Miracle Ukwueze @miracleukwueze

In the village of Ovoko, there was a masquerade celebration that was held every year. The people of the village looked forward to this event, where they would dress up in elaborate costumes and masks, and perform traditional dances and songs.

Ella had always been fascinated by the masquerade celebration, even though she had never attended one before. She had heard stories from her grandparents about how magical the night was, filled with mystery and enchantment. So when the day of the masquerade finally arrived, she couldn't resist going to watch the dances and magic.

Her friends were too shy to attend, but Ella didn't mind going alone. As she walked towards the village square, she could hear the sounds of drums and flutes filling the air. The square was decorated with colorful streamers and glittering lanterns, and people were already gathered around, eagerly awaiting the start of the festivities.

Ella found a spot on the edge of the crowd and watched as the masquerades began to dance, spinning and twirling in their costumes. They were truly magnificent, with their brightly colored masks and long flowing robes. As she watched, mesmerized by the beauty of the dance, she felt herself being drawn into the magic of the night.

Suddenly, one of the masquerades approached her and offered her his hand. Ella hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do, but then she took his hand, and he led her into the center of the circle. As they moved together, Ella felt herself becoming part of the dance, feeling the rhythms of the drums in her bones.

For hours, she danced and twirled, lost in the enchantment of the masquerade. She didn't care that her dress was stained with sweat or that her feet were sore from the constant dancing. All that mattered was the trance-like joy that filled her heart.

As the night drew to a close, Ella said goodbye to her new masquerade friends and made her way back home, feeling exhilarated and alive. She couldn't wait for next year's masquerade celebration. She was now a part of the magic and tradition of the village of Ovoko, and she would always remember the magical night that she had experienced.

Rooney owned a bicycle and most times, people gather to plead with him so they could take a ride but he would always refuse.

I didn't know how to ride a bicycle then but I thought it was easy and all it should take is just to climb it and pedal in a clockwise direction.

I was looking at a movie at Rooney's family television when I heard his mother screamed at Rooney.
"you must go and bring back the bags!" Rooney's mum shouted as she unplugged the television from the fuse.

After series of word-fight between them, Rooney finally agreed to go get the bags of kernels. He asked that I followed him which I agreed with a condition that I was going to ride his bicycle afterwards.

"are you sure you can ride this thing?" he asked.
"yes I can ", I replied almost immediately.

Deep down I knew that I couldn't ride a bicycle but I don't want to forfeit my repayment so I climbed on it expertly and pedaled down a hilly road.

It was so easy at first but suddenly my hand began to shake and I could not concentrate on the road, rather I was focused on my legs.

Before I knew it, I saw myself on the air, the bicycle had jerked me up from the seat.
I let out a scream, who knows, a superhero might show up and save me.

I landed with my buttocks on the hard mud soil. I couldn't breathe, my nyash was on fire.

I struggled and stood up. I left the bicycle there and walked like someone wearing a padlock in-between my thighs to my house.