Chasing Butterflies: Imagine 2200

Chasing Butterflies: Imagine 2200

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

 

Chapter One

 

Today, being Saturday, I woke up to the gentle rose-coloured strokes of the sun painting the sky, accompanied by the delightful chorus of melodic songbirds serenading their morning melodies. It brought immense joy to my heart, especially because I had a date planned with my adorable boyfriend. Knowing I had many chores to accomplish, I swiftly rose from my bed and slipped into my work dress. First on my list was tending to my potted plants in the backyard, ensuring they received their much-needed hydration. Yesterday, after returning from school, I had taken the time to wash and style my hair, anticipating this special day.

While some people find happiness in material wealth, others find it in the warmth of a welcoming community. For me, it is the simple pleasures like the morning sun streaming through my window, donning a white, flowing dress with a daisy or any beautiful flower adorning my hair, witnessing the beauty of flourishing gardens and fruit-laden trees, swaying on a tree swing, listening to the cheerful melodies of birds perched on branches, observing the harmonious coexistence of animals and humans, chasing butterflies, lying on the grass, or sitting on a boulder overlooking the sea or a mesmerising waterfall stream. These aspects of nature bring me genuine happiness. They may seem ordinary to some, but to me, they are extraordinary sources of joy.

As Obinna Chukwu, my boyfriend, and I enjoyed our little picnic in our beloved sunny spot, nestled behind an old Iroko tree in a flowered meadow, I couldn’t help but share my thoughts. ‘If I were rich, I would love to have a garden. I find immense pleasure in nurturing plants,’ I expressed, gazing into Obinna’s eyes. We lay on the blanket he had brought, facing each other, with a basket of fruits and a bottle of delicious fruit juice between us, savouring the treats intermittently. I relished the sensation of the grass tickling my toes and the sun gently caressing my face. The afternoon sun cast its warm glow upon the meadow, while fluffy white clouds lazily drifted across the beautiful blue sky, carried by a gentle breeze. The aroma of nature filled the air, delighting my senses. ‘I would also dream of having a pond adorned with water lilies and home to delightful goldfish,’ I added dreamily.

‘A white painted summer house tucked away behind a trellis covered in blooming roses,’ Obinna interjected, knowing my thoughts all too well. ‘And don’t forget the beautiful rock garden,’ he teased, prompting an eye roll from me. After a moment, he glanced at me and remarked, ‘Honestly, Ure, I have never seen anyone radiate such pure happiness when it comes to gardening. Not everyone is fond of getting their hands dirty.’

I raised an eyebrow playfully. ‘I didn’t ask for your opinion,’ I retorted, reaching into my bag to check the time. However, before I could glance at my phone, Obinna playfully snatched it away from me and placed it out of my reach. He looked handsome in his white shirt and beige trousers, the epitome of perfection.

‘No checking anything, Ure,’ he asserted. ‘Whenever we come here to relax, let’s disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature.’ He leaned back, placing his hand behind his head, and flashed me his dazzling smile.

I couldn’t contain my laughter at how handsome Obinna looked when he flashed that sweet grin. The ringing of my phone momentarily interrupted the moment, prompting me to roll on top of him in an attempt to reach it. Just as I was about to roll away, a flurry of exquisite butterflies appeared, swirling around us. Entranced by their beauty, I gazed at Obinna, whose face was now in close proximity to mine. It was clear that his smile was meant solely for me, not for the butterflies. My smile, however, was a blend of delight for both him and the enchanting creatures.

‘Even the butterflies want you to drop your phone and focus on me,’ Obinna remarked, his eyes filled with mirth.

Rolling my eyes playfully, I pinched his handsome face before rolling away from him. ‘Silly you,’ I scolded in a lighthearted tone. Grabbing a grape from our picnic basket, I tossed it at him and happily set off to chase the butterflies.

Obinna chuckled and settled down, leaning against the tall tree as he observed my exhilaration in pursuing the graceful creatures while cradling a beautiful swordtail butterfly. Meanwhile, Obinna plucked a couple of blades of grass, admiring their simplicity. Near his foot, a little daisy caught his eye. He plucked it and sprinted toward me, tucking it affectionately into the back of my ponytail and wrapping his arms around me from behind. ‘Hey, Ure, you’re as beautiful as Monarch butterflies,’ he purred, using his thumb to trace the word ‘butterfly’ on my neck.

I let the swordtail butterfly soar free as I spoke, ‘Hey, Obinna, you’re as charming as... I don’t know,’ I shrugged, playfully pulling away from him and flashing a sweet smile.

He laughed and closed the distance between us. ‘You look cute,’ Obinna whispered into my ear.

‘Cute, huh?’ I giggled, turning to face him.

‘Yes,’ he laughed, encircling me in his arms once more, lifting me off my feet, and placing a light kiss on my lips.

Playfully, I poked his nose and moved away from him. Obinna chuckled, his eyes fixed on me. I had been in love with Obinna since our Pre-nursery days, and as we progressed through senior secondary school, our bond grew even stronger. We did most things together, sharing meals during breaks and often coming to this meadow for our special picnics. We were the epitome of childhood sweethearts.

At times, we would go horse riding, and on other occasions, we would join forces to pick up plastic waste. Ever since we became aware of climate change, we made it a point to contribute in any way we could, aiming to reduce our carbon footprint. We understood the impact of plastic pollution on aquatic life, as discarded plastics often find their way into rivers and oceans, causing habitat destruction and endangering marine animals. Witnessing their suffering moved us deeply, compelling us to take climate action, much like dedicated climate change activists.

Obinna and I didn’t just rely on carrying reusable water bottles to reduce our impact; we actively engaged in plastic cleanups. We would pick up littered plastics from the roadside or forests, doing our part to make a difference. Additionally, we embraced climate action by planting trees and flowers, knowing that every small effort counted.

‘I still have homework to finish,’ I looked up at Obinna and remarked.

Just as I was about to leave, Obinna grasped my hand and pulled me closer to him. ‘When we get married, I’ll buy you a large piece of land to fulfill your gardening dreams,’ he stated, his eyes locked with mine, causing a blush to spread across my cheeks.

‘I’d rather marry a wealthy sugar daddy,’ I joked playfully.

He sighed, chuckling. ‘Well, I hope you find a generous sugar daddy then,’ he replied, leaning in to kiss me, igniting a desire for more and making me reluctant to go home. ‘Do you want to meet up tomorrow?’ he asked a few minutes later, his voice muffled as his eyes focused on the butterfly that had just landed delicately on my shoulder. ‘You truly are as beautiful as a butterfly, Ure.’

Playfully, I pinched him, and he laughed. ‘I’m a butterfly, and you’re a butterfly breaking out of its cocoon,’ I teased, and he joined in my laughter. It brought me joy to see him laugh.

Just then, a bird’s droppings landed on Obinna’s head. I burst into giggles, and he joined me, finding the situation amusing. I laughed so hard that I struggled to catch my breath. It was a combination of the joy I felt from watching the butterflies, the bird dropping on Obinna’s head, the promise he made to get me a large piece of land for my dream garden, the pleasure of being in the sun with my boyfriend, and the birds flapping their wings and squabbling over the leftovers we purposely left for them. We always made sure to share our picnic with the birds whenever we visited this spot. Knowing that birds enjoyed a variety of food, it brought me immense happiness.

When my laughter subsided, I looked up at Obinna, pulled his head down, and used my handkerchief to wipe off the droppings.

Obinna kissed my forehead once I finished cleaning. ‘Thank you,’ he said happily.

‘I have to go now, but I’ll see you tomorrow,’ I said, smiling excitedly as I ran off, shouting ‘bye’ over my shoulder. Walking home, a beaming smile adorned my face, with the melodious songs of the birds filling the air. Upon reaching home, I entered the kitchen to find my younger brother chatting with our mother, who was preparing dinner. ‘Good evening, Mum,’ I chirped, brimming with happiness.

My mother glanced at me and nodded with a smile. ‘What has you so elated?’ she asked, a smile tugging at her lips. ‘Is it about Obinna? Don’t tell me he’s filling your head with foolish ideas.’

I struggled to suppress the laughter threatening to burst out of me. I couldn’t bring myself to tell her about my boyfriend’s promise to buy me a large piece of land for a beautiful garden once we were married. She would undoubtedly scold me for entertaining thoughts of marriage at the age of 18 instead of focusing on my upcoming mock exams. So instead, I simply shrugged and replied, ‘I saw some beautiful butterflies today. I couldn’t resist chasing after them.’

My little brother, Izunna, shook his head, raising his eyebrows as he looked at me. ‘Should we believe that, or is there more to the story?’ he quipped, holding up a piece of bread. ‘Want some?’

‘No, I’m still full,’ I responded.

‘Yeah, chasing butterflies got your stomach full,’ Izunna said sarcastically, and I frowned at him. ‘For the record, if you spend your time chasing butterflies, they’ll fly away. If you spend your time creating a beautiful garden, the butterflies will come to you... as a wise person once said.’

‘Actually, Obinna promised to buy me a large piece of land to create a beautiful garden when we get married,’ I blurted out.

My mum lifted her head from the pot of boiling soup she was stirring on the stove and looked at me curiously. ‘You’re supposed to be focusing on your mock exams, and Obinna is busy making empty promises?’ she asked, appearing slightly shocked. I smiled, realising that under normal circumstances, my mum would have scolded me for talking about marriage instead of preparing for my exams. But it seemed she had chosen to lecture me instead.

‘Yes, but that would be after we graduate from university,’ I quickly clarified, hoping to address any misunderstanding.

‘Obinna is a nice young man, but that doesn’t mean you should prioritise him over your studies. Ure, there’s a wise saying that goes, ‘Happiness is like a butterfly. The more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder...’ my mom paused, looking at me. ‘It’s farming season again. People have started burning their fields to prepare for planting. Tomorrow is Sunday, and I have a friend to visit. On Monday, we will burn ours...’

‘I have homework to complete,’ I interrupted, heading towards my bedroom. I disliked field burning because I saw it as causing more harm than good. ‘I have mock exams coming up, so I won’t give my full attention to farming this year, okay?’ I called over my shoulder as I walked towards the door.

My mum sighed. ‘Food is almost ready, foodie,’ she sarcastically called after me.

I laughed. ‘Of course, I’ll hurry up with my homework. I can’t afford to miss my favourite ofe ede with akpu.’

‘We got the ingredients from the farm, so you must give your full attention for more,’ she called out just as I shut the door.

***

The following day, after attending Sunday service and having lunch, I put on my floral midi dress and sunhat, ready to meet Obinna at our usual grassy, flowered meadow. As I made my way towards the spot, I noticed many farmers setting their uncultivated fields ablaze, as it was their preferred method of clearing the land for planting.

I tried my best to keep my eyes focused on the road ahead, but the sight of squirrels and birds caught up in the fire and unable to escape made me pause. I approached a woman who was humming a song while watching her farmland burn fiercely, and asked, ‘Why do farmers prefer bush burning?’

The old woman chuckled and replied, ‘Kid, didn’t your Agriculture teacher teach you that this practice is faster and easier than the laborious task of clearing? You grew up in this village, so you should know that clearing is not easy. If you want to do that, you’ll need to hire labourers. Tell me, where would someone like me get the money to hire labourers? However, this method is cheaper and easier. After burning the bush, my job is to return after a few days to gather the debris and wait for the rain to start planting. I’ll also get plenty of firewood. Only rich people use gas cookers...’

I could see how content the old woman was as the bush burned without any interruption. I couldn’t dissuade her, so I forced a nod and a fake smile before continuing on my journey.

Farmers saw bush burning as a cheap and easy solution but failed to consider the dire consequences when it becomes a regular practice. It destroys soil organisms, soil texture, leads to soil erosion, and depletes soil fertility.

As I arrived at the meadow, I was struck by disbelief. Everything was engulfed in flames—the flowers, trees, animals, birds, butterflies. Nothing was spared. I was rendered speechless as tears welled up in my eyes, witnessing the meadow that was so beautiful just yesterday burning like a scene from hell. In that moment, I felt the urge to start a protest against the rampant bush burning by farmers. It was as though I already had my placards ready, with the hashtag #NoBushBurning. However, I decided that I should first write to our community chairman. His response would determine whether I should proceed with the protest or not.

When I noticed Obinna’s arrival, I spoke to him as if nothing was wrong with me. ‘So, you’ve finally arrived?’

‘Yes,’ he replied with a smile. ‘But why do you look sad?’

‘Why would I be sad?’ I tried to conceal my tears.

‘Since you’re happy right now, let’s find a dead animal and fill our stomachs,’ he said, forcing a smile. ‘Roasted animals are delicious.’

He knew that the burning meadow had saddened me. I wanted to speak, but instead, tears streamed down my face. My heart was breaking as I watched everything burn, and I felt helpless to save it. Obinna reached out and touched my hand, trying to provide comfort, but I wasn’t sure if that was what I needed in that moment.

I looked up at Obinna with tear-filled eyes, struggling to swallow the lump in my throat. I began to explain the consequences of the widespread bush burning happening during this planting season. ‘People set their farmlands on fire to get rid of waste in the environment. They believe they are doing the right thing, but they are unaware of the damage caused to crops, trees, and animals in the ecosystem...’

‘I understand, Ure. But this is a common practice among farmers as a way to clear their farmlands,’ Obinna said gently, his gaze locked with mine.

‘Of course, bush burning is the easy way to clear farmland. But you forget that when a fire starts, it doesn’t just affect humans; it also harms animals and destroys land and property. Obinna, you, of all people, should know that a forest is an entire ecosystem with various animals, birds, insects, and trees. You forget that this so-called cheap act leads to the extinction or migration of these helpless creatures.’ Tears continued to flow down my cheeks as I poured my heart out to Obinna, who clearly understood my pain. In that moment, I felt as if I were about to burst along with the fires. ‘If all the lands go through this process, then most of the animals will struggle to find food and shelter. When you consider that nearly one million animals are affected by bushfires each year, it’s a devastating blow to the animal world. The chances of animals escaping the blazes are slim.’ Obinna tried to interject, but I didn’t give him the chance to speak. I cried out, ‘Flames from bush burning pollute the atmosphere. These carbon emissions contribute to global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer. I believe that bush burning should be discouraged as a method of land preparation.’ I looked up at Obinna, my voice trembling, and asked, ‘If this continues, what will be the fate of farmers in the next 200 years? Will there be bountiful harvests? Will the world survive?’ Tears continued to trickle down my face.

Obinna was silent for a moment, then said, ‘Ure, in the next 200 years, the world will neither freeze nor fry nor choke to death. I believe that future agriculture will utilise sophisticated technologies such as robots, temperature and moisture sensors, aerial technology, and GPS systems...’

‘Stop relying solely on what your textbooks say. Yes, these advanced devices may make farms more profitable, efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly, but what about the animals that have gone extinct as a result of our human activities? Will they come back to life, huh?’

Obinna paused for a moment, then quietly replied, ‘I understand your pain, Ure. But we can’t save the entire world. We can only do what we can without hesitation, right? And no matter how much we see the wrong in what the farmers are doing, they still perceive their actions as the right thing to do. Our Agriculture teachers have done their best to educate farmers about this practice and provide alternatives, the best of which is clearing their farms. But we can’t control what goes on in their fields, can we?’

I let out a sigh, my tears flowing once again. ‘Everything is gone now. The beautiful meadow that brought us joy yesterday is today destroyed because of farming and this so-called method. Farmers, including my mother, need to embrace alternative practices instead of this destructive method.’ I looked up at Obinna, my eyes red and swollen from crying. After a moment of silence, I spoke in a gentle, mournful voice, ‘I wish there was something I could do to help right now.’

Obinna gazed at me, a smile on his face. He tilted his head to the left and asked, ‘Are you truly desperate to help the planet?’ He reached out, wiping away my tears with tenderness.

‘Yeah, I’m very desperate,’ I replied after a pause, my gaze fixed on the raging fire.

We started walking to observe the other farmlands engulfed in flames. Obinna spoke, ‘The farmers are driven by the need to feed their families. They feel they have no other choice.’ He reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a strawberry drink, offering it to me. ‘Drink this while we brainstorm a better way to contribute.’

Silently, we continued along the road, smoke filling the air from the burning bushes. We hadn’t anticipated encountering such a fiery scene, so we didn’t have masks with us. In that moment, I longed for the melodic songs of birds, the playful squirrels leaping from tree to tree, and the graceful butterflies. I wondered what the fate of the planet would be if bush burning continued. Would we be left with a world of emptiness? Finally, I broke the silence and asked, ‘So, tell me, Obinna, what is the best way to address this?’ I took a deep breath and looked up at him.

He smiled and replied, ‘I promised to give you a large piece of land when we’re married.’

‘We still have a long way to go, so I’ll take that as a joke,’ I retorted, rolling my eyes. I poked the plastic straw into the strawberry drink and took a sip.

Our conversation was interrupted by the sight of a charred bird falling from the sky, almost reduced to ashes. It seemed as if the bird was crying for help, and as I looked at it, tears welled up in my eyes once again.

‘Ure, we’re going to create a butterfly garden,’ Obinna said, pausing in his steps to face me. ‘You’ve always loved butterflies, right?’

I nodded, realising that a butterfly garden could be a meaningful way to help our planet. I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Before he could continue talking about the venture, I interjected, ‘Butterflies are not just delicate and beautiful creatures to admire; they also play a crucial role in pollinating plants and are vital for our ecosystem. If we’re planning a butterfly garden, we should research the plant species preferred by butterflies in our area. We need to include nectar plants for their food and host plants for caterpillars.’

‘You’re absolutely right,’ Obinna agreed, throwing his arm around me, a grin spreading across his face. ‘Let’s save the world together,’ he murmured.

‘Are you referring to the land you promised to give me?’ I teased, a glimmer of hope in my eyes.

‘No, I don’t mean that,’ he said with a smile. ‘We’ll save that promise for later.’

A sweet smile spread across my face as I savoured his words. ‘What do you mean by saving the world together? We’re no superheroes,’ I asked, feigning innocence in my voice.

Obinna’s gaze shifted beyond me for a moment. ‘I won’t make promises I don’t intend to keep. But trust me when I say I’ll gift you a large piece of land for your gardening, and trust me about the butterfly garden too.’ He locked eyes with me, his sincerity shining through. ‘Despite my youthful appearance, I mean every word I say to you.’ He lifted my chin gently. ‘Our science teacher once joked that we might not live to see twenty because of climate change.’ We both chuckled, and after a brief pause, Obinna continued, ‘I can’t bear the thought of dying prematurely without us fulfilling our future together. I don’t want to succumb to climate change next year, and I don’t want that for you either. I refuse to accept a dying world, nor do I want the world to revert back to a time when it was formless and devoid of life. I want us to experience the beauty of a world teeming with seed-bearing plants and flourishing trees, untainted by the effects of climate change.’ He paused, his expression filled with determination. ‘Yes, we have a long way to go to restore the balance lost due to climate change. But please, believe me. Everything will eventually turn out well.’

His heartfelt words brought a sweet smile to my lips as they resonated deep within my heart. I cradled those words, knowing that they would come to fruition.

Cupping my face in his hands, Obinna kissed me gently. ‘Don’t shed tears over the current bush burning. Don’t worry about the meadow in flames,’ he whispered between kisses. ‘We have our part to play. Trust me, I envision a better world for everyone by 2200. I see eco-friendly ultra-technologies being invented, and I see nature thriving alongside us.’

As we continued walking to check on the other farmlands engulfed in flames, I couldn’t help but smile to myself. I truly had the most wonderful boyfriend in the world. He always knew how to bring me joy.

‘As the only son of my parents, I have access to our lands,’ he said, pausing. ‘We’re going to start with the ten plots near our family compound, and in the future, we’ll expand our butterfly garden. What do you think?’ He looked down at me, towering over me with his height.

‘That sounds amazing,’ I replied, flashing a sweet smile as I playfully pinched his cheek, eliciting laughter from him. ‘The butterflies we raise in our garden can be released back into the world to pollinate plants.’ With a soft smile, I added, ‘Human beings should truly be grateful to pollinators like butterflies for the fruits and vegetables we eat. They contribute immensely to the global food economy, yet we often take them for granted.’

***

This evening, as I arrived home, I grabbed a pen and a piece of paper, intending to write a letter to our chairman about the importance of ending bush burning and embracing land clearing as a more sustainable method for preparing our farmlands. I emphasised how clearing the land promotes healthy growth of plants and trees, contrasting the dire consequences of bush burning and its detrimental impact on our planet. Additionally, I stressed the significance of establishing a butterfly garden, highlighting how these enchanting creatures play vital roles as food sources for other creatures and pollinators for plants. After completing the letter, I carefully placed it in a brown envelope and entrusted it to my younger brother, Izunna, to deliver to the community chairman.

Obinna, on the other hand, was in his room, engrossed in drawing a depiction of our envisioned butterfly garden. I could picture him sitting by the window in his spacious room, blissfully sketching away on his drawing board. His illustration featured various elements such as flowers for butterfly caterpillars, butterfly-friendly perennials, flowering shrubs, nectar-rich blooms, non-pesticide insect control, butterfly shelter areas, alternative butterfly food sources, and puddling stations. I was amazed when he sent the colourful drawing to me on WhatsApp. Gazing at the beautiful garden, especially the radiant sunlight illuminating its splendor, I felt as though my heart was already blossoming with flowers. It was as if delicate blooms were dancing in the sky. What made it even more special was the name Obinna had given the butterfly garden—Urenna—a combination of our names. It filled me with immense joy.

Meanwhile, my younger brother arrived at our chairman’s house and handed him the letter. Since it was Sunday, our chairman was at home, taking shade under an ube tree in his compound while enjoying palm wine with his friends.

‘My sister wanted me to give you this letter, along with her apologies for not being able to wait until tomorrow, which is a working day, to deliver it,’ Izunna informed him before promptly leaving, not heading home but instead finding a hiding spot nearby.

Instead of getting upset for being disturbed on his peaceful Sunday, our chairman received the letter with a warm smile. He gingerly opened it and began reading while my brother discreetly observed his reaction from a corner. Once he finished reading, our chairman turned to his friends and said, ‘This is worth paying attention to.’ In that very moment, he made his decision to announce to the villagers that, as far as our village was concerned, bush burning was no longer allowed. Instead, the clearing of farmlands would be the preferred method. It was the best alternative for the time being.

Upon hearing this, happiness surged within me, and I slept soundly that night. I couldn’t express the depth of joy I felt. Before retiring for the night, I indulged in reading some plant books, immersing myself in the world of flora, and eagerly anticipating waking up the next day to the warm embrace of the rising sun. The dawn has always been my favourite part of the day.

The next morning, a beam of morning light streamed through my bedroom window, illuminating a pot of vibrant green plants on the windowsill. I couldn’t resist walking over to the window to admire the flowers, which seemed to be kissed by the sun, as if in agreement with our newfound butterfly garden.

Leaving my bedroom and heading towards the kitchen, I noticed my mother preparing to go to the farm. She held a pack of matches and a bottle of petrol.

‘Mum, where are you going with those?’ I asked, my brow furrowing in concern.

‘To burn our farmland ready for planting,’ my mum replied, turning to face me. ‘Didn’t I inform you about it? Now get ready and come with me.’

She began walking towards the door, but I immediately raised my voice and said, ‘You’re not going anywhere with those. I won’t let you harm those helpless creatures in the name of bush burning!’

My mum paused in her tracks and turned around to look at me. ‘Uremma, what did you just say?’

After a brief pause, I spoke softly, ‘Mum, you’re mistaken when you said that happiness is like a butterfly. The more I chase it, the more it eludes me. But let me tell you something, the more I chase happiness, the more it spreads its joy to others. If it does that, it’s not eluding me; it’s spreading its wings for others to enjoy as well.’ Taking a deep breath, I continued, ‘And yes, you were right about the part where you mentioned it resting on my shoulder. Butterflies will indeed rest on my shoulders, spreading their happiness to other people too.’

‘Am I paying your school fees to hear such nonsense from you?’ My mum’s voice carried anger. ‘If you’re done spouting nonsense with your doughnut brain, get ready and come to the farm with me. We’re going to burn the bushes and prepare for planting, just like everyone else. Got it?’

‘You don’t want to understand my point, do you?’ I replied, frustration seeping into my voice.

‘I don’t want to hear your nonsense,’ my mum retorted.

‘Mum, I’m just trying to explain how dangerous it is to burn the bushes every time we want to plant new crops,’ I pleaded, taking a few small steps closer to her. ‘It’s common to see vast uncultivated farmlands set ablaze under the pretext of bush clearing. I understand that clearing alone can be challenging, but setting farmlands on fire is even more dangerous. Sometimes, the easiest paths are the most perilous ones.’ I locked eyes with my mum. ‘Have you ever considered what happens to the animals in the forest when we set the lands ablaze? Have you thought about the aftermath of the fire? It alters the species of plants and animals living in that ecosystem. It reduces the size of some perennial grasses and leads to soil compaction, erosion, and reduced fertility.’ I sighed, then continued after a moment. ‘Bush burning increases greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change and global warming... it even intensifies the harmful effects of the sun’s rays on our skin.’

‘Is that why my skin is as dark as charcoal?’ my mum muttered. Her words were somewhat comical, but I knew I needed to make her understand why practicing bush burning was wrong.

‘This practice exposes the soil to excessive sunlight, which can adversely affect crops. If we continue with this practice of bush burning, believe me, the world will suffer greatly before 2200.’

‘I understand, Uremma. Fine, I won’t burn anymore. But you should get our cutlass. We need to clear the land and prepare it,’ my mum said reluctantly. She went to the kitchen to return the matches, and she handed the petrol to Izunna, instructing him to pour it back into the gallon from where he had retrieved it.

Donning my khaki overalls with a patterned shirt, I picked up my cutlass and followed my mum to the farm. As we cleared the farmland, I shared with her my plans of creating a butterfly garden with Obinna. She wanted to object, but I presented reasons why she shouldn’t stop me from being a part of something that could help the world.

‘Also, we should include other pollinators like bees,’ my mum suggested after a moment of thought. ‘Bees help plants reproduce, which strengthens ecosystems and maintains vital biological diversity in nature.’

‘That’s a great idea. I’ll talk to Obinna about incorporating domestic honey bees,’ I replied, feeling excited about the possibilities.

I was surprised by how quickly my letter had convinced the community chairman, and I still couldn’t fully grasp the fact that my mum was not only listening to me but also making suggestions to help strengthen ecosystems. Everything seemed to be falling into place.

After clearing the land, I returned home, took a refreshing shower, had my meal, and rode my bicycle to our gardening site. I was dressed in a white and red crew-neck t-shirt with light blue overalls, filled with delight knowing that these ten plots of land would soon transform into vibrant flower gardens.

Thanks to Obinna’s influence as the Senior Prefect of our school, he managed to rally most of the students to join our plan. Within three to four months, the garden was set up, and we celebrated its completion at Obinna’s family house.

Amidst the ongoing celebration, Obinna gently took my hand, guiding me towards the butterfly garden we had created together. Overwhelmed with joy, I gazed at the flourishing garden, filled with anticipation and hope. Adorned in a white cardigan paired with a flowy floral dress, I felt a radiant beauty emanating from within.

Obinna turned to me, smiling. ‘You talk about gardening with the same passion women speak about shopping or going to parties with their boyfriends.’ He pulled me into his arms. ‘I love you so much, my sweet little butterfly,’ he whispered, showering kisses on my face.

I smiled, bubbling with happiness and passion. Both our promising garden and my handsome boyfriend were the reasons behind this overwhelming emotion. I opened my mouth to tell him I loved him too, but he spoke again, ‘You don’t have to say anything. I understand it all.’ He took both of my hands in his, and warmth spread through my entire body. ‘Ure, I’ll support everything that brings you happiness.’ After his words, he leaned down and kissed me reverently. As he pulled back, I leaned forward, longing for more.

Obinna chuckled lightly, pulling me into his arms. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a fancy box. ‘Do you like it? I went shopping with my elder sister today, and she chose this butterfly hairclip for you. But if you…’

‘It’s beautiful,’ I murmured, gesturing for him to clip it in my hair. ‘I love it. Thank you,’ I said, appreciating the colourful butterfly hairclip sincerely.

Once Obinna clipped the hairclip in my hair, he lifted his finger in the air and spun it around, prompting me to twirl like a beauty pageant contestant. Laughing, I twirled, and he excitedly wrapped me in his warm embrace, feeling as soft as the blanket in my bedroom.

Soon, it was time for the butterflies to emerge from their chrysalises, and on that day, filled with excitement, I went to the garden with Obinna and my little brother. I wore a beautiful butterfly-patterned dress, and tears of joy welled up in my eyes as I watched them break free. It felt as if my eyes were observing every butterfly in the garden, witnessing their wings unfurl and take shape. Their delicate appearance brought me immense happiness.

Having heard the heartwarming story countless times of a tiny caterpillar transforming into a beautiful butterfly, tears once again sprang to my eyes. I watched with wonder as the almost-dried wings spread, ready to bless the world with their beauty. I felt grateful that all the caterpillars we had gathered had successfully reached the butterfly stage.

Observing the butterflies as they fed among the flowers in the garden brought me immense pleasure. They were so enchanting that my heart bubbled with joy.

My little brother gazed at the butterflies, his face radiant with smiles. He seemed to appreciate the existence of something as beautiful as this garden in our little village. Initially, I thought no one would support Obinna and me, but I was pleasantly surprised. Not only did my brother love it, but my mother was also outside happily sharing with the visitors how proud she was of me and my dream to have a garden where I could chase butterflies.

I glanced up at Obinna, and he whispered, ‘Watching butterflies is good for our mental health.’

I nodded, and as one of the butterflies landed on my shoulder, I chuckled. It felt as though the butterfly was expressing gratitude towards me.

Obinna kissed my hand and with a sweet smile, said, ‘They’re happy because you bring smiles to their faces.’

A tear trickled down my cheek. ‘I’m so happy.’

‘Me too,’ he murmured. ‘It’s time.’

Once the wings had fully dried, we allowed the butterflies to feed in the garden before carefully gathering around three hundred of them out of the five hundred from our butterfly garden. We placed them in clean plastic containers, took them outside, and released them into the world.

‘They’re so beautiful,’ I murmured as I watched them fly away happily. ‘I can’t believe we have our own butterfly garden. But I know this isn’t your promise of getting me a large plot of land for my garden, right?’ I asked, my eyes shining with a smile, as I observed children gleefully chasing the butterflies.

‘We’re not married yet, so no,’ Obinna replied, turning to face me and enveloping me in his arms. ‘Butterflies make the world a little more colourful,’ he said, smiling into my eyes.

‘Indeed, but they do more than just look beautiful,’ I giggled. ‘They help pollinate flowers and provide a food source for other animals.’

Obinna interrupted me by planting a gentle kiss on my forehead. ‘I love you, my beautiful butterfly,’ he said, grinning.

‘I love you more, Cocoon,’ I sighed, closing my eyes and feeling safe and warm in his embrace. I was happy that I was making a difference in the world, even in my own small way. I sensed that the butterflies also felt safe, free from the fear of being consumed by fires.

‘People love butterflies, Uremma,’ Izunna said, walking towards us. ‘Maybe you could even make some money from this if you want,’ he suggested, shrugging.

I turned to my brother, contemplating his words for a moment. ‘I’ve never really considered that,’ I admitted.

‘Well, if you let people book the butterflies for their parties or weddings...’

‘Your idea is valid, but right now, I don’t want to focus on how much money I could earn. I’m thinking about how the world would flourish if more people started gardening like Obinna and I do. It would be a beautiful sight, don’t you think?’ I looked down at my brother, a smile gracing my lips. ‘And if I ever decide to pursue the business aspect, I’ll definitely turn to you for help with a business proposal.’

‘Hmm, does that mean it’s a yes?’ Izunna asked, excitement twinkling in his eyes.

I simply smiled, unable to find the right words. All I could think about was how this enchanting butterfly garden could benefit not only my community but also the entire world. I was grateful to have a partner like Obinna, delighted that the farmers in our village embraced alternative clearing methods instead of resorting to harmful bush burning. The well-being of animals and plants was equally important, and despite the daunting task of setting up this garden, I managed to perform well in my mock exams. Obinna had also excelled in his mock exams, adding to our shared joy.

The morning sunlight poured magnificently upon us, enhancing the beauty of our surroundings.

‘Great job,’ my mum chimed in happily, then she turned to suggest to Obinna and me, ‘The next item on your agenda should be wildlife conservation. Many species are teetering on the edge of extinction, and those that still survive are crying out for help. They need a saviour like you to acquire hectares of land and protect them there. If this generation doesn’t take action to preserve and safeguard animals, plants, and their habitats, future generations may not have the privilege of enjoying our natural world and the incredible species that will be lost due to our activities.’ My mum looked at us earnestly as she spoke, then she enveloped us in a warm hug after concluding her statement. ‘I have to go now. See you at home, Ure.’ She turned to leave, and I nodded, feeling the truth in her words.

Glancing at Obinna, our eyes locked, and I knew he supported my mother’s suggestion. Though it might seem improbable to have ownership rights over wildlife, there was no harm in trying. However, that endeavour would be reserved for the future, not now.

He wrapped his arms around my neck, drawing me closer, his lips mere inches from mine. ‘I love you, Uremma Ndubuisi,’ he whispered.

‘I love you too, Obinna Chukwu.’

Obinna kissed me passionately, and I couldn’t help but reciprocate with the same fervour. We were genuinely happy for everything. With each passing moment, my love for him grew stronger, fueled by his thoughtfulness and care towards me. I smiled against his lips and pulled away, gazing at him with an affectionate smile.

‘Is something wrong?’ he murmured, concern lacing his voice as he brushed a strand of hair from my face. ‘Are you okay?’

I gazed at his long fingers, releasing a contented sigh. ‘I’m absolutely ecstatic to have you as mine,’ I giggled. Before he could respond, I pulled him back to me, engaging in another deep kiss.

‘All right, that’s enough, Uremma,’ Izunna, who had been watching us in shock, came over and took my hand. ‘Let’s go home now.’

Reluctantly, I nodded and pulled away from Obinna. ‘See you soon,’ I said, a hint of longing in my voice, before walking away with my brother.

‘So, how are you two getting on?’ Izunna asked curiously as we made our way home. ‘Don’t try to play smart with me, okay?’

I grinned happily. ‘You already know the answers to any questions about me and Obinna,’ I replied, smiling down at him.

He smiled sadly. ‘I do know. But as your brother, it’s my duty to protect you...’ He looked up at me. ‘I know Obinna is the best guy for you, but I still think you shouldn’t rush into something meant only for adults.’

Blushing at his words, I replied after a while, ‘You’re the best brother in the world. You’re the only one allowed to lecture me.’ I was grateful for his care and protective nature. It was endearing, and I admired him for it.

‘Yes, I know,’ he replied cockily, making us both laugh. ‘You’re the best sister as well,’ he added with a sweet grin. Then, suddenly, he brought up the topic, ‘I heard Mum talking to you about buying hectares of land to protect wildlife...?’

‘That’s for the future,’ I responded. ‘Besides, in most countries, private ownership of wildlife is illegal. I’m not sure if I would even be allowed to own wildlife.’

‘Ure, my Agriculture teacher told me that these laws exist because wild animals have specific needs, and it’s challenging to keep them healthy and alive in captivity. They require proper nutrition for normal development, and any deficiencies can cost them their lives,’ Izunna explained, looking up at me. ‘You might be fortunate in the future and have the opportunity to own wildlife. But I was thinking, instead of waiting, maybe you could ask Mum to let you create a wildlife-friendly garden on that land near the river. She hasn’t cultivated it for about five years now. What do you think?’

I smiled, impressed by Izunna’s suggestion. ‘That’s a great idea. I can’t believe I didn’t think of it myself.’

Izunna nodded happily. ‘Yeah, you didn’t because you’ve got a doughnut brain,’ he teased, making us both laugh.

‘Anyway, do you have any ideas on how to start the garden?’ I asked, genuinely interested in creating a wildlife-friendly sanctuary.

‘Yeah, I looked it up online, and I found seven simple ways to create a wildlife-friendly garden. When we get home, I’ll show you how to make the best wildlife garden. We don’t need to be rich to make a difference; we just need to start with what we have. I know how much you love chasing butterflies, and with this garden, you’ll have plenty of butterflies to chase. Count me in,’ Izunna declared, his enthusiasm contagious.

I beamed at him and quickly grabbed my phone to text Obinna about Izunna’s brilliant idea. I was overjoyed when Obinna replied, expressing his eagerness to join us in creating the wildlife garden.

As we made our way home, I couldn’t help but envision flower borders adorning the pathways in my neighbourhood and the lush green grass sprouting from the planted seeds. The idea of starting a wildlife garden alongside Obinna and my little brother filled me with happiness and pride.

The sun warmed our backs, and I lifted my gaze to the expansive blue sky adorned with fluffy white clouds. A few of the butterflies we had set free fluttered in front of us, as if guiding us homeward. Then, a gentle breeze caressed us, whispering its warmth. It was merely the wind, but in that very moment, it felt like the breeze of hope and liberation.

‘I love butterflies. Perhaps we should have a Butterfly Day, a day when the world comes together to celebrate these magnificent creatures and fills the world with vibrant colours. Everyone deserves to be surrounded by such dazzling beauty. Butterflies lead us to sunshine, and I believe that everyone deserves a little sunshine. They truly are flying flowers,’ I whispered softly, releasing a contented sigh.