Neck Rings
by Relaine O. Montierro
Long ago, in the town of Bubanza, lived a strong and mighty woman warrior named Amari. She was the most fearless among all the warriors serving King Bomani. Unlike other women, she possessed a thick and muscular build. However, her appearance instilled fear in many, particularly men. Instead of conforming to societal expectations, she chose to engage in activities such as hunting and protecting her country.
One day, while fishing in Rusizi, Amari noticed a handsome and elegant man named Ike from a nearby town. His beauty captivated Amari, awakening her feminine side. As she approached him, Ike shouted, "Who is this disgusting woman?! She smells like fish and looks like a man. Get away from me!"
Feeling shy and embarrassed, Amari bowed her head and walked away. Reflecting on her differences from the women performing chores, she remembered the neck rings her father had given her. In an attempt to enhance her beauty, she adorned herself with multiple neck rings, believing that the longer her neck, the more beautiful she would become. Despite the amazement from others, Amari never felt truly beautiful.
Realizing the ineffectiveness of her attempts to conform to conventional standards of beauty, Amari decided to remove the neck rings just as their enemy launched a sudden attack.
With her strength and might, Amari swiftly fought against the enemy, aiming to protect her people. In the heat of battle, an arrow was unleashed toward Ike. Amari, displaying extraordinary agility, leaped to shield Ike from the arrow. It was the first time Ike saw Amari's entire face, and he blushed as he witnessed a beautiful woman willing to save him.
However, just as victory seemed secure, tragedy struck. Amari was struck in the neck by an arrow. Ike and King Bomani rushed to her side, prepared to mourn, when a miraculous light shone on her neck, and Amari coughed – she was still alive. The arrow had lodged into the neck rings, saving Amari's life.
The people of Bubanza and their neighboring town rejoiced in a grand feast. On this day, Ike and Amari celebrated not only their victory but also their marriage. Amari came to realize that true beauty transcends appearance; it lies in courage, compassion, and the inner self.
As the festivities continued, Amari understood that external beauty may fade, but the beauty within, characterized by courage and kindness, remains eternal and unforgettable.
Beauty will eventually fade, but the beauty inside will remain forever and will always be remembered.
The End