


"""Mo rí i. Ó dáa bẹ́ẹ̀"""


Thank you madam.


"""Ẹ ṣeun màdáámú."


We intend to go back at the end of the year to do some more shopping


À ń gbèrò láti padà lọ ní òpin ọdún yìí láti lọ ra àwọn nǹkan sí i.


America is so beautiful.


Ìlú Amẹ́ríkà mà rẹwà.


Lots and lots of beautiful things to purchase.


Ọ̀pọ̀lọpọ̀ nǹkan tó rẹwà ni ó wà láti rà.


"Lots of nice, nice people to meet."""


"Ọ̀pọ̀lọpọ̀ àwọn èèyàn dáadáa dáadáa ló wà níbẹ̀ láti pàdé"""


That's right, In happier times, Labake would have told the receptionist that she too was not a stranger to Uncle Sam's country.


"""Òótọ́ ni,"" Kání àsìkò tí inú rẹ̀ dùn ni, Làbákẹ́ ò bá sọ fún olùgbàlejò náà pé òun náà kì í ṣe àjèjì sí ilẹ̀ aláwọ̀ funfun."


That she had made several visits to America from Britain, and had toured the great cities extensively.


Kò bá so ó pé òun ti ṣe àìmọye àbèwò sí Amẹ́ríkà láti Brítéènì, ó sì ti dé gbogbo ìlú ńlá náà.


She was in Philadelphia, Los Angeles and San Francisco, New Orleans and Chicago.


Ó lọ sí Philadelphia, Los Angeles àti San Francisco; New Orleans àti Chicago.


Yes, during happier times, Labake would have lectured the receptionist, thoroughly, on where to go in America for shopping the shoppers paradise on Madison Avenue in New York the great Neiman Marcus in Washington DC and the mighty Water Tower Complex - the pride of Chicago.


Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni, nígbà tí inú rẹ̀ ń dùn, Làbákẹ́ ò bá ti ṣe ìdánilẹ́kọ̀ọ́ tó péye fún olùgbàlejò náà lórí àwọn ibi tí ó lè lọ ní Amẹ́ríkà tíó bá fẹ́ ra nǹkan - párádísè àwọn òǹràjà ni òpópónà Madison ní New York, Neiman Marcus ńlá ní Washington DC àti Tower complex olómí ńlá - tí ó jẹ́ ẹwà Chicago.


The situation now was quite different.


Ọ̀rọ̀ tó wà nílẹ̀ nísinsìnyí yàtọ̀


"""America is beautiful the receptionist repeated, her eyes shining bright."


"""Amẹ́ríkà rẹwà"" olùgbàlejò náà tún un sọ, tí ojú rẹ̀ ń dán."


Labake sized her up quickly. This was one of the travelers to the States who would arrive back at home full of pride at having the rare privilege of visiting civilized America.


"Làbákẹ́ gbé e léwòn kíákíá. Èyí jẹ́ ọ̀kan lára àwọn arìnrìnàjò lọ sí ""ìlú ọba"" tí ìgbéraga máa ń wọ̀ lẹ́wù tí wọ́n bá padà dé ilé nítorí wọ́n ti jàjà ní àǹfààní àtilọ sí ìlú Amẹ́ríkà tí wọ́n ti lajú."


Their two month, or so visit would take them to the state capitals, they would see the glittering street lights and the multiple-carriage highways and then rush back home to talk of beautiful America, mere casual visitors who knew nothing about the ghetto areas in Uncle Sam's country!


"Àbẹ̀wò oṣù méjì àbí kínla wọn máa ń mú wọn lọ sí olú-ìlú; wọn á ri àwọn iná òpópónà tí ó ń dán àti òpópónà àìmọye, wọn á wá sáré wálé láti sọ̀rọ̀ ""ẹwà Amẹ́ríkà,"" àwọn àlejò lásán làsàn tí ò mọ nǹkankan nípa àwọn àdúgbó tí ò ṣe é fojú rí ní ìlú òyìnbó."


Labake's eyes rested on the sparkling ornament on the receptionist's finger - her wedding ring.


Ojú Làbákẹ́ lọ sí ibi ohun ọ̀ṣọ́tó ń danná ní ìka ọwọ́ olùgbàlejò náà - òrùka ìgbéyàwó rẹ̀ .


She was newly- married truly!


Ó ṣẹ̀ṣẹ̀ ṣe ìgbéyàwó ni lóòótọ́!


No wonder her face radiated happiness, and she became talkative.


Abájo tí ìdùnnú ṣe kún ojú rẹ̀ tí ó wá di ẹlẹ́jọ́ wẹ́wẹ́.


No wonder she was so full of life.


Abájọ tí ìyè fi kún inú rẹ̀.


Labake saw a lover's chain dangling from her neck.


Làbákẹ́ rí ṣéènì olólùfe tí ó ń mì lọ́rùn rẹ̀.


"""You missed seeing my husband, the Receptionist continued, her mouth would not be stopped!"


"""Ẹtàsé rírí ọkọ mi,"" olùgbàlejò náà tẹ̀síwájú, ẹnu rẹ̀ kò ṣe é dá dúró!"


You missed him just by a few minutes madam, he just left after teasing me crazy, and promising he would come back to pick me on the dot of three thirty.


"""Ẹ tàsé rẹ̀ fún bí i ìṣẹ́jú díẹ̀ màdáámú, ó lọ lẹ́yìn ìgbà tí ó fẹ́rẹ̀ ẹ́ lè fìfẹ́ yí mi lórí, ó sì ṣèlérí láti wá gbé mi ní aago mẹ́ta ààbọ̀ gérégé."


You see, madam, I have a jealous man for a husband.


Ṣe ẹ rí i, màdáámú, òjòwú ọkùnrin ni mo ní lọ́kọ.


Dapo can't stand me uing a minute over-time work here.


Dàpọ̀ ò lè gbà láti rí i pé mo ṣe ìṣẹ́jú kan ní àsìkò èlé iṣẹ́ níbi.


Won't allow to go out alone.


Kò ní í jẹ́ kí n dájáde.


And would always tell me, ok darling, what God has joined together, let no one put asunder'


"Á máa sọ ọ́ ní gbogbo ìgbà pé ""wò ó olólùfẹ́, ohun tí Ọlọ́run Ọba báti so pọ̀, kí ẹnikẹ́ni má ṣe tú u ká"""


Then, pull at my cheeks tenderly, cling on to me as if somebody, close at hand, would snatch me from him any minute.


Lèyín náà, á fà mí lẹ́rẹ̀kẹ́ jẹ́jẹ́, á wá lẹ̀ mọ́ mi, bí ìgbà tí ènìyàn kan bá wà nítòsí tó fẹ́ gbà mí mọ́ ọn lọ́wọ́ nígbàkugbà.


Labake looked away, she shifted uncomfortably on the chair.


Làbákẹ́ gbójú kúrò, ó sún pèlú ìnira lórí ìjókòó.


She was already becoming envious of this receptionist in obvious connubial elation.


Ó ti ń jowu olùgbàlejò yìí pẹ̀lú ìgbéraga àti ayọ̀ tó farahàn.


Her what God has joined together jerked her brain to a state of insensibility, and the let no man put asunder pricked her in the mind like a thorn.


"Ọ̀rọ̀ ""Ohun tí Ọlọ́run Ọba ti so pọ̀"" rẹ̀ wọ ọpọlọ rẹ̀ débi ipò àìlọ́pọlọ, tí ""kí ẹnikẹ́ni má ṣe yà wọ́n"" rẹ̀ gún un lọ́kàn bí ẹ̀gún."


Surely, that was not the first time she would hear the expression, it was a hackneyed expression.


Dájúdájú, kìí ṣe ìgba àkọ́kọ́ tí yóò gbọ́ ọ̀rọ̀náà nìyen, ó jẹ́ ọ̀rọ̀ tí kò ṣàjèjì.


She'd heard it a thousand and one times, but to be reminded of it at this point in time was enough to make the heart pound violently as if under the weight of a sledge hammer.


Ó ti gbọ́ ọ nígbà mọ́kànlélẹ́gbẹ̀rún, ṣùgbọ́n kí wọ́n rán an létí nínú àsìkò yìí tó láti mú kí ọkàn rẹ̀ máa lù kì-kì-kì bí ìgbà tí wọ́n fòlù lù ú.


Very soon, the inner door of the chambers opened, and a fat man in agbada left the lawyers' office.


Láìpẹ́, ìlẹ̀kùn inú ìyẹ̀wú náàṣí sílè, ọkùnrin sísanra kan tí ó wọ agbádá kúrò ní ọ́fíìsì agbẹjọ́rò.


Labake was ushered in and in a minute, found herself face to face with the man who would help her put asunder what God has joined together - Lawyer Mustafa's partner.


Wọ́n pe Làbákẹ́ wọlé ní ìsẹ́jú kan, ó sì bá ara rẹ̀ níwájú ọkùnrin tí yóò bá a tú ohun tí Ọlọ́run ti so pọ̀ ká - ìkejì agbẹjọ́rò Mústàfá.


Come right in madam.


"""Ẹ wọlé síbí màdáámú."


Feel free.


Ẹtúra ká.


Take a chair


Ẹ mú ìjókòó.


You are welcome, the lawyer in grey suit and dark glasses addressed her


"Ẹ káàbọ̀,"" agbẹjọ́rò tí ó wọ súùtù aláwò eérú, tí ó sì kan ìgò dúdú mọ́jú, bá a wí."


"""You are Mrs. Alamu Olaoye?"


"""Ẹ̀yin ni ìyáàfin Àlàmú Ọláoyè?"""


Yes... Yes... Yes, At least for now madam?


"""Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni... bẹ́ẹ̀... bẹ́ẹ̀ ni, ""Fún ìsìnyí màdáámú?"""


Yes. Thank you.


"""Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni. Ẹ ṣeun"""


"""I am handling your case, is that alright with you?"


"""Èmi ni ẹjọ́ yín wà ní ìkáwọ́ rẹ̀, ṣé ó tẹ́ ẹ yín lọ́rùn?"""


"""Yes, You want a divorce?"


"""Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni,"" ""Ẹ́ fẹ́ kọ ọkọ yín sílẹ̀?"""


"""Yes."" My partner has given me all the details."


"""Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni."" ""Ẹnìkejì mi ti fún mi ní ẹ̀kúnrẹ́rẹ́ àlàyé."


Your tape recorded statement is also here.


Ohùn yín tí a gbà sílẹ̀ náà wà níbí.


You have anything more to add to what you've already told


"Ṣe ẹ ò ní nǹkan tí ẹ fẹ́ fi kún àwọn nǹkan tíẹ ti sọ fún wa?"""


No. Nothing. No em...


"""Rárá. Kò sí nǹkankan. Rárá ẹm ..."""


Come madam. Speak up. Well.


"""Màdáámú ẹ wá. Ẹ sọ̀rọ̀ sókè. Dáadáa."""


Except... Except that... that I want the case disposed of as quickly as em.. em.


"""Ẹnnn ...yàtọ̀ sí pé mo fẹ́ kí ẹjọ́ náà yanjú ni kòpẹ́ kòpẹ́ yìí ẹm..ẹm."""


Can understand your anxiety madam.


"""Ó yé mi bí o ṣe ń ṣe yín màdáámú."


We are ready at our end here.


A ti ṣetán ní ọ̀dọ̀ wa níbí.


No problem.


"Kò sí ìṣòro."""


Thank you, I want the case settled quickly because.


"""Ẹ ṣeun, mo fẹ́ kí ẹjọ́ náà tètè níyanjú kíákíá nítorí pe."""


Yes, madam. Feel free... Because?


"""Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni, màdáámú. Ẹ túra ká... Nítorí pé?"""


"Because, this man can harm me any time."""


"""Nítorí pé ọkùnrin yìí lè pamí lára nígbàkúùgbà"""


Is that so?


"""Ṣé lóòótọ́?"""


"""Yes, he is now out of his mind. He had gone mad..."


"""Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni, orí rẹ̀ ti yí. Ó ti ya wèrè..."""


Tell me! OK.


"""Ẹ sọ fún mi! ó dáa."


Don't worry madam, tomorrow we go to court.


Ẹ má ṣèyọnu màdáámú, tó bá dọ̀la à á lọ sílé ẹjọ́.


How about that?


Ìyẹn ńkọ́?


Do you like it that way?


"Ṣé ẹ fẹ́ ẹ́ bẹ́ẹ̀?"""


"""Thank you very much."


"""Ẹ ṣeun gan an ni."


"That is what I want."""


"Nǹkan tí mo fẹ́ nìyẹn."""


"""You are happy now Mrs. Olaoye?"


"""Ṣé inú yín ti dùn báyìí ìyáàfin Ọláoyè?"""


"""Yes. Yes. Labake could not understand why she felt so shy in the presence of the lawyer."


"""Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni. Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni."" Kò ye Làbákẹ́ ìdí tí ojú fi ń tì í tó yìí níwájú agbẹjọ́rò náà."


It might be because she was meeting him for the first time.


Ó lẹ̀ jẹ́ nítorí pé ó ṣẹ̀ṣẹ̀ ń pàdé rẹ̀ fún ìgbà àkọ́kọ́.


It might be because those questions came dropping on her like bombshells. Or that her earlier conversation with the receptionist had weighed on her subconscious mind so much.


Ó lè jẹ́ pé àwọn ìbéèrè náà ń bá a lójijì bí i àdó olóró alùgbàù. Tàbí ìtàkurọ̀sọ òun pẹ̀lu olùgbàlejò ẹ̀ẹ̀kan ló dúró lọ́kàn rẹ̀ púpọ̀.


Well... Whatever the Reason, she just discovered she couldn't look her lawyer straight in the face.


Ẹhn... Ohunkóhun tí ì bá à fà á, ó kàn ṣàkíyèsí pé òun kò lè wojú agbejọ́rò rẹ̀ tààrà.


She answered all his questions dodging him, looking at the wall over his head, gazing at the fat books on the big shelf or looking down at the soft office rug.


Ó dáhùn gbogbo ìbéèrè rẹ̀ láìwojú rẹ̀, á wo ògiri èyìn rẹ̀, á wo àwọn ìwé ńlá ńlá tó wà lórí pẹpẹ ńlá tàbí kí ó gbójú sílẹ̀ máa wo rọ́ọ̀gì fẹ́lẹ́fẹ́lẹ́ ọ́fíìsì náà.


She was not sure the lawyer himself did not notice her nervousness.


Kò dá a lójú pé agbẹjọ́rò náà kò ṣàkíyèsí àìbalẹ̀ ara rẹ̀.


That was probably why he kept telling her to feel free to take things easy, not to worry, that there was no problem.


Bóyá ìdí tí ó fi ń sọ fún un pé kí ó túra ká nìyẹn, kí ó ṣe pẹ̀lẹ́pẹ̀lẹ́ pé kí ó má ṣèyọnu pé kò sí ìṣoro.


Suddenly, the lawyer raised his voice and said:


Ṣàdéédé, ni agbẹjọ́rò náà gbé ohùn rẹ̀ sókè, ó ní:


"""Look at me properly."


"""Wò mí dáadáa."


Labake look at me! See my face!


Làbákẹ́ wò mí! Wojú mi!


Don't you know me?


Ṣé o ò mọ̀ mí ni?


Haven't we met several times before?


"Ṣá à ti pàdé láìmọye ìgbà rí?"""


The lawyer removed his dark glasses and behold, the face that gazed back at Labake was the face of no other person but that of Lawyer Adio, Alamu's bosom friend!


Agbẹjọ́rò náà yọ ìgò dúdú ojú rẹ̀ kúrò, kíyèsi, ojú tí ó wo Làbákẹ́ kò ṣe ojú ẹlòmìíràn yàtò sí ojú agbẹjọ́rò Àdìó, ọ̀rẹ́ Àlàmú tímọ́tímọ́!


Labake gazed at him in disbelief, What immediately went on inside her was indescribable.


Làbákẹ́ wò ó láìgbàgbọ́, nǹkan tí ó ṣẹlẹ̀ nínú rẹ̀ lẹ́sẹ̀kẹsẹ̀ ò ṣe é ṣ̀àpèjúwe.


For a very long time, she gazed and gazed.


Fún ìgbà pípẹ́, ó wò, wò,ó wò.


Then she started breathing heavily, staring as if she'd seen an apparition.


Lẹ́yìn náàni ó bẹ̀rẹ̀ si í mí lóke, ó ń wò bí i ẹni tí ó rí òkú.


The two of them sat speechless, regarding each other with utmost wonder and incredulity.


Àwọn méjèèjì jókòó láìsọ̀rọ̀, wọ́n wo ara wọn pẹ̀lú ìyàlẹ́nu ńlá àti àìgbàgbọ́.


It was a most unexpected meeting which affected Labake like an electric shock


Ó jé ìpàdé àìròtẹ́lẹ̀ tí ó kan Làbákẹ́ gbọ̀ngbọ̀n bí ìgbà tí iná bá gbé e.


But this was the moment Lawyer Adio had been waiting for ever since.


Ṣùgbọ́n àsìkò yìí ni agbẹjọ́rò Àdìó tí ń dúró dè tipẹ́.


He'd gone through the file which Lawyer Mustafa created and later transferred to him before he travelled out of the country.


Ó ti yẹ fáìlì tí agbẹjọ́rò mústàfá ṣí sílẹ̀ tí ó sì ta àtaré rẹ̀ sí i kí ó tó di wí pé ó rìn ìrìnàjò kúrò ní orílẹ̀-èdè.


With Adio's ears wide open, he'd heard all that Labake had to say concerning her association with his friend.


Pẹ̀lú etí Àdìó ni ó fi gbọ́ gbogbo nǹkan tí Làbákẹ́ ní láti sọ nípa ìbáṣepọ̀ rẹ̀ pẹ̀lú ọ̀rẹ́ òun.


It was a most shocking revelation, he'd seen their wedding album and had inspected their marriage certificate with trembling fingers.


Ó jẹ́ ìsípa yátí ó mi èèyàn tìtì, ó ti rí ìwé àkójo àwòrán ìgbéyàwó wọn, ó ti ṣàgbéyẹ̀wò ìwé-ẹ̀ríìgbéyàwó wọn pẹ̀lú ìka ọwọ́tó ń gbọ̀n rìrì.


And ever since, had been waiting with almost uncontrollable excitement, for this moment to come.


Láti ìgbà náà, ni ó ti ń dúró pẹ̀lú inú dídùn fún àsìkò yìí láti wáyé.


Now, here he was, face to face with his friend's wife at last Stance. Strange, isn't it Labake?


Nísinsìnyí, níbí ni ó wà, lójúkojú pẹ̀lú ìyàwó ọ̀rẹ́ rẹ̀ nígbẹ̀yìn gbẹ́yín. Ó ṣàjèjì, àbí bẹ́ẹ̀ kọ́ Làbákẹ́?


Adio said slowly, Don't worry at all.


"""Àdìó sọ ọ́ jẹ́jẹ́. Ó dáa, má ṣèyọnu rárá."


Let's get talking.


Jẹ́ ká a sọ̀rọ̀.


Now as lawyer talking to his client, but as the -Wisher of the family talking to the wife of his good friend.


Ki í ṣe bí i ọ̀rọ̀ agbẹjọ́rò àti oníbàárà rẹ̀, ṣùgbọ́n bí i afẹ́nifére ìdílé, tí ó bá ìyàwó ọ̀rẹ́ rẹ̀ tí ó ṣe é fọkàn tán sọ̀rọ̀.


Could we do that Labake?


"Ǹ jẹ́ a lè ṣe ìyẹn Làbákẹ́?"""


Labake did not answer, obviously, she had not Succeed in extricating herself from the ensuring to readjust her internal confusion.


Làbákẹ́ kò fèsì, ó hàn gbangba pé kò tí ì ṣàṣeyọrí gbígba ara rẹ̀ sílẹ̀ lọ́wọ́ ìdààmútó ń lọ nínú rẹ̀.


Adio gave her some more time.


Àdìó fún un lásìkò díẹ̀ láti fi í lára balẹ̀.


It was in England she last met Adio, at that time Adio maintained a steady association with Alamu.


Englandi ni ó ti rí Àdìó gbẹ̀yìn, ní àsìkò yẹn, Àdìó ṣe ìmúdúró ìbáṣepọ̀ rẹ̀ pẹ̀lú Àlàmú.


Two people with one soul, they used to call them.


Ènìyàn méjì pẹ̀lú ẹ̀mí kan, ni wọ́n máa ń pè wọ́n.


They fitted like a pair of gloves and together played a tune that never registered a discordant note.


Wọ́n bá ara wọn mu bí ìdodo ẹ̀fọn, ọ̀rọ̀ wọn kòtàsé ara wọn rí.


Adio was then a law student and Alamu an accountancy student.


Nígbà náà, Àdìó jẹ́ akẹ́kọ̀ọ́ ìmọ̀-òfin, tí Àlàmú sì jẹ́ akẹ́kọ̀ọ́ ìmọ̀-ìṣirò.


Both of them attending the same university.


Yunifásitì kan náà ni àwọn méjèèjì si lọ.


Labake remembered Adio mediating on two occassions in their quarrel over Josephine and Caroline.


Làbákẹ́ rántí ẹ̀ẹ̀mejì tí Àdìó dá sí ìjà wọn lórí ọ̀rọ̀ Josephine àti Caroline.


He remembered their endless trips together to the theatres and the cinema houses with Adio and his girlfriend Lara.


Ó rántí òde àìlópin wọn papọ̀ lọ sí tíátà àti ilé sinimá pẹ̀lú Àdìó àti ọ̀rẹ́bìnrin rẹ̀ Lará.


Labake remembered their weekend visits to the suburbs whilst in England.


Làbákẹ́ rántí àbẹ̀wò òpin-ọ̀sẹ̀ wọn lọ sí àwọn ìgbèríko nígbàtí wọ́n ṣì wà ní Englandi.


She looked at Adio closely now. She was like a fool really. She was being stupid.


Ó wo Àdìó dáadáa nísinsìnyí. Òun fúnrarẹ̀ ṣe wá gọ̀ báyìí. Ó ponú.


How could she have forgotten Adio so easily?


Báwo ni ó ṣe yára gbàgbé Àdìó kíá bẹ́ẹ̀?


She was making a fool of herself.


Ó ń fi ara rẹ̀ ṣe yẹ̀yẹ́.


She watched him, speechless.


Ó ń wò ó láìsọ̀rọ̀.


When finally she heaved a sign of relief, Adio asked:


Lèyín tí ó jàjà mí ìmí ìtura, Àdìó bèèrè pé:


"""Would you say now that I am not qualified to discuss this topic with you Labake?"


"""Ṣé wà á wá sọ pé mi ò kún ojú òṣùnwọ̀n láti bá ẹ sọ̀rọ̀ yìí Làbákẹ́?"""


"""Na... No... Labake answered slowly, meditatively,"


"""Rárá...rárá...,"" Làbákẹ́ rọra dáhùn tìrònú tìrònú"


"""Not that. But. But. em..."


"""Ki í ṣe bẹ́ẹ̀. Ṣùgbọ́n. Ṣùgbọ́n. ẹm..."""


Look Labake, if you insist on contesting the divorce in court, I won't stop you.


"""Wò ó Làbákẹ́, tí o bá ṣì wà lórí pé o fẹ́ ṣẹjọ́ ìkọ̀sílẹ̀ ní ilé-ẹjọ́, mi ò ní ní ko má ṣe é."


But all I am saying is that we can still talk about the matter...


"Ṣùgbọ́n nǹkan tí mò ń sọ ni pé, a ṣì lè yanjú ọ̀rọ̀ náà..."""


You and me...


Èmi àti ẹ...


"""Hum. Yes.' ""Good.., And thank you Labake for that."


"""Hun....bẹ́ẹ̀ ni"" ""Ó dáa bẹ́ẹ̀.......mo dúpẹ́ lọ́wọ́ ẹ fún ìyẹn Làbákẹ́."


Did you say Alamu ill-treated you?


Ṣé o ní Àlàmú fìyà jẹ ẹ́?


"""Yes. How? - Probably beating you?"


"""Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni."" ""Báwo? - ṣé ó ń nà ọ́ ni?"


No. Hasn't he raised up his hands to beat you once?


"""Rárá."" ""Ṣé kò tí ì gbé ọwọ́ rẹ̀ sókè láti nà ọ́ lẹ́ẹ̀kan rí?"


Slap you? Or something?


"Kí ó gbá ọ létí? tàbí nǹkan?"""


He has not done that.'


"""Kò tí ì ṣe ìyẹn"""


I see. He must have punished you then - in some other way?


"""Mo rí bẹ́ẹ̀. Á jẹ́ pé ó ti fìyà jẹ ẹ́ lọ́nà mìíràn nìyẹn?"""


"""Hum.. Hum... What about provocative utterances?"


"""Hùn...hùn..."" ""Àwọn ìdáhùnsi ìmúnibínú ńkọ́?"


Like shouting. Yelling on you?


Bí i kó pariwo. Kí ó kígbe mọ́ ẹ?


Talking angrily, and the rest of it. No.


"Kí ó fìbínú dáhùn, àti àwọn mìíràn."" ""Rárá."""


Nothing like that?


"""Kò sí nǹkan tí ó jọbẹ́ẹ̀?"


Adio asked, then smiled.


Àdìó béèrè, ó sì rẹ́rìn-ín músẹ́.


"""How then has my friend ill-treated you Labake?"


"""Báwo ni ọ̀rẹ́ mi ṣé wá fìyà jẹ ọ́ Làbákẹ́?"


Labake reflected for a minute, she tried to remember some instances of ill-treatment that she'd suffered in the hands of Alamu.


Làbákẹ́ ronú fún ìṣẹ́jú kan, ó gbìyànjú láti rántí àpẹẹrẹ àwọn ìgbà tí ó jìyà lọ́wọ́ Àlàmú.


She paused, looking up at the ceiling, no example readily came to her mind.


ó dánu dúró, ó ń wo òkè àjà, kò sí àpẹẹrẹ tí ó wá sí i lọ́kàn ní kíá.


I don't know, but I just know that he ill-treated me.


"""Mi ò mọ̀, Ṣùgbọ́n mo ṣáà mọ̀ pé ó fìyà jẹ mí."""


Adio smiled again.


Àdìó tún rẹ́rìn-ín músẹ́.


"See Labake flopping in an ""under-the-roof cross-examination!"


Ẹ wo bí Làbákẹ́ ṣe ń koṣé níbi ìfọ̀rọ̀wánilẹ́nuwò abẹ́lé!


If it were the rigorous Cross-examination, in court then she would own up that she was wrong and ask for pardon or leniency!


Tí ó bá jẹ́ ìfọ̀rọ̀wánilẹ́nuwò amúnigbọ̀n ti ilé-ẹjọ́ ni, á ti jẹ́wọ́ pé òun lòun ṣẹ̀, á tọrọ ìdáríjì tàbí àánú.


Did you say Alamu is mad, Labake?


"""Ṣé o ní Àlàmú ti ya wèrè, Làbákẹ́?"""


Yes, that is clear.


"""Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni, ìyẹn ò rúni lójú"""


What? Could that be true really?


"""Ẹẹẹn? Ṣé ìyẹn lè jẹ́ òótọ́ ṣá?"


How did you know that?


"Báwo ni o ṣe mọ ìyẹn?"""


He is always laughing.


"""Ẹ̀rín ni ó máa ń rín ní gbogbo ìgbà."


Always drinking and smoking.


Ọtí mímu àti sìgá fífà ní gbogbo ìgbà.


He's carried away all the items in the house.


Ó ti kó gbogbo ohun èèlò inú ilé lọ tán.


Always moody.'


"Kì í túraká rárá."""


What did you do about all these?


"""Kí lo ti ṣé nípa gbogbo èyí?"


Have you ever tried to talk him out of it?


"Ṣé o ti gbìyànjú àti bá a sọ ó rí?"""


"""He's always reluctant to talk."


"""Ó máa ń lọ́ra láti sọ̀rọ̀"""


Do you know whether he has problems?


"""Ṣé o mọ̀ bóyá ó ní ìṣoro kankan?"""


Problem? May be, what type of problem?


"""Ìṣoro? Bóyá, irú ìṣòro wo?"


I don't know of any problem.


"Èmi ò mọ̀ síìṣòro kankan."""


"""You have not taken time to find out."


"""O ò tí ì ṣàmúlò àsìkò láti fi wádìí."


Well, Labake, let me tell you this, that your husband has problems.


Ó dáa, Làbákẹ́, jẹ́ kí n sọ èyí fún ọ, pé ọkọ rẹ ní àwọn ìṣòro.


Problems enough to distract his attention - anybody's attention.


Àwọn ìṣòro tí ó tó mú ọkàn rẹ̀ kúrò - ọkàn ẹnikẹ́ni.


Problems enough to frustrate any man.


Ìṣòro tí ó tó láti mú ayé sú ẹnikẹ́ni.


As a wife who loves him so well, you should try and talk things over with him.


Gẹ́gẹ́ bí ìyàwó tó fẹ́ràn rẹ̀ dáadáa, ó yẹ kí o gbìyànjú láti ba a sọ̀rọ̀.


Your husband and I see quite often.


Èmi pẹ̀lú ọkọ rẹ máa ń ríra dáadáa.


He is not mad. That much I know.


Kò ya wèrè. Mo mọ ìyẹn dájú.


He may be absent-minded.


Ó lè má fọkàn sí o.


But he is not mad.


Ṣùgbọ́n kò ya wèrè.


Alamu is not mad.


Àlàmú ò ya wèrè.


My friend is not mad.


Ọ̀rẹ́ mi ò ya wèrè.


Labake had started perspiring.


Làbákẹ́ ti bẹ̀rẹ̀ si í làágùn.


She felt as if she was in dreamland, really she did not bargain for what she saw and heard. She was seized with the urge to jump up from her seat, walk out and snap


Ó ṣé e bí ìgbà tó bá wà ní ìlú àlá, kò retí nǹkan tí ó rí àti èyítí ó sì gbọ́. Nǹkankan dè é mọ́lẹ̀, ó ń dì í mú láti fò sókè láti orí ìjókòó rẹ̀, kí ó rìn jáde, kí ó sì pariwo;


Stop! Stop! Lawyer of the honey tongue! Stop persuading me!


Dánudúró! Dánudúró! Agbẹjọ́rò aláhọ́n oyin! Má yí mi lọ́kàn padà!


Stop cajoling me with your sugar tongue! i'll divorce your friend!


"Má fi ẹnu dídùn rẹ tàn mí mọ́! Màá kọ ọ̀rẹ́ rẹ sílẹ̀!."""


But instead Labake pressed herself more firmly to the chair she sitting on.


Ṣùgbọ́n kàkà kí óṣéèyí, Làbákẹ́ lẹ̀dí mọ́ àga tí ó jókòó lé.


What Adio was saying had a shoking effect.


Nǹkan tí Àdìó ń sọ ń ṣiṣé àmúmọ́lẹ̀.


They were things she did not want to hear but which she had no power to stop listening to - for no obvious reason.


Wọ́n jẹ́ nǹkan tí kò fẹ́ gbọ́, Ṣùgbọ́n kò ní agbára láti yẹ gbígbọ́ rẹ̀ - láìnídìí kankan.


But she had to speak up to some of the issues Adio was now raising, otherwise, Adio would heap all the blame on her and declare her guilty through and through.


Ṣùgbọ́n ó ní láti fèsì sí díẹ̀ lára àwọn ọ̀rọ̀ náà tí Àdìó ń sọ, bi bẹ́ẹ̀ kọ́, Àdìó á kó gbogbo ẹ̀bi lé e, á sì dá a lẹ́bi gbogbo rẹ̀.


She was fully prepared, therefore, when Adio said:


Ó ti gbaradì pípé nìgbà tí Àdìó ní;


"""Labake you did not let my friend's mother know all about these did you?'"


"""Làbákẹ́ o ò jẹ́ kí ìyá ọ̀rẹ́ mi mọ̀ nípa gbogbo èyí, àbí ṣé o jẹ́ kí wọ́n mọ̀?"""


"""Mama?"" retorted Labake, ""Mama called me all sorts of names devil, enemies' agent, murderer holding me responsible for her son's plight, threatening to kill me if I did not pack out of her son's house immediately."


"""Màmá?,"" Làbákẹ́ dáhùn, ""Kò sí orúkọ tí màmá ò pè mí tán - èṣù, aṣoju ọ̀tá, apààyàn -tí wọ́n ní èmi ni mò ń ṣé ọmọ àwọn, tí wọ́n lérí láti pa mí tí mi ò bá kó jáde ní ilé ọmọ àwọn lẹ́sẹ̀kesẹ̀."


She swore oaths at me and cursed me.


Wọ́n ṣépè, wọ́n sì gégùn-ún fún mi.


I cannot relate now all I have suffered in the hands of his mother.


Mi ò lè sọ gbogbo nǹkan tójú mi rí lọ́wọ́ ìyá rẹ̀ tán báyìí.


I can never forget.


Mi ò sì lè gbàgbé.


"I don't think I will ever forgive either."""


"Mi ò lérò pé mo lè dárí jìn ín láé pẹ̀lú."""


Labake unburdened her mind, out of anger at what she considered sheer injustice out of the anxiety to exonerate herself. Adio was happy.


Làbákẹ́ tú èrò ọkàn rẹ̀, pẹ̀lú ìbínú sín ǹ kan tí ó pè ní àìṣòtítọ́ nínú àníyàn àti fọ ara rẹ̀ mọ́. Inú Àdìó sì dùn.


"That's good' he said, ""You have a point Labake."


"""Ìyẹn dára,"" ó sọ èyí, ""O rí i sọ Làbákẹ́."


And you have made it beautifully, but remember, Labake, mama is old.


O sì sọ ọ dáa, Ṣùgbọ́n rántí, Làbákẹ́, màmá ti dàgbà.


She belongs to a different generation, old fashioned, traditional and superstitious.


Ọ̀wọ́ ìran mìíràn ni wọ́n ti wá - ará àtijọ́, aláṣà ni wọ́n, wọ́n sì tún máa ń gbàgbọ́ nínú nǹkan tí ò tó nǹkan.


Come to think of it, Labake, what Mama did is exactly what my own old mother would have done too in similar circumstance.


Tún rò ó, Làbákẹ́, nǹkan tí màmá ṣe ni ìyá tèmi náà ì bá ṣe bó bá jẹ́ àwọn.


You should know all these Labake.


Ó yẹ kí o mọ gbogbo èyí Làbákẹ́.


My friend couldn't have approved of Mama's stand, did he approve of it?


Ọ̀rẹ́ mi ò lè fọwọ́ sí ti màmá, àbíṣé ó fọwọ́ sí ọ̀rọ̀ màmá?


I trust my friend. Labake reflected and slowly she said,


Mo jẹ́ rìí ọ̀rẹ́ mi. Làbákẹ́ rò ó, ó sì sọ ọ́ jẹ́jẹ́ pé,


No. No... He did not, he's not aware of it.


"""Rárá. Rárá... Kò ṣe bẹ́ẹ̀, Kò tiè gbọ́ sí i."


There was a time I wanted to let him know of it, but he would not listen.


Ìgbà kán wà ti mo fẹ́ sọ fún un, Ṣùgbọ́n kò ní í gbọ́.


So, I stopped talking about it to him.


Nítorí náà, mí ò sọ fún un mọ́.


In other words', Adio interjected, 'my friend did not know anything about Mama's behaviour?'


"""Lọ́rọ̀ kan,"" Àdìó dáhùn, ""ọ̀rẹ́ mi ò mọ nǹkankan nípa ìhùwàsí màmá?"""


"""No, so we cannot blame him... you cannot blame him for something he did not know about."


"""Rárá,"" fún ìdí èyí, a kò lè dá a lẹ́bi... O ò lè dáa lẹ́bi fún nǹkan tí kò mọ̀ nípa."


Don't let us blame him Labake.


Má jẹ́ kí a dá a lẹ́bi Làbákẹ́.


Adio had scored another point!


Àdìó tún ti ní àmì ayò mìíràn!


Labake was annoyed with herself.


Làbákẹ́ ń bínú sí ara rẹ̀.


If she had not been caught unawares, she probably would have presented her case in a more coherent way.


Bí ò báṣé pé ó bá a lójijì ni, kò bá ti gbé ọ̀rọ̀ rẹ̀ kalẹ̀ lọ́nà tí ó dáa jù báyìí lọ.


And now she didn't know whether to continue with the discussion or ask Audio to excuse her.


Nísinsìnyí, kò mọ̀ bóyá kí ó tẹ̀síwájú pẹ̀lú ọ̀rọ̀ náà, tàbí kí ó tọrọ gáfárà lọ́wọ́ Àdìó.


But before she ever had the time to reach a resolution, Adio had dealt the final knock-out blow...


Ṣùgbọ́n kí ó tó ráyè ṣé ìpinnu, Àdìó ti sọọ̀rọ̀ mìíràn lù ú...


"""Labake. Labake. There is no doubt about it."


"""Làbákẹ́. Làbákẹ́. Kò sí iyèméjì nípa rẹ̀."


You have suffered, I know it.


O ti jìyà, mo mọ̀ ọ́n.


It is a pity, but suffering, you know, is part of the test of true love. Don't you agree?


"Ó ṣeni láàánú, ṣùgbọ́n ìjìyà, tí o mọ̀ yìí, jẹ́ ara àdánwò ìfẹ́ òtítọ́. Ṣé o gbọ́?"""


"Labake did not say 'yes', she did not say ""no"" either. She was confused."


"Làbákẹ́ kò wí ""bẹ́ẹ̀ ni,"" kò sì wí ""bẹ́ẹ̀ kọ́."" Ìrújú bá a."


The matter before her was a matter she had to spend days, even weeks, thinking about.


Ọ̀rọ̀ iwájú rẹ̀ yìí jẹ́ ọ̀rọ̀ tí ó ní láti lo ọjọ́, ọ̀sẹ̀ láti fi rò ó.


No stand should be taken now.


Kò gbọdọ̀ sọ nǹkankan báyìí.


Lawyer Adio had done his best.


Agbẹjọ́rò Àdìó ti sa ipá rẹ̀.


He had played his part well.


Ó ti ṣiṣé rẹ̀ dáadáa.


Even as Labake stood up to go, she heard the lawyer promising he would pay them a visit at home, unfailingly, she should expect him.


Bí Làbákẹ́ ṣé dìde láti lọ, ó gbọ́ agbẹjọ́rò náà tí ó ń ṣèlérí láti bẹ̀ wọ́n wò nílé, kò ní í yẹ̀, kí ó máa retí rẹ̀.


Labake closed the door of the chambers gently behind her and was received outside with a sunny cheerful smile by her friend, the receptionist.


Làbákẹ́ pa ilẹ̀kụ̀n ìyẹ̀wù náà dé jẹ́jẹ́ lèyín rẹ̀, ẹ̀rín músẹ́ tó múnúdùn ni ọ̀rẹ́ rẹ̀, olùgbàlejò ìyèwù náà fi pàdé rẹ̀.