“That is not possible,” she said.
“Why?” Lolad asked.
“Because Abseed is not ordinary. The reason she can do those things is because she has never bathed. The day she bathes, her power will be destroyed.”
Lolad’s eyes widened.
Her mother continued, “That is her secret.”
Because she was a witch, she knew everything.
From that day, Lolad made up her mind.
She started getting close to Abseed. She became her friend.
At first, their friendship was smooth. It was peaceful. They laughed together, even when the villagers still mocked Abseed. Lolad did not care. They talked together.
But as Abseed’s power became greater, and people kept talking about her miracles, jealousy began to grow inside Lolad’s heart.
Everywhere in the village, it was Abseed’s name.
Abseed healed this.
Abseed saw the future.
Abseed saved him.
The jealousy became too much.
Lolad wanted to destroy her power.
One day, Lolad spoke carefully.
“Abseed,” she said softly, “why can’t you just bathe? You smell. You should bathe.”
Abseed shook her head.
“I cannot bathe. If I bathe, I will die. That is what my mother told me. Even my mother does not bathe.”
Lolad quickly replied, “That is a lie.”
Abseed looked at her.
“Your mother bathes,” Lolad said. “If she does not bathe, she would smell like you.”
Abseed felt uncomfortable.
“No, that is not true,” she said.
But doubt had already entered her heart.
For the first time, she began to question everything.
After that conversation, Lolad became more serious. She needed proof.
And she started secretly monitoring Aduke.
Every day, Lolad would hide near Abseed’s house and watch quietly. She would wait patiently.
Then one night, she saw something shocking.
Aduke carried a bucket of water. She looked around carefully to make sure nobody was watching her. Slowly, quietly, she walked away from the house. She went deep into the bush, far from her hut.
Lolad followed from a distance, hidden behind trees, silent.
And there, in the middle of the bush, Aduke bathed.
Lolad’s eyes widened. She smiled in the darkness.
Now she had proof.
The next day, Lolad went to Abseed.
“I saw your mother yesterday,” she said boldly. “She went to bathe.”
Abseed frowned.
“That is a lie,” she replied immediately.
Lolad shook her head.
“Tonight, come with me. We will hide. I will show you.”
That night, Abseed followed Lolad quietly. They hid near the house. They waited.
After some time, Aduke carried a bucket of water again. She looked around carefully. Then she walked toward the deep bush.
Abseed followed quietly with Lolad.
