CONTEST! Crazy Family Stories// Strange Decision//by @raysdesign

AFRICAN MASQUERADES

Masquerades are an integral culture of the African continent. Here in Nigeria, the bar, from the onset, was always raised high up, as we brag of one of the deadliest, scariest masquerades in west Africa.

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I knew about these scary creatures, and I am also privy to the wide belief which holds that they are not humans but spirits. I also knew I'd jump out of my skin if I were to encounter one of these on a one on one basis. I just didn't know how quickly the jump would be, though. So I only just prayed I am never a victim. I had hoped I'd just continue enjoying the sight of them from afar, and not in close proximity. We're about to find out if my prayers came through...

So I remember visiting the village with family in those days. I learnt about a story from my grand mother that my grandfather's ancestors usually celebrate masquerades in our house, it was a tradition,each generation passes it down and when you hold the mantle they give you the name "king of masquerades",any celebration of masquerade was always at the house and then every father that is the king will have to prepare the first male son to take over. Later on when my grandfather's father wanted to pass it on he ran away from house,so he died and the mantle was taken to another house which brings me to this story.

It was Christmas period. I had stepped out to get snacks across the road from my house. Little did I know my worst nightmare was about to bestride me like a colossus!

From nowhere, a bell started blaring behind me. It sounded like it was coming from afar, so I really paid no attention. The bell was commensurate with footsteps. The bell continued blaring and getting even closer. I was still not too concerned, because I had my headphones on, though I was still aware of my environment. Few moments later, I realised people were looking at me with dread in their faces, wondering why I could be so calm in the face of a storm. Now that I think of it, I'm sure some even tried to signal me, but I was too busy to notice.

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Eventually, I got curious and decided to pause and find out why everyone was staring and acting strangely. When I turned, right behind me was a towering black creature with a huge and ugly black mask that had a red long tongue popping out like that of a vampire. The creature was adorned in thick leaves that looked like half-dried palm fronds. A huge bell was clasped to its waist, and in both hands, it had a mighty matchete and a black, long whip! Myth has it that, if it were to have whipped me with that whip, i'd be having blisters in the area I was whipped every season that time of the year it whipped me comes around.

But this creature luckily had no intentions of harming me. I guess it just wanted to scare me out of my wits, and it did a great job! As soon as I turned to face it, it growled at me and brandished its matchete as if to strike, and I went tumbling to the ground with eyes shut, not noticing it vanished into one of the bushes around almost immediately. I finally opened my eyes when a voice told me: "You're lucky! Get up, it's gone!".

Dreadful as this experience was, it was my strange encounter, and on the long run, I was glad I faced my fears. However, one time is enough. Please, I do not want to face my fears in this manner ever again. Do have me in your prayers, thanks!