Category: Series

At the hospital, Mr. Edichie, Mr and Mrs. Kanayo were already at the bed when Edi, Tafo and Kelvin walk in. They meet them talking in loud whispers, trying not to disturb the other patients. “Uju, i am so sorry. I should have told you the truth.” Mama Edichie smiles weakly, “Ifeh Edichie, i knew.”…

“Excuse me? Kokoma may have had a thing for you once upon a time. But you have no claim over her anymore. She loves me now. And forever.” “Chill bro. I was joking. I wish things had turned out better between us. But, i would count my losses and move on.” They stand there, looking…

“Don’t stand there motionless. Get your father on the line. The earlier he takes off from Uyo the better for us all. And while you’re at it, call Kelvin too. Tafo, go get the car ready. You can still do that, right?” As Tafo and Edi leave to carry out their instructions, dad and mum…

“Dad, why do you have Jide’s picture and account number in your wallet?” I repeat the question louder, although with a shaky voice close to breaking. Mother’s hand slips out of his. “Julius Kanayo, please answer our daughter’s question.” “Kokoma, i can explain… Please…” “Oh my God.” I put my hands between my thighs, allowing…

“Well, well, won’t you invite us in? Where are the original owners of the house?” Father is already unlacing his shoes while mother begins the questioning. “Why are you here? How long have you been here? Do you know Mrs. Edichie has been with them for a while? How is Tafo doing? You know how…

“She will be fine. It is a threatened abortion. We should keep her on admission for a while just to make sure all is well.” The moment Edi mentioned bleeding and Tafo in the same sentence that morning, my eyes snapped open. If we were all to pull through this trying period with our senses…

So silence can be quite loud. I had my opportunity to exit the room before the bomb was dropped but i did not take it. Now i was waiting for either Edi or Tafo to break the silence. Tafo’s wailing had ceased the moment she mentioned what killed Ovie. HIV. Okay. Kokoma just breathe. Breathe.…

“Mama, that is not yours to say .” I turn round to see Edi leaning against the door, looking sad. The room is dimly lit with the curtains drawn over the windows. But i can still make out the features of his face. The face i had memorized over the years. “Kokoma, let’s talk.” I…

I decide to visit Tafo and Edi. I would be going on my terms and not because one lady thinks she can boss me around. Besides, Mrs. Edichie (Snr) has been a great woman to me. I’d go because of her. I get to their house at Ikeja just as Tafo is driving out. I…