They never treated her like family.
To them, Adama was a servant. She woke before dawn to fetch water, sweep the compound, cook, wash, and clean. If she rested, Aunt Neca shouted. If she cried, they mocked her. If she answered back, she was threatened.
Still, Adama stayed kind.
She greeted elders respectfully, helped old women at the market, and never laughed at anyone’s suffering. That goodness made her stand out even more. Soon, suitors began visiting the house. Some came asking for Goi or Chinier, but the moment they saw Adama carrying firewood or working quietly in the kitchen, their interest changed.Girl’s empowerment program
And each time that happened, her uncle’s house became a battlefield.
“You are ruining your cousins’ chances,” Aunt Neca screamed one evening, throwing Adama’s slippers outside. “Every man comes here and changes his mind because of you!”
“I didn’t do anything,” Adama whispered through tears.
Her uncle slapped her.
