Long ago in the kingdom of "Okekome", there lived a man who was married to two wives. His first wife, Bella, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl whom he named Beauty. His second wife was named Ndi-Ndi, nicknamed Ndi. She was so rude and did not like the first wife and her child, Beauty. Beauty was so beautiful and intelligent. She was kind, gentle, and so trustworthy.
At last, Ndi-Ndi gave birth to a baby girl who was also beautiful, but no match with Beauty's prettiness.When the girls were 15 years, Beauty's mother, Bella, died in an accident. Beauty cried because somehow, she knew her hardship had started. Their father, Emeka, couldn't bear the loss of his beloved wife and unfortunately, he had a heart attack. Then Beauty faced hard life. She would wake up by 3:00 o'clock and start the chores she was expected to finish by 7:00 o'clock. If later than that, she would be severely beaten and would not eat a meal for a whole day. That was how life was for her. She thought it was the end.
However, one day after being severely beaten, she could not stand it anymore and she ran away from home. She went into the forest where she met a very handsome prince. They fell in love. Then they returned to his kingdom and got married.
Later Beauty went to her former home to meet her stepmother. They were surprised and begged for forgiveness because she was a queen. She forgave them and they lived happily ever after.
PICTURE ILLUSTRATIONS BY THE AUTHOR, LITTLE ANGELA.