In my darkest you are not there, in your darkest I’ll be there for sure.

Dave's mother, Gladys, had always been a kind and caring presence in his life. She had a warm smile and a comforting way about her that made everyone feel at ease, especially Lisha. When she came over to the house, Lisha couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. “Gladys?!”. “Ohh I thought I’ll be mother in law by now “ . They both hug each other with teary eyes of joy spinning each other around.

As they sat down in the living room, Gladys noticed that Lisha looked troubled. "What's wrong, dear?" she asked, her voice full of concern.

Lisha hesitated, unsure of how to explain the situation. But Gladys's kind eyes put her at ease, and she found herself pouring out the entire story. She told Gladys about Dave's job loss, his drinking problem, and how he had forced her to get a job. Gladys listened attentively, her expression growing more and more concerned.

“I understand Dave, he’s just sad that he lost his bakery, he told me and I also understand that you might not be comfortable with working as you lived all your life privileged but you are married now you need to take care of the house, I will talk to Dave about his drinking problem but at the meantime please support your home Lisha” .

“No you don’t understand Gladys , I mean mother in law , I’m not against working I’ve made peace with that my problem is not refusing what he tells me to do “.

“Well isn’t that what a wife should kinda to , listen to her husband?”.

“I know however it’s different I obey every little thing he says if he says I should slap myself for instance I do without hesitation even though I don’t want to it’s like someone is controlling me , I never shout at him even when I’m angry , when I want to crash out on him I end up saying something nice , you know it’s crazy”.

“Wait…wait I really don’t understand what you saying Lisha”.

“I know right I don’t understand it myself , do you know how many times I tried running away and go home however the next morning I find myself at the house it’s as if there’s a force controlling me , it’s scary , I’m scared , Gladys I’m pregnant I can’t continue living like this at least for the sake of my child “.

“That’s strange…”

“I’m just scared that what if he asked me to do something reckless out of his drunken behaviour and I hurt the baby ?” .

“Have you told him yet ?”. Lisha stays silent.

“Okay your silence says a lot , I think I know someone who can help you," she said.Lisha raised an eyebrow. "Who's that?" she asked.

"My friend, Akua," Gladys replied. "She's a spiritual healer with... let's call them special gifts. She's helped me in the past, and I think she might be able to help you and Dave”.

Lisha was skeptical, but desperate for a solution. "What kind of special gifts?" she asked. Gladys smiled. "Let's just say that Akua has a way of seeing things that others don't. She might be able to help you understand what's going on with Dave and find a way to fix things."

Lisha wasn't sure what to make of it, but she was willing to try anything. "Okay, I'll go see her" .

Gladys nodded, a look of determination on her face. "I'll give you her address, you can go there anytime . Just be careful, okay? Akua is... different."

Lisha nodded, taking the address from Gladys. As she watched her leave, Lisha couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, Akua could help her fix things with Dave and get their lives back on track.

On a Saturday Lisha does not go to work so she decides to go see Akua . Upon the arrival she understood why Gladys said she’s different. It was a small shabby room with decorations of animal bones and dream-catchers .Lisha sat nervously in Akua's dimly lit chamber, the scent of incense and herbs wafting through the air. Akua, a woman with a warm smile and an otherworldly aura, gazed at Lisha with an intense stare.

"So, my child, you have come seeking answers," Akua said, her voice low and soothing. "I sense that you are troubled, that your household is plagued by misfortune."

Lisha nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "Yes, my husband's lost his bakery, and he's started drinking. I feel like I'm losing him, and mostly importantly I always obey him like fool ,I don't know what to do."

Akua nodded sympathetically. "I see. But I must tell you, Lisha, the root of the problem lies with you."Lisha's eyes widened in surprise. "Me? What do you mean?"Akua's gaze seemed to bore into Lisha's soul. "You have made a blood oath, one that has brought darkness and misfortune into your marriage . You have bound yourself to a path of suffering, and it's affecting those around you."

Lisha was taken aback. "A blood oath? I don't remember making any oath. What are you talking about?"Akua's expression was somber. "You may not remember after all it’s been 3 years , but the consequences are real. I'm afraid there's nothing that can be done to break it."

Lisha felt like she'd been punched in the gut. "Nothing? But what about Dave ? Can't we just... I don't know, pray or make an offering or something?"

Akua shook her head. "I'm afraid not, Lisha . The oath is binding, and it will continue to bring suffering to your household until the end . You must learn to accept this and live with it."

Lisha felt a wave of despair wash over her. She had been hoping for a solution, a way to fix things with Dave and get their lives back on track. But now, it seemed like there was nothing she could do.

As she left Akua's chamber, Lisha felt like she was walking out into a dark and uncertain world. She didn't know how she was going to live a normal life with Dave , or what the future held. All she knew was that she had to find a way to come to terms with her fate, and the suffering that lay ahead.

When she arrived home feeling sad she gazed at her wedding photo on the wall . “Urgh… the good old days, I remember how the spring bloomed all the flowers on the tree, tree…tree , the sacred tree!“ .