The Bridge
(Episode 11)
The old bridge was suspended across the crocodile-infested swamp with ropes that were entwined with climbing plants. Just like the path that led to it, the bridge didn’t appear like it was used frequently. The wind started to pick up momentum. Though we needed to hurry up, we all couldn’t rush over the bridge at once for fear it might cave in. Hence, we decided that Biggie went first so that he could hold the rope in place on the other side. After that, the women were to follow and then the guys. Michael was to be on guard ready with his rifle.
The day had gradually started to break, but dark clouds shrouded the light. No sooner than Biggie stepped on the bridge that the wind began to blow at the bridge. It swung left and right as Biggie cautiously walked over. Immediately the crocodiles below sensed movements on the deck; they started swimming from different parts of the swamp to converge under the bridge. They opened their strong jaws wide and bared their sharp teeth in anticipation of a possible meal.
Their bellows sent cold chills down my spine.
Biggie successfully crossed to the other side. His biceps bulged as he held down the rope. The real drama started when it was the women’s turn to cross. But none could compare with the show Sister Elizabeth put up. She took the first few steps with courage, but all her courage and strength departed from her the moment she made a mistake to look down. She was crying and shaking like jellyfish all through the way. When she got to the middle of the bridge, she stopped and began to scream, “Chai! Holy Mary, Mother of God, please come and safe your daughter. Come and safe your daughter ooo.” All of a sudden, she held her buttocks and continued, “I want to poo-poo. I want to poo-poo ooo, Mother of God!”
She could no longer take even a single step. We urged her to continue, but the elements were not as patient. The wind howled as it rushed through the woods, carrying leaves along with it. Fiona had to run back mid-way on the bridge to pull Sister Elizabeth. The wooden floor began to squeak because of the added weight. Oh, thanks to God, they both made it back to the other side to join Biggie, Lilian, and Fatima that were already there.
Michael went next to provide cover for those who had already crossed just in case of any possible danger. I asked Ubong to go next with Amitabh. However, after taking three steps, he began to tremble. I knew it wasn’t safe for him to carry the boy in that state, so I asked him to leave Amitabh with me. He too made it. The crocodiles below became more agitated because the bridge was yet to send down any food. I picked up Amitabh and flung him across my shoulder and hastened along the bridge. At this time, crossing the bridge had become very difficult. Thunder was rumbling in the sky with streaks of lightning lending their support. Grasses rustled as the animals scurried for cover.
The wind was getting more aggressive. The women’s hair danced in the air, and clothes were flying as if they wanted to desert our bodies. My ears buzzed continuously as the wind slapped my face. I could hardly see now. The wind rushed at the bridge and flung it to and fro in a wide arc. I staggered. Amitabh clung to me. I squinched up my face and ground my teeth as I struggled to maintain balance and move ahead. Sweats fought for space on my skin, but the wind dried them up as soon as they appeared. Seeing what was happening, the others feared the bridge would snap, so they joined Biggie in holding down the rope and urging me to come on. I sensed heightened fear in Fiona’s voice, especially. Biggie grunted; his biceps grew bigger.
Despite their efforts, the wind was bent on providing a free meal for the crocodiles below. The wood beneath my feet began to squeak louder and louder. Ah! I, Akin—food for crocs? God forbid bad thing! I focused all my power to my feet and began to run against the enemy that fought to slow me down. Amitabh bounced up and down my shoulder. The wind rocked the bridge harder. One of the planks gave way beneath my foot, and I slipped. Amitabh fell off my shoulder and rolled a few times before sliding off the bridge.
Sister Elizabeth’s squeal travelled far into the forest.
To be continued … Watch Out for the Next Episode!
