Chike sat on his bed in shock. He could not believe what he had just heard. The two birds outside his window were arguing about a farmer's missing corn, and he understood every word. At first, he thought he was dreaming. But as the day went on, he realized the gift was real. When he walked through the village, he heard goats complaining about their owners. He heard dogs discussing strangers who entered the village at night. Even the chickens in the marketplace were gossiping about who stole eggs from their nests. For several days, Chike kept his secret to himself. One afternoon, while resting under a large tree, he overheard a group of monkeys talking excitedly. "The treasure is still hidden beneath the old baobab tree near the river," one monkey said. Chike's eyes widened. A treasure? The monkeys continued talking about a wooden chest buried many years ago by travellers who never returned. Curious, Chike waited until sunset and quietly made his way to the old baobab tree. Using a stick, he began digging. After several minutes, he hit something hard. His heart raced. It was a small wooden chest covered in dirt. Inside were old gold coins and precious stones. Chike could hardly believe his luck. But as he lifted the chest, a cold voice spoke from behind him. "So, you found what belongs to me." Slowly, Chike turned around and saw a tall stranger dressed in black, staring directly at the treasure. To be continued... 👀 :::