Chapter 1: The Day Joy Died
The village of Umuagu was peaceful and full of life. Everyone knew Obinna and Adaeze. They had grown up together since childhood. They played in the same fields, went to the same school, and shared many dreams.
As they grew older, their friendship turned into love.
Everyone in the village believed they would make a happy couple. Their families were already planning their wedding, and the whole village was excited.
Adaeze was kind and cheerful. Her smile could brighten anyone's day. Obinna was hardworking, honest, and always ready to help others. Together, they looked perfect.
But one sad evening, everything changed.
Adaeze's parents were returning from a family meeting in the next village when a heavy rain began. The road became very slippery. Before they could reach home, their vehicle was involved in a terrible accident.
Neither of them survived.
The news spread through Umuagu like wildfire.
Adaeze could not believe it.
She cried until she had no tears left. She stopped eating, stopped talking, and locked herself inside her room. The happy young woman everyone knew disappeared.
Obinna visited her every day.
He brought food, flowers, and words of comfort.
"It will not always be like this," he said gently.
But Adaeze only stared at the floor.
"My life is over," she whispered.
Weeks passed.
Then months.
Nothing changed.
One morning, without telling anyone, Adaeze packed a small bag and left the village.
No one knew where she had gone.
Obinna searched everywhere.
He asked friends, relatives, and people in nearby villages.
But no one had seen her.
Every evening, he sat under the old Ụkwa tree where they had promised to love each other forever.
People told him to move on.
But he always answered with the same words.
"One day, time will heal her heart... and maybe it will heal mine too."
