The Poison of a Father

In a remote village, superstition and fear ruled the hearts of its people. Olumide, a native doctor, was both respected and feared. He held knowledge of herbs and poisons that could heal—or destroy. But over the years, greed and cruelty had poisoned his soul far more than any herb ever could.

Olumide had a son, Kemi, a bright and trusting boy who adored his father. To the villagers, Kemi was the only pure thing in Olumide’s life—a spark of innocence in a shadowed world.

One day, Olumide decided he wanted revenge on a rival who had wronged him. But he was cunning. To ensure the rival ate the poisoned food without suspicion, Olumide devised a plan so cruel it would shock even the bravest heart: he would serve the same meal to his own son.

That evening, Olumide prepared a feast. The aroma of spices and herbs filled the small hut. He carefully blended the deadliest poisons into the stew, ensuring it was undetectable to taste or smell.

When the rival arrived, Olumide greeted him warmly. “Eat with me,” he said, placing a single plate on the table. On it lay the stew, steaming and fragrant. Kemi sat beside him, smiling innocently, spoon in hand.

“Eat, my son,” Olumide said softly, his eyes cold as stone. “It is safe. Only a fool would fear it.”

Kemi, trusting and unaware, dipped his spoon into the stew and took a bite. The rival, seeing the boy eat without harm, laughed and followed suit. They ate together, father watching silently, calculating every moment. Each bite brought Kemi closer to death—but to the rival, it seemed harmless.

By nightfall, Kemi’s face turned pale, his stomach twisted in pain. The rival’s laughter faltered as the poison began to take effect. Olumide watched unmoved, as both lives slowly slipped away, each swallow of the poisoned stew sealing their fate.

When it was over, only Olumide remained, triumphant yet hollow. He buried his son quietly, a reminder of the cost of ambition. The rival, whose confidence had been his undoing, was gone, leaving behind the terror that Olumide inspired in the village.

But victory was hollow. The villagers whispered of the native doctor who had killed his own blood to kill another, and fear followed him like a shadow. Olumide’s power remained, but his soul was irreparably stained. The memory of Kemi’s final innocent smile haunted him for the rest of his days.

The village learned a lesson that night: in a world ruled by greed and superstition, even the closest hearts could be sacrificed, and no one—no matter how innocent—was truly safe.