At home, Mama Williams had already started asking questions.
“Are you taking your prenatal drugs? How far along are you now?”
Benita knew her time was running out. Very soon, everything would be exposed.
That evening, she rushed to meet Jane again.
“I’m still not pregnant,” she said, panic obvious in her voice.
Jane thought for a moment, then leaned closer.
“Don’t worry. I know a very powerful native doctor. He has helped many women get pregnant. I will take you to him.”
Benita frowned slightly.
“A native doctor? Are you sure this is a good idea?”
Jane nodded confidently.
“Of course it is. Besides, you don’t have much time left. We need to act fast.”
The next day, Benita and Jane went to the shrine. The place smelled of burnt herbs, smoke, and something stale and unsettling. The air felt heavy.
As soon as they entered, a rough voice echoed from the dimly lit room.
“Why have you come?”
Benita swallowed hard but stood her ground.
“I want to be pregnant. I want a child.”
The native doctor nodded slowly.
“The gods will bless you with a child, but it will cost you.”
“How much?” Benita asked quickly.
“It is not money,” he replied. “You must lie with the oracle himself.”
Benita turned sharply to Jane, confusion all over her face.
