HEROIC RESCUE

By Jason Otieno Born 1986, M, from Nairobi, Kenya Author Profile

The morning was as tranquil as a cat and as bright as a button. I woke up at the crack of dawn when the flora and fauna were still chirruping and swinging, welcoming the brand new day and saying thanks to their Almighty creator. The dew on the grass shone brightly like pieces of broken mirror exposed to direct sunlight. I quickly dashed to the frogs kingdom and took a nerve stinging cold shower which left me shivering like a malaria patient. I felt as cool as cucumber subsequent to taking the strong tea and arrow roots that took excellent care of the cold morning. It was on a Saturday and I really had nowhere to go to. I was to do the household chores, feed the baby, and give the cattle some meal. Mother wasnt around. She had left our humble abode very early that morning as she was to grace her friends welcoming party with her presence. It was a bit farther and therefore she had to set off her journey much earlier. She gave me strict instructions to take care of my younger brother who was one and a half years old. I was to feed him, nurse him and watch over him as he took his sleep. As soon as I was through, I went to the adjacent enclosure behind our house where my cousins were playing all sorts of child games. I joined them and enjoyed the rest of my day. I would occasionally check on the baby just to ensure his safety. At about 12:00 pm, as I was on my routine visits, things turned out to be the other way round. I was merrily whistling as I got my way into my mothers bedroom where the baby was peacefully taking his nap. No sooner had I pushed the door ajar, than I saw something, something that startled me. The baby, who was soundly asleep, was no longer alone; he had a visitor. I walked closer furtively as I tiptoed yard by yard cautious of any danger. As soon as I made out what it was, my blood froze to negative four degrees Celsius and I stood stuck to the ground like a statue. I was perplexed beyond comparison as I pinched myself several times in a bid to confirm I was not dreaming. Stunning waves of shock, guilt and concern got the better part of me. What would mother say? What if the baby is bitten? These were some of the numerous questions that flowed in my entangled mind. As sudden as a snapshot, a bright wave of idea hit my heat-soaked brain and I released an unimpeded loud scream that cut through the pin-drop silence that had loomed the area as I made my way out at a terrific speed. The villagers, who heard my pleas, came to my rescue armed to teeth. They were baffled and stood aghast with their mouths wide agape when they comprehended what phenomenon was in store for them. They all stood back at the sight of the big black python that had coiled itself around the babys cot. It was scaly, big and had eyes as cold as those of a wounded lioness. It flickered its tongue as though preparing for its big meal. It spit deadly venom around. This scared the men stiff that they almost jumped out of their blotchy skin as their hearts beat spasmodically as though threatening to break their chest cavities. Even the initiated men stepped out at a speed of a bullet gathering outside in horror. Their eyes popped out of their sockets as though sayings; What a big snake? Can we really save that baby? They had already given up as they stood perplexed and astonished with what they saw. Women cried as they burst into prayers for that was the only alternative that had remained. Mother, having got the wind of what was going on, came at a speed of an angel summoned from heaven. People, on realizing her intentions, tried to thwart her mission. The pain of a child is truly known to the mother. This took the better part of her as anger, culpability and distress choked her throat. We suddenly saw the men who

tried blocking her way sprawling chaotically kissing the innocent ground. She must have given them a strong whack that served them right. Everyone remained flabbergasted as she unflinchingly made her way into the house though cautiously. She took a few steps towards the baby and held her breath when she saw the snake curiously looking at her. Their eyes came into contact and all blushed. She shouted the name of Jesus and believe it or not, the snake slowly uncoiled itself and stealthily slithered away through the bedrooms window. Leaving everyone amazed and confused. Mother quickly went and took the baby, put him on her arm and audaciously walked away as she took a sigh of relief. She shed tears of victory as she smiled sardonically to the coward onlookers. She had won the battle at last; the battle that had defeated the strongest men of the village. Everyone clapped their hands as they ululated loud enough to awaken the dead. The joy that glowed on everyones face was equal to that of a barren woman after giving birth to twins. Since then I have never forgotten that particular episode and in any case would not wish to as I promised that I would never forget that traumatizing and nerve-tingling day come rain come sunshine.