Episode: 6

Good things always come to a halt, that's why in episode 1 I said "a time to hug and a time to refrain" . There's a time you find friends and there's a time to separate. Separation will knock one day. That's certain

Less than two weeks after Valentine, I observed that Eniola's attitude was changing towards me. She behaves differently from the usual Eniola I use to know. I don't have any value in front of Eniola again. I'm now the valueless, useless, idiotic Ayo.

Each time I visit Eniola, she no longer invite me in, sometimes, I stay downstairs, while she stays upstairs and speak with me. Many times I'd go there to meet my dear Eniola, Doyin will attend to me and tell me that she's not around. This continued for about 2 weeks until one rainy evening, the was was drizzling, still I went there not minding the rain. On getting there, I decided not to knock. I observed the situation for about five minutes, I could hear the three of them gisting and laughing. I knocked suddenly there was silent, Doyin came out again "what" she said stone faced like she had just fired a bazooka "erm, please I want to see Eniola" I said shivering. I had been beaten by the rain. "Eniola is not around ahn ahn what's your problem nah" she yelled at me "you're not welcome here again" she said as she pushed me against the the pillar in front of their room.

I hit my mouth against the pillar, blood started gushing out of my mouth, I was hurt, I managed to get water to rinse my mouth from their hostel's gateman. I took a rag to clean where the blood has dropped. I thank the gateman and left Purble hostel that evening, not giving up on Eniola.

I decided to challenge her one day while in school to know what the problem is. I approached her, her reaction was cold towards me. I pressed her and she insisted that nothing happened. I asked for forgiveness. Nevertheless, I asked for forgiveness though I haven't wronged her in any way. We reconciled that moment and I went back to my hostel after class with the feeling that my friend will be mine again.

Days after, I observed that she hadn't changed and she's always cold whenever we chat on WhatsApp or on a call. So I took another step of faith to reconcile once and for all. We should settle any dispute between us. I decided to visit her, I thought I'd meet the cold Eniola but reverse was the case. The Eniola I met was more than hot.

I knocked at the door "who's there?" A voice inquired from inside. "It's me, Ayodeji" I replied calmly. "Mtcheeeeew" someone hissed from the other end. I was surprised, I don't know who hissed because the three jolly friends were together.

Eniola came to meet me outside in an assumption of 15 minutes after I knocked. Before I greet her, she had started lambasting me.
"Ayo, good evening" she said giving a harsh look "I don't like what you're doing, you're constituting nuisance to me and my friends, can't you call me before you come? Do you think you can just come here anyhow you want? I need some privacy please" she yelled at me

"Eniola, what have I done to deserve all this" I asked still feeling puzzled
"every time you talk to me, you talk to me like I'm your baby sister and I'm not going to succumb to all this nonsense" Eniola said
She continued "and to finalise it, you have to call me anytime you want to come here, so that I'll tell you when to come or not" she continued
"You're my very good friend and I won't want situation whereby your presence will begin to irritate me. "Good night" she finalized her speech and went back to her room shutting the door at me.

Tears started dropping from my eyes like a baby, it was then I understand what Jesus went through in John11:35 that made him cry. I could hear their voices inside saying "Oshey oh baby" the other replied "osha pran pran". I wept uncontrollably and I left purble hostel for good that evening. I prayed to God with the tears still in my eyes " Oh lord, please let this be the last time I'll enter this hostel even if we reconcile I won't enter this place again".

I left the hostel, I went straight to my friend's hostel not far from purble hostel. My friends over there were naughty and they do all sort of bad things I can't even bring myself to tell you. Though they were my secondary school friends, I chose to dissociate myself from them because evil manners corrupts good manners or whatever they call it. Besides I can't be a rose among thorns that's why I chose to be with the roses (Eniola & co) than the thorns (my secondary school friends).

I don't fancy mingling with them. That night when I got there, I met them playing Truth or Dare game. Out of annoyance and my frustrated emotional life, I joined them. I was dared to kiss a girl which I did passionately, I almost bite off her lips, I was also dared to sleep on the bed while a girl ( ex senior prefect girl) ride me. She was perfect with it. She grind so hard and professional. I wondered who taught her.

The last dare was very hard, I was told to smoke a cigarette till it burns out. I haven't smoked before in my life, when I remembered what Eniola did, I smoked it. My friends were very happy that I finally joined them that night after much persuasions and they hoped for more of it.

After that night, I told my roommate, George about it and he advised that I should get back to my right senses. "What if Eniola happened to be your girlfriend, what will you do when she break up with you?" "Will you kill yourself?" George inquired. "It is better you move on Ayo" he said. I reasoned with what he said and I decided to move on with my life.

The next day was a Monday, I had to rush to school early in the morning because the lecture I had was a three unit course. I have to sit at the front. The lecturer came in and gave lectures and when lecture was over, he left the class. I tool my bag strapped it on my shoulders.

I was on my way to the school library to study when I heard a tiny voice screaming my name. I looked back and found out that it was favour. We exchanged greetings and she started a conversation "erm, Ayo, do you understand the mat115 topic that lecturer came to teach us today?" "Yes" I replied. "Please can you explain it to me, and also teach me some other topics in mat115 too?" "Okay no problem" I replied.

I'm not a maths guru, not even close to one but I don't want to disgrace myself so I said yes. So I've finally disgraced my ancestors when she brought up the lesson matter. We fixed a convenient date to start the lesson and we agreed to use her hostel.

Episode: 5

Tis the season of love
Fa la la la la la la la la. I like to sing whenever I’m taking my bath in the morning, I’m a very good singer at that time. I’ve even thought about featuring Justin Bieber in one of my early morning songs. I don’t have to rush to school. I don’t have much to do at school, just two lectures; one in the morning, the other in the evening. I wasn’t in the mood to dress like a sango worshipper just in the name of Valentine so I decided to wear a white shirt and a blue trouser instead of the popular and usual white and red Valentine dress. It really looked good on me. I headed to school, I bought a rose flower for my val and then presented it to her. I can say; she loved it by saying awwwwwn with her beautiful and angelic voice. It sounded so romantic. “Thanks dear” she hugged me passionately, that if anybody were to be passing at that moment, they would think that we’re in a relationship. I could feel her boobs on my chest, it is still firm and well packed. If we were in a maths class, I’d have calculated the value of X in our hugging.


Doyin came to separate us. “Haba, Eniola, leave am nah, e don do.” Doyin said “Is it your hug ni, abi is it paining you ni?” Eniola replied jokingly. “Mtcheeeeew” she hissed and left angrily. I could read jealousy all written all over her. I also felt that something’s wrong too. I think Doyin didn’t like me but who cares? All I care about is my dear friend, Eniola. I left them and then headed to my class. “Don’t forget this evening oh” Eniola shouted. I smiled to myself and kept on moving.

The class ended so quick and the academic day seemed a deal. I went to the bank area to withdraw some cash that I will use for the evening outing with Eniola. I went back to my hostel. The time is ten minutes past seven, I had a quick shower and changed my clothes; I wore a blue T-shirt and a three quarter jean with my sandal. I combed my hair and combined some fragrance. I look good like that.

I headed for purple hostel to pick my Val partner I got there, she was more than prepared: she wore a mini red grown with a blue slippers. she packed her hair in a style that looks like an umbrella. She wore her recommended glasses and she looked really awesome. Everything were well packed; both the front and back, they were in moderate size, not to big, not too small; just the perfect one for her size, “omo Olorun don’t stay too long oh”, Doyin shouted from there room “Na u sabi” Eniola replied and smiled.

We set out on our way to item7 to celebrate Valentine. When we got there, we met some other lovers there too.
I like the light, it was the one they normally use for disco, Tiwa savage’s ALL OVER was currently beinhy played on the deck; the speakers where not too loud and not too low. The setting was perfect. I ordered for two plates of food and I brought a valeta wine, we sat down at the table and enjoyed our meal. “Ayodeji, thank you” Eniola said ,”you are one of a kind, you’re a friend indeed and I pray that my Almighty God reciprocate your kind gesture” “Amen” I said. We finished our meal and I settled the bill. It is getting dark already although people were still on the street but i hate staying late outside. We stood up and get Ready leave. I held Eniola close to me and swung my arms around her waist. “Awwwn,what a nice couple”, A girl said. Eniola giggled and I smiled.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction, Names, Characters, Business, Places, Events, Locales and Incident are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictous manner. Any resemblance to actual persons Living or Dead or Actual Event is purely coincidental

Episode: 4

It was a cool Tuesday morning, I woke up to be the sound of the alarm snoring from my phone. I got up and snoozed the alarm, I looked at the bed and saw my roommate still sleeping like palm oil. I woke him up. “So it’s 6:00am already” he asked amidst his yawn “time really flies, especially at nights” he added. I walked up to my mini bookshelf and took my Bible, I read my devotional book and prayed silently: I put my ways before the lord for the week. I went to the bathroom, brushed my teeth and then took my bath. I had to go to school early, my lectures would start by 8:00am and I don’t like sitting at the back. I dressed up and gathered my books and files that I would need. I picked my ATM card too. I passed the public primary school compound near my hostel. I got to the bus stop where I’ll get a cab to convey me to the schooling. I had seen few of my friends, they haven’t prepared for school. I shook my head to pity when I saw them. I looked at the time, it was fifteen minutes past seven. “I’m late, mehn. Damn!” I said to myself as I entered a shuttle. I sat at the front seat, a lady soon joined me. We exchanged greetings and the car zoomed off. In no time, I found myself scanning her from head to toe. Her boobs were of moderate sizes, the type you could easily pack. I couldn’t access her ass because she was sitting down but I promised to do so when we drop at the park. Poor me, I thought, instead of me memorizing the first thirty elements, I’m here admiring boobs. Shame on me.


I highlighted at the school park and headed for the lecture theatre straight. I didn’t remember to complete my scan on the girl because I was running out of time. I wasn’t prepared to wait or walk with anyone so I walked as fast as I could with my earpiece fixed firmly in my ears. I was out of this world. As I was walking, I felt a hand on my shoulder pulling me backwards, I looked back and found out it was favour. She was panting, breathing heavily as if a dog chased her. “Favour, what’s up?” I said smiling at her. “I’m not fine” she replied smartly. “I’ve been calling you since you highlighted from the shuttle, you didn’t answer me” she said sounding like a baby “I’m sorry” I replied “I didn’t hear you and I was walking very fast so that I can get a seat at the front of the class” “see” I said removing my earpiece from my ears to prove that it wasn’t intentional. “It’s okay” she replied and we headed for the class together.

I haven’t seen favour since the last incidence ensured. We exchanged contacts that same moment. We got to class and the lecturer came, did his thing, performed his magic and uttered some spells which sounded like an explanation to him bla bla bla and he left the class. After the class, I left for the eatery, (the one at motion ground) to get myself something to eat, I ordered for a meat pie and a coca cola drink. As I was devouring my refreshments, I sighted the three jolly friends outside. They were coming towards the eatery too. I waved and called their names repeatedly. They came in, Eniola saw me and they came to where I was sitting. God so good, there were just three seats available around me. No vacancy for any external force. They sat down and we exchanged greetings. “Ayodeji” Eniola said (I loved the way she called my name, It is only my mom that calls me by my full name. Others shorten my name to either Ayo or Deji). “Today is February thirteenth and tomorrow is February fourteenth” she paused for a while. “Is tomorrow your birthday?” I asked anxiously. “Noooo, tomorrow is Valentine, love’s day and I’m your val. So you’re taking me out tomorrow” she said authoritatively. I opened my bag and bring my diary out to check the appointments for February fourteenth, I read it aloud and clear and I made it point blank. “I’ll finish lecture by 6:00pm in the evening and I’ll be exhausted by the time when I get back to my hostel “I’ll be quite tired”. She wasn’t interested in any of my excuses. We agreed to go to item7 to celebrate the love day.

We finished our refreshments, I went out settle the bill of four. “Eniola, are you going home now?” I asked. “Yes, I am, what about you?” She asked too. “I’m going too”. I said nodding my head in affirmation like a lizard.

We walked together towards the park with our hands clasped in each other. We spoke and laugh at intervals; we had totally forgotten that Doyin and Funmi were behind us. “Bros, now you’re taking our friend away from us” Doyin said from a distance behind us”. I didn’t bother to give her a reply, I just ignored and moved on with my friend. “Don’t mind her dear” Eniola gently whispered.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction, Names, Characters, Business, Places, Events, Locales and Incident are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictous manner. Any resemblance to actual persons Living or Dead or Actual Event is purely coincidental

Episode: 3

Life in Unilorin has been a great one, I had met with a lot of peoples, peoples I know personally and the ones I chat with on WhatsApp. But the greatest persons I met was Eniola and Plato. Eniola had been my friend even before I dreamt of picking Unilorin in jamb. We were in the same writing group, I was the boss, she works with me and we were good friends at the same time. Fortunately for me, her hostel wasn’t far from my new hostel (I had moved into my own apartment).

I’m not that kind of a social person, it usually takes a lot of time for me to associate with people but once I’m attracted to them, I’m attracted to them. Nothing can change it. Eniola was the only was the only friend I have. Then, I use to visit her often and I thought she was the perfect friend. We often have lectures together most times because she was in microbiology and I was in plant biology. Sometimes we eat together and do quite a lot of things together too. I found myself attracted to her though it seemed as if I have zero feelings for her.

The agape love I have for Eniola started growing everyday. I loved her to a fault! Plato happened to be a godfather to me, he gives me quick and on time information about what’s happening in the school. Plato wasn’t the only one working, he had some people who work with him and they formed a group called Team Plato. We were only chatting on WhatsApp then.

I had always wished to see Plato Face to Face, I just love that man! So one day while at Eniola’s hostel, I had the courage to call him on phone. Fortunately for me, his number went through. I spoke with him and he described the location to his hostel. To my utmost surprise, his hostel was just six houses away from mine. I went over to his place, I had a nice time with him and premier. He’s really fun to be with, he’s an epitome of Knowledge. We discussed at length, we spoke about the situations of things, state of the nation and football. Maybe he thought I’m a football fan. I learnt a lot from Plato that evening. He also shared some of his secrets to success with me. Premier is a cool guy too. After several minutes of endless discussions, my phone began to ring. I checked the caller, it was my girl friend Eniola. I picked the call “Hello”, I said clearing my throat. ” Ayodeji, where are you”? She questioned. “I’m at Plato’s place” “okay, can you come over to my hostel now? Please” she said. “Okay, I’m coming” I said. I bade Plato and Premiere farewell and I promised to come over the next Saturday. I set off to Eniola’s hostel; walking and sometimes breaking into a run. The guys smooching girls in one corner perhaps wondered what this promising school boy is all about cos they were looking at me…. I got to Eniola’s hostel and she invited me in, I reluctantly agreed and followed her in. She had invited me in on several occasions which I had politely declined but because it was dark and the mosquitoes were not helping matters, so I had to follow her in. I met two ladies (if we can call them one) sitted on the bed. She sat down too and then invited me to sit beside her. I answered her and did as she has instructed. “Ayodeji, meet my friends Doyin and Funmi” she said while pointing her finger at them one after the other. “Funmi, Doyin, meet my friend, he’s Ayodeji by name. “Good evening”, I said lowering my head to exhibit a sign of respect. This time ‘I was sweating like a ileya ram that is about to be killed’ meet new people isn’t my thing and I’m always ashamed when I’m around girls. I hate moments like this and I wished the ground will just open up and swallow me. Eniola didn’t sound like she’ll end the conversation soon, my shyness behavior wasn’t helping matter too.

“So you’re the one that always disturb Eniola bah”? Doyin yelled at me, I felt embarrassed and I wished the ground will open up and swallow me once again. I opened my mouth to talk, then Eniola held my hand and gave me a sign not to talk. ” “Doyin”, Eniola called. “You don’t have to talk to him like that, and have I ever told you that Ayodeji is disturbing me”? “We’re very good friends and we’re made for each other” she turned to me. “Ayodeji, please, I’m sorry. Don’t mind her, she’s actually joking. She doesn’t mean it”. “It’s okay” I replied. I stood up to shake Funmi’s hand. We then exchanged contacts. The three of them decided to see me off, they accompanied me to their hostel’s gate before Doyin and Funmi left Eniola with me. Eniola and I continued the journey, I placed my hands on her waist and she placed her hand on my shoulder: we’re cute like that! I could feel that all eye’s were on us but we were not bothered. We spoke about poems and stories we’ve written, and the ones we we are still writing. We reached a T-Junction leading hostel. I had to release her this time because the road could be too lone for her. We bade ourselves farewell and she gave me a light hug, I pecked her and we went our various ways. I stood at a spot and trace her with my eye till she got to her hostel. It was then that I left for my hostel.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction, Names, Characters, Business, Places, Events, Locales and Incident are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictous manner. Any resemblance to actual persons Living or Dead or Actual Event is purely coincidental

Episode: 2

I’m a bonafide student of the better by far university, things have been so easy since I moved from Ibadan to Ilorin the cost of life living is so high especially in my school, you queue up for everything, you queue up t enter a bus , you queue up to leave of from the bus, you queue up to see the level advicer ,you queue up to see the faculty officer, you queue up to enter the class and receive lectures ,you As a matter of fact,now you queue up to face take(expulsion). So we the good student have devised a way of not queueing up for anything, what we do is quite simple we queue jump(shaunt). When the queue is unbearable, we mNow from our lines and go to the front,we zone all the faces if we see someone with a calm face we queue jump! Only two words and one action “bros abeg” then use the hand hoist am for back and enter the line, if Bros no wan gree, just look am for face with that pathetic-cute look, bros go do normal straight straight. O sha pran pran (lol) issa hoeshozondi something. Now back to my story ,as I have earlier said my name is Ayodeji but people call .e Timmy Turner I just moved to Ilorin recently and I have been staying with a friend Adebayo by name since I don’t have a room yet, I have to squat with him till I got my apartment.
I resumed school (unilorin) on the 19th of January and I started lectures immediately , As a fresher finding my way to the lectures too. Wasn’t an easy one, I began dey waka like person who wan die. It was cold Friday morning and it was practically cold, the atmosphere was really cool. I managed to pass through the tinny door that lead to my department . I got to my department and I saw a girl of my age probably a fresher student. She sat on the concrete chair at the front of the LA’s office. I’m really a shy person i don’t really like talking to girls too but I had no choice, I had to start a conservation with her .’Good morning, ma’ I said lowering my head, ‘Good morning sir’ she said ; no need for any other formal introduction, I went straight to the point without beating around the bush ,pls,can you give me the direction to New science lecture theatre 2? “Oh!” She stood up held me by my wrist and we walked towards the door. “See”, she said pointing at a huge building, “that’s the E-library, , there’s a road beside it, it leads to the Geology Lecture Theatre (GLT), when you face that theatre, look at the last building before you, it is NSLT2. “Okay thanks”, I said “you’re welcome”, she replied. ” I’m Ayodeji, I said smiling at her”, I stretched my hands towards her, she shook my hand and said “I know you nah, are you not Timmy Turner ni?” I was shocked! “How did you know”, I asked? “We do chat on WhatsApp, I’m Ayokanmi”. ” Ooooh” I said scratching my head. We are I’m the same department. I prepared to take my leave, time is running out. I promised to give her a call once I finish class for that day. I started walking to the theatre and sometimes I break into a run.


I got to the lecture theater and to my utmost surprise, the hall had been occupied by students and the seats have been occupied too. Some were even sitting on the floor, a lot were standing behind the class. I turned around to go out and think of what to do. I bumped unto a girl, her books fell off her hands and her phone fell. I thought she will be mad at me but instead, she smiled. “I’m sorry”. I said with tears almost dropping from my eyes. “It’s okay, she replied”. I bent down to pick the books, she bent down too and we picked the books together. I arranged the books orderly and gave it back to her. ” Here’s your phone ” I said, handing her infinix model phone to her. “I’m favour, what about you?” She asked, “emmm” I said stammering’ “my name is Ayodeji”. “Oh, okay, you have a nice name” she said. “Thank you” I said smiling. “So what department are you”? She asked leaning towards the wall. “Plant Biology” I said. “Wow, I’m in plant biology too” she replied.

I hadn’t checked her face since the incident happened. I managed to give a gaze at her from head to toe. “She’s awesome” I said to myself. She has a well braided hair and they were well packed too. She’s dark, slim and fairly tall (an average height). She has a neat and well set teeth. She wore a colour wine T-shirt and a black skirt not beyond her knees. She wore a big ear ring, bigger than her own ears, one I could put my hand inside. She looked at me, I started looking down like I was looking for something. “Ayo” she called suddenly with her angelic voice. “Let’s go there” she said pointing to a corner of the hall. I think there’s a space there. I took my bag and hung it on my shoulder, she was leading while I followed her closely. I ensured that no que jump (shunting) took place during the period of the walk. We got there and we say near each other, I had borrowed someone’s note, so I ceased the opportunity to go through it.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction, Names, Characters, Business, Places, Events, Locales and Incident are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictous manner. Any resemblance to actual persons Living or Dead or Actual Event is purely coincidental

Meant To Be

Episode: 1

It was the best of times
It was the worst of times
It was the age of wisdom
It was the age of foolishness
It was a season of hope
It was a season of despair
It was a time to hug
It was a time to refrain
We have nothing before us
We have nothing after us.

It was the year of our lord 2017 A.D when education in my country was a very hard thing to get. As I use to say to myself, the best times of one’s life can’t be bough with money rather, it can be measured by the quality times you’ve spent with your friends while doing great things together.

Before I proceed, let me quickly introduced myself. My name is Ayodeji. Most people know me as Timmy Turner. Are you thinking about the name? Perhaps you’re right with the answer you get within yourself. It is no other Timmy Turner, the one in Fairly Odd Parents, only kids who watch Nickelodeon will understand. Timmy Turner is actually an Animative figure and I got the name while I was still attending jamb lesson back in the days.

On this fateful day, our teacher refused to come to class and as a Nigerian student, we chose not to be spiritless. We arranged our tables round and we started playing a game tagged ‘Name Name Name’. I’m already at the verge of losing at the game, my game profile was at T I M E T O G O….. My friends know that I don’t watch football so they used it against me. Na so I wise up too; I also gave them a difficult task: I know they don’t watch cartoon so I told them to mention names of Animative figures used in cartoons. I, in addition told them to mention three each. Those were awesome-childish moments. I really love ’em. Now that I’m now in the university, a lot of things has changed, I no longer behave childishly, I’m now more of a grown up man.

EPISODE 10



There is a light at the end of every tunnel although I reached a point in my life that I searched desperately for that light but I could not see any. It was totally out of sight. Indeed, life takes us through dark tunnels and sometimes we aren’t sure if we’ll even see the light. Despite all the challenges, against all odds, always find a reason to live.



Everything worked well for me eventually. I am definitely one of the best lawyers in Nigeria and my wife, Ayokanmi is a scientist and an international businesswoman. She established big shops in about 4 states in Nigeria and had many more in diaspora. She sold fabrics, clothes and jewelleries. Everything eventually fell into place.



I was overwhelmed with sadness when I realized that I would be going to Agodi prison in few days. I had tried my possible best in court but the charges against my client was more than I could appeal for. Samuel had lost at the Federal High Court. I thought I could take up his case for appeal but I realized he cannot win. All investigations proved him a criminal. The 3rd of September would be his birthday. Which was also the day I would be visiting him in prison.



I had not missed visiting him on his birthdays for the past 4 years when I heard his case. Samuel was always eager to find out if things were going on well for me. While I was ecstatic to tell him about the new improvements and the achievement my family made, I felt bad that he was in seclusion. And I wished he had listened to me many years ago.



We didn’t plan to live like this. Samuel had wanted to be one of the best surgeon in the country. He wanted to be my bride’s man although he wanted us to get married on the same day. He said we would switch turns when we need to take the vows. I liked him. I missed him.



He had met with bad friends and they had changed his path. He is now unfortunate. He was engaged in an illegal deal with a business he and his secret friends created. The business duped a big company and they were eventually caught. This opened other reports they had not been prosecuted for before. The case was judged together with previous offences. It was tragic, when the judge announced, that he will be jailed for years with hard labour.



I had promised Samuel to always be there for him. It was the promise I made to him the first time I visited him in prison. It is that same promise that will make me visit him again.



THE END

DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

EPISODE 9



It was a new morning, the sun peeped behind the dark clouds. It will rain any time soon. I told myself. The environment was busy with activities as usual; students, traders, businessmen and women roamed the streets.



“Agege, Agege” a bus conductor barked as he tried to fill in the empty seats of the bus with passengers. I said a quiet word of prayer as I entered the commercial bus with my goods rested on my laps. The bus zoomed off as soon as the seats were filled up. When I got to Agege. I bounced out of the bus with care, with my goods. As if they were eggs. As I walked the busy streets of Agege, thoughts of Samuel came to my mind. But I had given up on him. He had finally made up his mind to continue with the ‘yahoo yahoo’ he was doing. He has got himself fixed. I told myself.



Life moves on, with or without Samuel. I consoled myself. I still had him in mind. I was concerned he would see the light but it may be too late. I was worried he would be arrested and imprisoned. I wanted to cross the road to the other side but I could not hear the honk of any car. I didn’t look at my left nor the right. The women at my behind attempted to drag me. They said they called me but I didn’t answer them. I walked along the road and clutched my bucket of cold water and soft drinks in my hand. I do not know what happened but I knew I fell. And I could not see anything. My eyes was opened to the dark in daylight.



I gained consciousness some hours later after being in a state of coma. I tried to sit up from the bed where I was laid but I felt a sharp pain in my head. I laid back.

“Hallelujahhhh.” A woman screamed beside me. I realized someone had been siting there overtime, seeing to my movements.

“What happened?” my voice muffled. The woman came near me when she realized the movement of my lips. I asked her again.

“It’s a long story dear... you should rest now. Let’s thank God that you’re awake.” The woman responded. “You had an accident. You could not open your eyes when we came to your aide; I and some market women.” She talked gently and rambled on. I realized I had fell suddenly. I realized I had closed my eye and saw darkness just that morning.

“Where am I?”



“Do not worry.” She laid her palms on my shoulder. “You must have been bothered about something heavy on your mind. You could not take caution because you did not know a car was heading toward you with a great speed. Thank God I slowed down before I reached you.” She held my hands and rubbed it against hers. ”It would have been worse.” She said, and looked away.



I felt sorry for her. I began to tell my story. My father’s death was I was eleven. My mother’s death of leukaemia. How I tended for my siblings before Dr Hassan’s death and how I went to the police cell. ”I have to hawk goods daily so as to provide for my brothers in the Motherless Baby Home and also save for my university education. I am sorry I bumped into your car –“

“So you have plans for the furtherance of your education?”

“Yes ma, I do. I was already in my 100 Level before my mother passed away and I could not further my education since then. I was advised to withdraw by the university management after being absent in school for 7 months” I said. Drenched in my tears now.

“Ohh, that’s sad. May your parents rest in perfect peace.

Where do you live, boy?”

“I live in an uncompleted building. I squat with motorcyclists till I can sort myself out.”

“That’s serious.” she sighed.” Would you mind coming home with me when you’re eventually discharged? At least, for the night.”

I looked at her eye and I withdrew my hand. “You will be fine, boy. Will you stay with me?”

I knew I would stammer. I was not afraid, but I was worried I will not be accepted. Or I will be made to go through the same thing I passed through at Mrs Hassan’s house.

“Alr…ight, all riiight, ma.” I said those words one after the other.



Later that evening, the Doctor came to check on me. He gave me a few drugs to use and I was discharged afterwards. He added that I must be brought to the hospital after 3 days till my wounds are healed.



We headed out of the hospital while the doctor saw us off the park. The woman drove me to her house. It was quite a long drive but the woman made me feel comfortable. She chatted with me, she asked me about girls and made me laugh to her jokes.



The woman introduced herself as Mrs Adebowale. She was a single parent raising a child. Her husband left her for another woman and she hasn’t remarried afterwards.

We got to her house at around 8:30pm in the night. It was a mansion situated at Lekki Phase Two. I met with her daughter who introduced herself as Ayokanmi. She was almost the same age as mine. I’m only four months older than her. She is beautiful. I told myself when I saw her.



I found out – after about a month – that she was an aspirant of a university. She wanted to study Plant Biology. We started attending UTME lessons together.... we spent most of our times studying together. We played video games often too.

Ayokanmi and I sat for the UTME examination and passed in flying colours. Ayokanmi had a composite score of 270% while I scored 272%



Ayokanmi and I were admitted into the university, I was admitted to study Law while she was admitted to study Plant Biology.



*************

Days in the university went quick. When Ayokanmi was in her final year, I was in my penultimate. She wrote her final examinations. And while she graduated, I was in my final year.

On her convocation ceremony day, I proposed to her. I was actually afraid that while she go for her service year, someone would take her from me.

She was before her friends and my friends. A lot of things rushed through my mind. I had always consoled myself that she liked me, not until she introduced me to a guy she referred as her boy lover when she got to her 200 level. It was at the middle of her penultimate year that they ended things and I became her shoulder to lean on. I remember the first time we kissed. I smiled and wanted to kiss her again.

I eventually brought out the rings. I said the words. She pressed me to her breast and said yes.

I lowered my hands to her waist and pressed her body into mine. Her mother said I wanted to squeeze her to death. The gathering roared with laughter.



We eventually got married 3 years after my Law School year.

EPISODE 8



No matter what storm you face in life, always remember that God loves you and he will never abandon you. That has been the watchword that had been motivating me since I was young. It had kept me alive at each worse moment I face. The Lord is the refuge for the oppressed, a strong hold in times of troubles. Those who know your name trust in you, for you have never forsaken those who seek you diligently.

Psalm 9: 9-10 had been my watchword. I can proudly claim that it has been God since my family had deserted me. Since they’ve been stripped from me.



Samuel and I got a petty job to engage ourselves in so as to raise money to further our education. Samuel wanted to become a surgeon while I wanted to be become a lawyer. I wanted to advocate for people and fight for their right.



Samuel worked in a cafeteria as a manservant. He was in charge of washing the dishes. He ensured that the cafeteria is neat and well-kept always. Sometimes, Samuel would work overtime and serve as a delivery man.

I on the other hand, continued to hawk soft drinks in various streets of Lagos. I always made sure that I wake up as early as 4:30am so as to get the best goods and ice to keep the drinks cool.

My selling point was mostly on the dreaded highways with the congested often-experienced traffic. At times, I would stay at a crowded market. I hawk for ten or eleven hours in a day depending on the sales made before. Samuel and I would retire into an uncompleted building where we squat with Hausa motorcyclists. At the end of the day, I often gained a sum of three hundred naira. At times, I made up to five hundred naira. Samuel on the other hand receives a constant wages of two hundred and fifty naira daily. Aside feeding.



Things went on so well between Samuel and me. I did not expect that we would get along so well.

Day after day, week after weeks, months after months. Years scurried quickly. It passed us by. Samuel and I had saved quite a lot of money which could possibly see us through our first and second year in the university. When it was time to obtain UTME forms, Samuel began to exhibit irrationality. His behavior towards me changed drastically.



Samuel would go out for days without coming back home. He would not bother to call either. I, at that time, visited his place of work hoping to see him there but I was told he no longer comes to work and no one knew his whereabouts. All efforts to reach Samuel proved abortive until I saw him one day while hawking.



I almost couldn’t believe my eyes as I dropped the cooler. “Samuel!” I yelled. “Where did you get all these?” I said, pointing at the D&G T-shirt he wore and the Rolex oyster wristwatch he wore which would definitely cost a fortune.

“Samuel, where have you been all these while?”

“Where did you get the money to buy these expensive things on you?”

“C’mon, Timmy. Don’t create a scene right here. We are in the middle of the road.” He tried to keep his calm amidst all my incessant pull on his clothes.



“Let’s go home” I said... and headed for where we used to stay together.



* * * * * * * * * * *



“I can’t continue this way.” Samuel said, refusing to enter the uncompleted building where we once lived together.

“I found a new work which will benefit us, Timmy.” He paused and looked at me in the eye. “See, we’ve been working so hard all these years with nothing to show for it. We need to work smart.”

He paused again, and continued. “While I was away, I’ve been working as well. I met some guys who introduced me to it. And I’ve made thousands from it in just a few weeks. All you need to do is to chat with clients and do some stuffs. That’s all. No big deal.” Samuel said.



“What stuff?” It was the only clumsy word from his illustration, “what stuff, Samuel? You’re now into internet fraud and you feel it is the best thing for you is to introduce me to me as well, right?”



“Whatever you call it Timmy, but you need to join me .... Let’s make some cool cash, man.” Samuel said grinning wildly. “Look at me, man, look at me and look at yourself. Get a mirror, things are changing. Join me, bro. it’s easy.”



“No. No. No. I can’t do that!

It is illegal, and you know, bro.”



Samuel hushed me with a cunning grin. “Don’t tell me about illegality or legality. I believe I am more of a specialist than you when it comes to things like this. And all I am trying to do is to change your life for good, and that’s all.” Samuel said while walking towards a motorcycle opposite the building. He waved at a cyclist.



I could hardly believe my ears. “Samuel, what has come over you? Are you going to throw away all our dreams, your dreams, Samuel – do you want to throw it away for nothing?”

Samuel responded “it is not for nothing Timmy, we are driving towards the same destination. Mine is just in a different way. Before I’m smarter than you are. Remember, the goal is to be rich” he added “after all, you do say that you need to work smart, not hard. It is what I am doing.”



“Yes, I said so, and this isn’t the kind of smart work I spoke to you about.... stop misquoting my words” I yelled back. He was no longer beside me.



Samuel appeared to be already irritated at my concern. “Well, no problem. If you would rather labour and work so hard for something you could get easily, that’s your choice. I only want to show you the good life because we’ve struggled together before now.”



“At least I will be satisfied that it is the reward of my labour. I am not interested in your fraudulent good life and I am warning you, Samuel be carefu....” I couldn’t complete my statement. The motorcyclist zoomed off.

EPISODE 7



I spent four days at Division F Police Station before I was finally released. I spent most of the days either weeping or brooding. Dark thoughts occasionally crossed my mind about my siblings, I’d asked unanswered questions about their welfare. I bothered most, with the uncertainty that they had been locked up as well. I also asked myself where they would be; I worried about what would be happening to them.

Sometimes, the other inmates would make fun of me and call me names. Names like “mummy’s boy” or “omije oju…” I wasn’t bothered because I knew that most of the inmates were mean by default. I knew because I had seen movies about them. It was only a boy of my age who showed interest in me. We would always try to start a conversation. Maybe he’s one of the internet fraudsters the DPO spoke about. I couldn’t ascertain that reality.



The second day I spent at Cell Fourteen wasn’t a day I will love to remember for the rest of my life. A young man came to meet me behind bars that evening. “hey man” he called at me and tried to force out a smile.

I did not even turn to look at him as I continued humming the Rock of Ages hymn. He tapped me on the shoulder a number of times before he decided to leave because I didn’t give him the required attention.



I stood at the same spot, behind the cell bars till night time. I probably expected a miracle or whatever you may deem fit to call it. Another guy walked up to me. Actually, a far older man. He appeared to be in his late thirties, or early forties.

“Hellooooo, Omo mummy.” He said and stretched the words. He spoke like our Nigerian comedian, Broda Shaggi.

“I don dey notice u since yesterday and I no fancy d way u dey do like fowl wey pikin die for hin hand. “u gaz free yourself and forget about everything. This place na place of joy... if u no happy for here, gbagbe you no fit happy for anywhere.” He said to me. I asked myself what was there to be excited about, and why particularly he was excited. But it wasn’t for me to bother about. I cast my eye on his face, I could not utter a word.

“Na me dem dey call Kesari. A.K.A. you see me, you die. I see you, you die... I be robbery gan. Dem talk say I be notorious armed robbery. But I sabi English o. I go school. I was apprehended last week while on an operation with my gang members. Na poor info we get, guy. But we gather dey my brother. We gather dey” Kesari said. He grinned and showed his yellow set of teeth.



I looked at him with so much displeasure that I didn’t know when a loud hiss escaped my mouth. Before I got to know what was happening, Kesari landed a hot slap on my face and rained punches on me. It took a while before the police officer on duty that night could intervene. I felt sharp pains on my body that night. I had dislocations as well, my waist hurt so badly that I couldn’t stand nor walk. I crawled to a corner of the dark cell where I sat and wept quietly for the rest of the night. Kesari and his accomplice, Skye, were laughing wildly at me. The young guy of my age who had come earlier did not laugh. He came to sympathize with me.

“I’m sorry about what happened. I wish I could help but I couldn’t. If I dared, we would get beaten together” he said, while he tried to stretch my legs.

“Thank you.”

“By the way, I am Samuel” he stretched his hands forward, towards me.

“My name is Timmy” I bone-face like someone who just fired bazooka. I refused to shake his hands. Disappointed, he withdrew his hand. “What brought you here, Timmy?” Samuel asked. He sounded like an inquisitive woman.

“Theft related issues.” I replied him and looked away.

“Wow! So you’re a thief?” Samuel asked looking at me straight in the eyes and glancing at Kesari secretly like we had something in common.

“I am not a thief” I fought back Samuel’s allegation “things just had to turn out this way.” I added.



“Well, mine is just a case of straying.” Samuel coughed then continued. “I was on my way to my place of work that morning when a SARS van pulled over beside me. I was dragged into the vehicle.” Samuel paused for a while, then he continued. “I was apprehended with thirteen others who were also on their way to work or home. We were told to pay a ransom of a hundred thousand naira or we would be detained although we did nothing wrong.” Samuel coughed.

“Those who could afford it were freed as soon as the money was transferred into the officer’s account and those of us who couldn’t afford it were detained. I tried to explain to them that I work in a junkyard and I have to walk miles every day while I push a cart around to gather used and condemn metals, but they turned deaf ears to all my pleas.” Samuel sighed. I instantly felt sorry for him. We were here by accident.



Samuel and I became friends that night and we were both freed the same day. Samuel had a similar story as mine, the only difference between us is that he never knew who his parents were, or what they looked like.



Samuel lived with his uncle in Egbe, Kogi State, until his uncle told him that he could no longer fend for him. He left Kogi, afterwards in search for a greener pasture. He said he heard that Lagos has work for people. He met himself in Lagos for such reason. He is a neat guy, one would not suspect he pushes cart to gather used metals. He told me he still dreams of becoming something better –

When I was freed from the police station, I dropped my siblings at the Motherless Baby Home as planned earlier while Samuel and I hunted for petty jobs so as to get engaged.

EPISODE 6



Ever since the night Mrs Hassan deflowered me, and took my innocence away, she has been coming back over and over again for it like as if it’s her human right. Mrs Hassan would have sex with me at any given opportunity. In the morning before the morning devotion, in the afternoon as well, and mostly at night. I started losing weight and my legs started hurting so bad due to Mrs Hassan’s heavy weight and pressure in which she exert while having sex with me.



It got to a point I got tired of it all as the assault became too much. Became unbearable.

I have to end it all. I said to myself one night. I was overwhelmed with ideas on how to get myself out of the mess which Mrs Hassan had got herself interlocked with me. The first idea which came to my mind was to stab her to death before daybreak, and escape with my siblings afterwards. That would be before dawn. I then remembered the Lord’s Commandments in the book of Exodus, one which state that “thou shalt not kill.”

The second idea which came to my mind was to file a serious allegation against Mrs Hassan. But I thought to myself, who will believe me? This woman suffering from malady is blessed with money, tables might turn against me and I might be jailed for wrong accusation. I may even have to pay for stress, for defamation of repute or calumny. I yawned and tossed around my room idly. During this process, I conceived another idea which seemed to be the perfect one on my mind at that moment.



The plan was to take my brothers to a Motherless Baby Home while I move out of the house so as to start a new life elsewhere. I made plans ahead and it seemed perfect to me. I picked a date which appeared convenient for me, a day I am very sure Mrs Hassan would not be around. Some days after, I started executing my plans by packing my clothes, as much as my sibling’s gradually. Unknown to me that Mrs Hassan had been monitoring my movements and was aware of the whole plan I had in mind. At least, it eventually appeared that she knew the basics.. On the day I was supposed to leave Mrs Hassan’s house, the unexpected happened.



I was on my way out with my siblings, we were heading for the Motherless Baby Home. It was around 9:45 am in the morning. The giant black gate at the entrance of the mansion flung opened and a troop of armed policemen came into the residence with their pistols and AK47 guns pointed at my siblings and I. “Hands up.” One of them barked the order.

I dropped all my bags instantly, my siblings did the same. I was surprised and frozen with shock when Mrs Hassan came in at that particular moment in company of another police officer.

“Yes, he is the criminal.” Mrs Hassan announced, she positioned her hands akimbo.

“I am not a criminal.” It was hard to raise my head, but I tried. They could tell, my voice was timid, let alone me. I only made attempts to justify myself. I pointed at the direction of my baggage, “Here are my loads.” I stooped down and started to remove my clothes from the Ghana-must-go-bag which contained them.

“It will be better if you keep your mouth shut Mr man, or anything you say will be used against you in the court of law!” Another policeman added. I froze, honestly, scared at the uncertainty of their next action. I have seen movies about Nigerian police brutality. I knew I would wear the same trouser with them – while they seek a truth that does not exist.



I was handcuffed and led into a black Toyota pick-up vehicle they brought. I couldn’t stop them, but I begged that my siblings be kept save from this. They would not hearken after all. They are the men of the Police Force, Nigeria.

I was arraigned before the DPO that same day where I was questioned.

“Is it true that you stole some goods which belonged to Mrs Hassan Olasunkanmi in her apartment and intended to abscond with them? The DPO who seemed to be more reserved spoke to me. He asked this question calmly. I answered in the negative. “No sir, I am not a thief.” I stammered. “I ha..ve ne..ver been one.”

“Hmmm, although you don’t look like someone who would do such... but those who do it don’t write it on their foreheads.” He shook his head in disagreement. “You’ll have to remain here with us until we finish with our investigations” the DPO added.



The DPO’s words were short and simple... he spoke as if he will be arrested for the numbers of words he say.

“Sergeant Adeyemi!

“Shan sir!”

“Lock this young man in Cell Fourteen alongside Kesari and those internet fraudsters we arrested earlier.”

“Alright Oga” Sergeant Adeyemi dragged me by my trousers. He took me to the counter where my shirt was removed and my mobile phone was taken away before being transferred to Cell Fourteen.

EPISODE 5



Night turned to days, days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months after we moved into Doctor Hassan’s house. Everything went on smoothly. We lived in harmony. Doctor Hassan treated us like his kids. He made us the kids he never had. He registered my siblings in one of the top private schools in Lagos State. We went for picnics on the beach and also went shopping occasionally. Doctor Hassan made sure we weren’t lacking anything at all. To me, Doctor Hassan is the definition of a father I never had.



Tough times doesn’t last forever. They say, but good times does not last forever too. The mixture of both is what we call life. My happiness soon turned sour one evening when Mrs Hassan got a call from an unknown caller who later told her that Mr Hassan was involved in a ghastly motor accident and he was, at that period, battling with his life at Zenith Care Hospital. Mrs Hassan screamed and broke down in tears. She was disorganized totally. By the time we got to the hospital, Doctor Hassan was in a state of coma. The accident was indeed a fatal one: his vehicle was crushed beyond recognition and Doctor Hassan on the other hand suffered lot of bruises. Some of his bones were broken. I wondered how he survived the accident.



Around 8pm that night, Doctor Hassan kicked the bucket. He was buried the following day according to the Islamic rite. It was indeed a black week for us. The following week after Doctor Hassan’s death, his wife attitude changed towards my siblings and me. She would raise her voice at us at any given opportunity. She would hit me with any object she could lay her hands on at the moment. Mrs Hassan accused us of bringing bad luck into her family which was responsible for her husband’s death.



Things turned from bad to worse every day. Mrs Hassan turned me to a intimacy gadget so as to satisfy her sexual desire. She would have sex with me at any given opportunity. I could remember the first time it started, it was the same day she deflowered me and took my innocence away.

It was a Friday night, I was in the kitchen doing the dishes we had used for dinner. My brothers were fast asleep as I was the only one awake. Mrs Hassan who was in her early thirties crawled up to where I was with a transparent night gown which clearly revealed her bosoms and her thick thighs. Mrs Hassan had a big, round and robust breast which appeared perfect for her body. She had a glowing, fresh brown skin which made her very beautiful and attractive alongside her gap teeth and dimples.



“Timmy, come over to my room when you’re done. My waist is aching me seriously, you’ll help me to apply this balm on it” Mrs Hassan said while waving the balm at me so as to get my attention.

“Alright, ma.” I said with a bit of shock. Mrs Hassan hasn’t called me for such thing before. I said to myself almost loudly that she could hear me.



Mrs Hassan left the kitchen as soon as she delivered her message. I went to her room after I finished doing the dishes. Little did I know that Mrs Hassan had other plans for the night. By the time I got to her room, she had removed the night gown which she wore earlier and was only putting on a bikini pants and brassiere. She laid flat on her chest with her ass faced heaven.



I wanted to go back and tell her that it wasn’t appropriate seeing her unclad but she told me to do just as I was told. “I believe I know what is right and what is wrong.” She said and looked at me scornfully. She added that I should apply the balm on her waist. She tossed the balm over to me. I knelt down on the mattress right beside her and gently applied the balm on her body. I kept glancing at Mrs Hassan fresh, brown skin, spotless and her protruding bosoms while applying the balm on her waist. My joystick was gaining momentum gradually but Mrs Hassan couldn’t notice it because she faced the other side of the bed.

“Lead me not into temptations, oh lord” I prayed silently.



I continued with the back rubbing and massage still maintaining the waist region not until she was giving out a moan. She adjusted her pants and shifted it downwards a bit.

“Rub it down a little” she commanded, she sounded trembled, I was quite shocked with her weird requests.

“This isn’t right.” I hesitated and held my hands back in doubt. When Mrs Hassan noticed that I wasn’t doing as instructed, she gave me a hot slap and pulled me over herself. She started undressing herself that moment, she removed her hands and bra. I opened my mouth in disbelief and wanted to force my way out of her room.

“Where do you think you’re going to you son of a b**ch?” Mrs Hassan said as she pulled me back. She took off my clothes and tore my undies like a hungry lion who haven’t had a prey to feed on for years. She pushed me to the mattress and played with my dick till it got hard then she sat on it and started riding it like a cowgirl.



Mrs Hassan continued like that for about thirty minutes, she was moaning loudly and jerking seriously than before, she released some sorts of juices on my dick and slept on me.



During the whole process, I tried to plead with her but I couldn’t over-power her, she seemed to be more powerful than I was. I couldn’t help but to cry.



Mrs Hassan got up after she finished satisfying her selfish sexual desire. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you’re still a Virgin. But you look grown and mature and you have a very good dick.”

“Timmy, it’s been years since I had a great fun like this. Mr Hassan is such a boring man when it comes to things like this and he’ll always get tired after 2 minutes of fucking me.” I felt that she only tried to justify her action.

“But you must not tell anyone about what happened between us tonight, not even your brothers. I’ll surely kill you if you do!” Those were Mrs Hassan’s threatening words to me that night.

EPISODE 4



Life hasn’t been the same ever since the death of my mother. Home hasn’t really been home when the loved one is gone. After my mother’s death on my birthday, August 29th, I wasn’t myself. I was rather a shell of myself. I often saw her smiling at me. Sometimes, she talked to me and pet my brothers. I told Doctor Hassan about it and he moved us out of the house to his residential house where he lived with his wife and daughter.



Her burial ceremony was scheduled to hold on a September 5th, a week after her death. Friends and families were present, distanced relatives also found their way to the burial ground. Each tried to do one thing or the other. Few of my friends from UNILORIN also graced the interment, I was actually surprised when I saw Ayewa Precious, the lady in Zoology, whom I had a misunderstanding with during schooldays.



At the graveside, dark clouds covered the surface of the sky, then it started drizzling. The pastor preached about living a good life. Afterwards, people said their good words about her when she was alive. I was called upon to read a poem in honour of my late mother, I read it with tears in my eyes.



“When I lay there beside you,

Would you feel me there?

My arms were wrapped around you,

And I was stroking your hair.



I was talking about all the good times,

For me they were every single day.

I wanted you to feel love and comfort,

And happiness in some way.



I watched your every breath,

And prayed that each won't your last.

The time we got to share together,

Went by too quick...Too fast.



I wanted you to wake up,

Please Mum...you can still open your eyes.

And tell me this is a nightmare,

And not our goodbyes.



As your last breath drew closer,

We lay silently together.

My heart continually breaking,

Because I wanted you forever.



Then there it was,

Your final breath of air.

I didn't want to believe it,

You were so cruel and unfair.



I held your beautiful face,

And prayed you'd breathe again.

I wasn't ready for you to go,

I couldn't admit that this was the end.



But then I realized that you were now in peace,

And you would not suffer anymore.

You were beginning the life of an Angel,

And your body would no longer be sore.



I held you close and squeezed you tight,

And tried to say goodbye.

I've lost my Mum and my number one best friend,

All my heart could do is cry.



I slowly got up,

I wanted so much to stay.

I leaned over and gave you a kiss,

It was so hard to walk away.



Mum, you are my entire world,

And I miss you very much.

I wish I could feel your lovable cuddle,

And your soft and gentle touch.



But for now I have to wait,

Until we meet again.

You will always be in my heart and thoughts,

My dear Mum and best friend.



Always and Forever,

Our hearts will always touch.

Always and Forever,

Your baby boy loves you so much.”



I finished the poem with a heavy heart that I didn’t know when I gave myself into a loud cry. My immediate brother did the same too except for Feranmi who wasn’t aware of what was going on at the moment.



I watched as my mom was lowered into the grave. Darkness hovered around her coffin as the sands poured on it. The Pastor said his memory verse, ‘ashes to ashes, sand to sand…’ and eventually prayed for the family.



After the interment, I sat right beside my mom’s grave which has now been covered with sand. She was buried right beside my late father’s grave. I could remember she once brought me to the particular spot and warned me about the dangers of smoking and how injurious it is to health.

“Your father died of lung cancer due to his high intakes of cigarettes. His lungs were damaged when he died.” She always told me, when she was alive, “Son, even when you become successful in life, don’t ever think of cigarettes and alcohol. Smokers are liable to die young.” Her words are now memories.



While thinking about my mother, I received a text. It was from Ayewa Precious, my friend in school. It read:



“I’m sorry about your mom’s death, may her soul Rest in Peace. I’ve gone back home when I didn’t see you after the interment... take care of yourself.



Xoxo

Precious”



When it was some minutes after 7, Doctor Hassan came to where I was sitting and said words of motivation and encouragements before taking my siblings and me to his residence.

EPISODE 3



The next morning was a Saturday, I woke up as early as 5:00am to make breakfast for the family. I arranged the house and swept the whole compound. When my siblings woke up, we all prayed for our late father to continually rest in peace while we prayed for mom’s quick recovery. After the lengthy morning devotion, I served my brothers breakfast. I served mom’s breakfast as well. I couldn’t eat because I had to wait upon the Lord with fasting and prayer for her quick recovery throughout the day.



I took my bath and headed for the hospital. It was a cold morning, the sky was filled with dark clouds like it wants to rain although it had rain earlier, in the night. The sun was nowhere to be found. The drainages were full to the brim with waters flooding every part of the street. I was about to start my journey to the hospital when my phone rang. I brought out the phone and realized Tumise was the caller. Tumise was my girlfriend, I clicked the green button.

“Happy birthday, baby!” one could feel the excitement in her voice.

I hesitated at first, I later replied her and wondered why she sounded so excited. I asked myself if the day was truly my birthday. I asked her in disbelief and she replied in the affirmative.

“Today is your birthday, love. Today, August 29th. Do you intend to play pranks on me?” I greeted her excitement with silence and she asked what was wrong with me.

“You’ve stopped talking with me for some days now” Tunmise added. I agreed with my instincts when it told me she felt disappointed.

“Oh, yes it’s my birthday.” I said feigning ecstasy. It was meant to ensure that I avoid her questions. I didn’t inform her that my mother is terribly sick.

“I’ll call you back baby... I have to do something important at the moment.”

“But we haven’t fin....”

Tunmise tried to continue the discussion but I hung up and zoomed off to the hospital.



At the hospital

The hospital environment seemed to change today unlike the other days. I said to myself as I went through the security checkpoint. I entered the main building, the smell of the environment wasn’t inviting at all. It was a bad a choking smell. I went straight to the nurse on duty that morning and stated my mission to her.

“Oh, good morning Timmy” she said. “Doctor Hassan would love to see you. He is in his office presently.” the nurse added while she pointed at Doctor Hassan’s office.



I walked towards the Doctor’s office. On entry, I was surprised to see him seated because he told me he won’t be coming to the hospital that Saturday. “I’m off duty,” I could remember he said it while driving me home the other night. Doctor Hassan greeted me warmly and offered me a seat right beside him.

“Timmy, I don’t have to keep you in darkness anymore.” He paused for a while before he continued. “You mother is affected by cancer, leukaemia, to be precise.” It appeared that it was as worse as he had concealed the true illness from me before this time. I repeated after him softly. Leukaemia. Leukaemia. Leukaemia.

“Leukaemia!” I yelled and gripped the shoulders of the chair I sat on.

Leukaemia was something I had read about in magazines, I had watched programs about it on TV and I had been taught in school. It was said to be a very dangerous kind of cancer. I never believed and I never thought, even for once, that my mother would battle a life threatening sickness like it. My heart shattered and felt pity for my mom for the first time.

How can this be true? When did she start her battle with leukaemia? Why didn’t she tell us about it? I asked myself a lot of questions in the few seconds of silence and I couldn’t conceive a clue to answering them.

“She has been battling with it for four years now.” Doctor Hassan added. Aside that, “your mother wished you a happy birthday and she wanted you to have this.”

He stood and walked towards his table. He brought out a box which I recognized instantly. It was her necklace box, her most prized possession. According to her, her mother, which is my maternal grandmother, gave it to her before giving up the ghost. It was a real gold jewel.



I collected the necklace from Doctor Hassan and kept it in my pocket.

“Can I see my mother, sir?” I asked, as I licked the tears on my face with the edge of my cloth. He sighed and shook his head for a moment before he finally opened up to me.

“You do not understand yet.” He paused and stared at my face. “We lost your mother to the cold hands of death this morning, we could not save her.”

“You lost who?” I screamed at him. I intended to be at ease but I couldn’t. I just couldn’t.



The next three hours of my life that day wasn’t the one I would love to experience again. The pain of seeing someone you love die slowly right before you and you couldn’t help it was the worst pain one could feel. After much pleading, I was allowed to see her corpse. She had been covered already. I walked towards her. She laid there lifelessly. I gently removed the white robe from her face. She looked just beautiful and radiant like ever. Her brown skin glowed as if she just took her bath. Her body was cold.

I screamed. I could remember that I slapped and pinched her body but she didn’t wake up. She would not answer me. I called her name and her father’s, she didn’t wake up.

“Mummy, it is my birthday. My birthday is today.”

“I still want to take you to London, mom, I haven’t forgotten my promise of buying a 4matic Benz for you, mummmmy” I said and wailed bitterly but she would not move an inch, nor lift a finger. I fell to the ground and wept. That day, I wished tears could bring our dead people to life, and perhaps, my mother would come back to life.

EPISODE 2

As I exited the hospital, I went home to prepare lunch for my mother and siblings. While re-arranging the house, Feranmi, my youngest brother, approached me. He, in his young innocence asked when his mother would come back home.

“Soon, she’ll be back home very soon.” I said and landed a soft pat on his shoulder. I pressed his body gently to mine. We all ate silently until I broke the silence. “Wale, I’ll be back soon, I want to visit mom at the hospital. Please take care of Feranmi.” I carried the food flask which contained my mother’s food and headed for the hospital.



On getting to the hospital, I saw some set of nurses pushing a patient with the aid of a wheel out of the ward. The figure was covered with a white cloth from head to toe. I told myself, peradventure, the person is gripped with cold. I shrugged as I found my way to the ward where my mother had been admitted. I received the greatest shock of my life when I didn’t meet her there. I dropped the flask I clutched tightly in my hands and ran blindly to the Doctor’s office with tears in my eyes.



I met the doctor in his office with his hands akimbo, he tossed around his office higgledy piggledy. He paused when he saw me. “Oh Timmy, you’re back already?” He asked. He appeared quite bothered.

“Yes sir, I’m back. I’ve brought her food as you’d requested.

But sir, I can not find her in her ward when I got there. Where is she?” I asked. Tears began to stream down my face like the massive flooding of a shop.

“Oh Timmy, c’mon, you’re a man and you need not to worry about your mother this much.” He said while taking me out of his office. We headed towards another section of the hospital. A completely different part.


The doctor held my hand and squeezed it at intervals till we got to a big door with a ICU tag on the wall. Although, I didn’t know what it meant but I was pretty sure it was a medical term. After a short while, we got to where mom was laid. I let go of the Doctor’s hand and ran towards my mother. I called her and held her palms which I squeezed gently. “Mama, can you hear me?” I asked in an almost silent tone. After a while, she opened her eyes gently and smiled at me. Mama held my hands and said something which sounded more like a gibberish to me. After a brief moment, her voice was clearer. She said “Ayomi” which means “my joy.” Mama alone calls me by that name

“Mummy mi.” I said amidst my tears. I squeezed her palms together.

“Wipe your tears my boy, you won’t have any cause to cry by God’s grace.” she smirked and looked away.

“Amen” I said while I sobbed.

“I want you to take care of your younger ones, and also take care of yourself. I so much believe in you. You’ll make me and your father proud one day and we will be pleased with you.” Mama said and let go of my hand.

“Mummy, you’ll be fine. You’re going to take care of us. You’re not going to die. The doctor has assured me, he had said that you will be fine.”



My mother closed her eyes and didn’t answer me again. I started crying bitterly and refused to leave her side until the securities dragged me out of the room. I had wanted to touch her more but I couldn’t.



When it was 8:00pm that night, the doctor called me and told me he’s done for the day. He asked if I won’t mind if he drove me home which I budged to. The Doctor instructed me to visit the hospital early the next day.

Episode 1

The office was so empty, you would hear the collapsing sound of a pin. The Doctor adjusts his sitting position so as to unveil the nature of my mother’s illness. Fear gripped me, sweat trickled down my face despite the chill of the room; an effect of the air conditioner hanging above the window behind the doctor’s chair. Just as the tension was becoming almost unbearable, the Doctor asked where my father was. I had thought to myself earlier that he would wonder why and how a young boy like me would stand in place of my father.

“You can talk to me doctor, I’m not a kid.” I said to him and pressed my face into my palms. “Besides, the man is in the lane, he died when I was 11.” The addition was meant to make him share what he was about to, without consciously belittling me. On the contrary, he said he was sorry for my catastrophe as if it mattered to me at the moment. He made the unfortunate gesture; his two palms behind the head. I shrugged, and asked about mother again. I was eager and nervous to know her condition as she has been bedridden for over 4 days.

“Son, I won’t lie to you. Your mom’s condition is quite critical but I strongly believe that she will be fine Insha Allah.” His soothing words gave me comfort and I believed my mother would be fine again, it is just a matter of time.

“Please go home and rest son, you’ve been here since dawn. And kindly bring her something to eat on your way back here.”

“Alright, sir.” I said, as I walked out of the Doctor’s office.



Ohh, I haven’t introduced myself... I’m so sorry, Na situation cause am. My name is Oluwatimileyin Turner, but you can call me Timmy Turner to make things easier. I’m a 100 Level student of University if Ilorin. This story you’re reading is my true life story. I grew up with a single parent. My Dad passed away when I was in JSS 1 and ever since then, my mother had to take care of my two brothers and I. Being the eldest son, I know how hard and difficult single parenting is and a typical example is a bird using a wing to fly. Almost impossible, isn’t it? Yeah that’s how it is. Life was so difficult for us with my mother raising 3 kids. She was a primary school teacher which wasn’t enough finance to cater for her boys and put food on the table. My mother still have 3 other side jobs aside being a teacher in which she engaged in daily, just to make ends meet.



My uncles and aunts from my paternal side weren’t helping matters at all. I could remember back in 2012, they accused my mother for his death. They clamoured that she was responsible for the death of my father. They called her a witch and all sorts of mean names. They took everything away from us. The car, the house, and the joint company which my mother and father operate together while he was alive. The confiscated everything from us.

Life was really tough after my father’s death. Being the first son, I had to hawk goods for my mother early in the morning before going to school and on weekends so as to put food on the table. I was exposed to the dreadful streets of Lagos at a very tender age.

“Timmy, you’ll become successful one day, and you will make me and your late father proud. I believe in you.” My mother would always say to me. Especially when I make huge sales.