For the happiness of my children

For the happiness of my children

Episode 1

I was a woman filled with happiness until death takes my husband, leaving me alone with our two children. My world collapses at this precise moment, because a battle for my husband's property is looming on the horizon. I find myself without support, faced with situations that go beyond my abilities.

I have to introduce myself. My name is Nadine, I am 43 years old and I am the mother of two daughters. My eldest daughter Nora is 18, while my younger daughter is 15 years old, her name is wonder.

My husband Fabrice, during his lifetime, was an attentive man who loved his family very much. His family always went above all else. I loved it with all my heart, but unfortunately, death struck me where it hurts.

Fabrice has been gone for almost two months. We are still in his native village because the in-laws do not want us to return to town. I really don't know why they ask me for such a thing.

I am in a small room with my children when the uncle of my late husband came to call me.

Uncle: Mom Nora, you are asked for the great chef.

Nora: Okay my uncle.

I get up from my seat with my children.

Uncle: No, not with children but you alone.

It's really strange all that, I don't like to leave my children alone especially when it comes to this village of mystery. I still obeyed.

Nadine: The children, I will soon come back. Please be wise.

Nora: It's understood mom, don't worry at all.

I hugs my children before leaving the premises.

I followed the uncle until we arrived at the village chief.

Arrived there, I found the two half-brothers of my late husband who are also there.

I wonder why they are all there? Is it a family meeting?

Chef: Madame Nadine, take place.

I sit on a small chair in the corner of the house.

Without expecting it, the older brother of my late husband comes to get my arms with brutality.

Rogatien: Look at me that thing, you want to kill me as you killed my brother? I will not allow you. If it was not the chef who wanted me to take you as a wife just to honor the memory of my late brother, I will never approach you. You are nothing more than a witch.

To see this man speak to me in this way burns my heart. Very true that I do not know exactly what he is talking about and even less what he blames me. I make the effort to keep my cool.

Nadine: What do you blame me for?

Rogatian: You forgot that you are a widow and that you should not sit on a chair?

Nadine: I don't know, my uncle. I'm sorry. What do I do then?

Rogatian: Sit on the ground, when you ask you to come and live in the village to learn the traditions of our home, you do not want. Now that you're here, we're going to learn everything willingly or by force.

Chef: That's enough Rogatian, we are not there for that.

Rogatian: Sorry chef, I have to put order in the disorders.

Chef: Now that it's done, will join your place so that we can approach the subject that gathered us.

Rogatian: Okay my chief.

Rogatien sits down, I don't even know when my tears come out alone. What did I find myself? I could never imagine that things were going to happen like this. I could never imagine that my life will become a disaster after my husband's death. I trust God and I know that he is with me and that he is not going to abandon me.

The chef has now spoke.

Chef: So our wife, as tradition requires, since your husband is no longer with us today, we cannot let you go with our children in another family. You do not have the right to redo your life with another man apart from the one we are going to offer you here.

Nadine: Pardon chef? What are you talking about exactly?

Chef: You close it when I speak.

Nadine: sorry, chef.

Chef: I said rather that you have to choose between the brothers of your late husband who will become your new husband according to our tradition.

Nadine: With all the respect I owe you, I categorically refuse to give myself to anyone between the brothers of my late husband. Besides, I don't think I remarry, I have to think about my children. I remind you that I am a woman who is in her forties already. I have to fight for the well-being of my children and not remarry.

Rogatian: Chef, it looks like this witch did not understand anything. Who told you that you need your agreement before doing what tradition requires?

Nadine: It is rather you who understand absolutely nothing. Let me explain to you. I don't want you. I don't need a man in my life before taking care of my children. The only man I loved is no longer with us today and it's over for good. Don't ask me to do what I don't want to do.

Chef: Mom Nora, you have no other choice. We have even already chosen the man who will replace your late husband. Rogatian will become your husband.

Nadine: To God does not please. I will never accept such a thing. Besides, none of you can take the place of my husband, he is and will always remain in my heart.

Chef: It's either you accept that, or you lose all the good of your late husband.

Nadine: Sorry? No, but are you talking seriously?

Chef: Yes, it's not up to you to teach us our tradition. You do what you ask you or are you going very far from this family with your daughters. Besides, you are not entitled to the inheritances of our late son because you only had girls.

Nadine: I worked really hard with Fabrice to get everything we have today. You are not allowed to tear myself away from what comes upon by right.

Rogatien: I see now why you killed my brother. All this to grab his property.

Nadine: May God forgive you. I can never hurt the man I love. If you have nothing else to add, I will join my children.

Chef: Woman, I leave you until tomorrow to give me an answer.

Nadine: I don't have to think yet, chef. I was clear with you. But if you really want an answer from me, know that it is no. I will never marry my late husband's brother. I say no, chef.

Chef: In this case, prepare to leave our son's house. Nothing binds us now.

Nadine: I will not go anywhere because this house belongs to me.

Chef: You are really stubborn, but don't worry. I know how to adjust your case.

I heard enough for today. I get up from the ground and leave this place.

How can they ask me that when it has been barely two months since my husband died?

I will never let myself go. I intend to fight for the happiness of my children. They do not have the right to decide for me or to learn what is the right.

I go back to my children.

Nadine: My darling, our stay here is over, let's start from this village now.

Nora: What happened mom?

Nadine: I'll tell you that afterwards, let's leave this village now.

Nora: Okay mom.

We wrapped our suitcases and we left the village without wasting time.

Arrived at our home in town, I already find Rogatian in front of the door with two men. But how is it possible? He was in the village when we left. How did he get ahead of us? With these people, we have to expect everything.

Nadine: What are you doing in front of our house?

Rogatian: You think it's a game? This house is no longer yours. Guards?

_Yes boss.

Rogatian: Throw me these garbage far from my house.

Nadine: Sorry? Does he speak seriously?

Until then, I completely didn't know that my ordeal was just beginning.

To follow ...