Pe Lit heer © Khadijat Abubakar Jalihe ie Cage TeL) \© Rhadijat Abubakar Jal All right reserved. ‘No par of this publication may be Feproduced, stored in rerieval system, ot rans in any form oF by au mems, electronics, mechanical, Photocopying. recording. or othsrwise without the prior PermissionoF hecopytight owner ISBN978.978.982.296.9 First published 2020) Condition ofsales Thixhook i sold sabjet to the sori that it shal not by ‘way of trde or otherwise. be lent, resold, hired ut of otherwise circulated without the publisher's price consent ‘many farm of binding orcoverather than then which it Publis an without similar condition incline this ‘condition being imposed onthe subsequent purchaser Primeiand bounds Nigeria, DEDICATION For my beloved children Zahra, Najwa, Basta, Sadiq and FarhaThee Cage CHAPTER ONE “They were waiting for Daly. Wewere, {paused outside their door Thelauphterwascheeriul Iwas alto infectious Itbegan as silent ‘chuckle, shen slowly st urned ite « mithul but sited giggle: Now bad finally transformed inta fll ledged chortle stopped awhiletolisten. My plan vas not to eavesdrop. Cn forbid shat I shouldbe that kindof mother ‘who sureptrously listened on her children's private conversation. But there was something shout the hughterthat was compelling and arresting. ‘Bint, my five yearold éaughter appeared tobe the arrative voice ‘She was telling ber two sisters the stor of her elassoom encounter with thei meddlesome Social Studies teacher the previous week. The narration ‘was so vivid you could actually visualize what transpired. The teacher believed he knew a ite bt about every subject under the sun, especially French which most ofthe students found strange. Bint hers was new in the school. French as an options subject even at this level of primary seloolecueation. We however encouraged hero take the option since we ‘lieved tha language acquisition at aneary age came relaively easy and with nim ear. And in any eae, French was second to English nthe ranking intemational languages, we reckoned. Soitwasthat ie ftst question te teacherasked was, “Who cantell meow say Gnd Mormingin French” Everybody was silt inthe classroom, “You mean none of you knows how 19 say Cond Marine in French?” Hesiatingly, ot without epidation, Bintraised herhand. “Yes?"hepoiniedat her. Slowly, she soos up, "Whats yourname?”the eachsrasked. “My mas Bi oTe i Chang “So, tellus, Bint how do yousay Good Mormungin French?” “Bonjour,” Bint suid, “That very good,” the teacher said: peaking English, “And how do you say thar’ very goo in French, teacher?” Biat sed innocently. a “What?”Theteacte jerked his head off asifsting by abee. Then, ‘within flash, he bolted out ofthe classroom any to come back + few minutes later with the French Mistress ofthe senior classes. "Ask here tld Bint simply “How do you say sha’ very good in Feench, Aunty?” Bin asked reverential. “Cesties ben." the ronch Mistrosreplied, “Cestires ben,” Bintrepeated confidently. ‘The classbegan clapping and laughing athe sume ime. ‘The classteacher followed he French Mistress out and did’ come backil after the break, Meanssile the whole class as one surrounded Bint and started ‘lopping and singing going round er m cheer and joy. They seemed to have ‘known instinctively hat Bint was destined for big things Who else but enivswouldask question theeachercoaldnotanswer? 1 gor them. really got thea,” Bint was saying excitedly to her siblings. | found mysef laughing silently. Before 1 ot eared away. let snyself unobtrusively ito the room, Tey were used to my imprompashargiog. One reason Fused to £0 in unasnounced was 0 heep ther on thei toes wher issues of personal hygiene were concerned. The second reason wat that we were used i ‘eping each other company These formed the rational For my periodic shecking of their room ~ to ensue that they learned the basic norms of ‘maintaining the cleanliness of their room x an early age and vo get used to my presence My own grandmother used tote us when We were young hal Wha om teach a childs ie writing on a rack anal when dried. wold be a Tee Che dificult to erase. seldom miss an opportunity to make them seo the lesson in an experience. They learned to respect my opinion over soe of their ‘mutters and [ ied not to be umnccessarily didactic when it came 16 comection or giving istrations. This cemented our mutual rs. “Lam so prowl of you, Bint,” I said as I wedged myself between Dintand Jamil her inmediate elder sister. They wereall seated by the edge Of the bed and Tooked up at me os iF my intusion hed all along been sic ipae “Thank you. mummy.” Bint said ux she nestled even closer tome, ‘She was my ast child and consequently the dating ofthe entre fil. My fist child was Omar: He was the first child and only male. Between Ome fal Binc here is such great affinity that 0 ove dared feown at her isansigence, no maiterhow great, if he was around, ‘And all of them called me mummy, They'dida eal me Mam, tile every child in my ceramunity used fortheir moth. They vould call ‘me Umi, which was my name 2t home. which mcidentally also meant ‘mummy. 1 etually tansiated to My Mother in Arabic, because 1 wes ‘named ater my peteral grandmother So | was Umm to everybody ese, ‘and Mura ony children an thet fiends. Except Omar whe nso on calling me Mum Is never particular about how Iwas addresied. What | algaysinsisted was respect foreach other, nd for one nother “Listes, young gil, all Malla Salibu was uying to do was to practice his smal French therehy trying a perfet it You should give him a Deak. Moreover, be is humble enough to accept tha he does no! kxow. Another teacher would frown his face and tell you aw revi meas weloome whether you ike itor nox. Yur kaowladge othe cantriy would ‘mean nothing whim. “But au revoir means ‘goodbye until we meet again, mummy.” Bint was quickto poimtout “Liang my dear, butiftheteacherisangry he ean ell yousny word means whateverle wants i tomean.” “That would not ai” 0%TL hen “tisalsonot facto push your teachers yond what hey know.” “They are the ones Who actasithey know everyihing mummy.” ‘When our conversation-got hat animated, my children seemed to forget that 1 was also a teacher. I never bothered reminding ther. The spontaneity of the discussion was what made i interesting. And if you atempiedt interrpt, you would desiroy the flow ofthe discussion, “Tee. my second child, opened her rou to say somthing and paused, Juste, there was this load knock om the der, 2elore he vas asked 10 come in, Omar pushed open the door and Jumpedon me. “Tmadeft mum, Imadeit™ $s al Md up sone and Began aking, “Wht dil you “I made it to the university, dears, Bint, your big brother is a university student” ‘They screamed and shouted and ulated ‘Thenewscemeasa pleasant surprscto them. And especially rome Nobody knew where Omar was going when he left home ealie that ‘oming. To say the uth, ie Was looking rather anxious when he cane to _teet meio the morning. He was dressed in blue jeans and white shit His skin cut hairstyle contrasted eauifully with his sie bare which he kept lean and rim Tle had alwaysbbeena precocious eid. To look at him, ox ‘would think he was well nt histwenties. But Omar as just eighteen: My singular tril with Omar was that he was always devssly dressed and lean This pleased mebeyondmeasare ‘Now. Iwas even more pleased when he thrust the aamission letter from Joim Admissions snd Matriculation Board ‘o me, The Boerd was Popularly known by itsacronym, JAMB, indeed even at my tie it wast inconceivable thi thee were some undergraduate students who never ‘new what the acronym stood for Let alone now. Anytiow. wok ihe leer and read it My onvas given admissionto study Lawatthe Kongo Campus of Ahmadu BelloUniversity, Zaria. 4 “Thiswasexhilarating is was al hs futher rear of My husband bad wanted 1o read Lav himself but providence letatedhe read accounting. “Big Bros, what course did they give you!” Teemah, my fst daughter. and therefore Oma immediate younger sister asked. “Look here, young Indy, eall me with respect. To you, aad everybody in this house, except mum and dad of couse all of you should paw call me My Leamed Brother. In the school we call each other My ‘Learmed Colfeague. 8, since you are mot my colleagues you call me My ‘Loamod Brother!” ‘indeed! This is alle running before feaming to craw!” Teemsh laughed, "Can you near yourself” Jamilassidtoherbrother, “Just call youselfOmar Esquire" Teemah said, “Mum, your dausitersarepiain jealous.” “Indeed,” Teena managed to muster all the affectionate sarcasm inthatsingleword. “Rig Bros, congratulations.” Bint sai, ming to her brother 1 ghehimatu “Thaok you. my dear For you there is an exception. Call me ‘whatever you want, Buthose belligerent ser of yous. lem jus catch them calling myname anyhow. Wewil tke themsto ent” “They ll arstiniolaugher “Wos, am really so happy for you ‘There would ea prand celebration today."I sid tastes Few my urterance was taetless because as sna sai hat my {ace was besicged by eihtexpectant ears, all wanting to kn wht | had in mind and ow the celebration was goine:o beand when. “Figt let us wat for your father’s retur. He clone at five o'clock in the eveniganarrives home ass. You know that hss the only bank nhs ccomnunity” st your father come omePhe Ohm Ws okay, mum. But tell your children, especally that blabbermouth called Teemah, that sobedy should tell Dad about this ‘admission beforems;" Omar said. ~ “Why isthat™ asked ‘He promised 1 upgrade my torchlight phone 9 @ smart undo home.” “That's not cus, mum." Teemah sad. “There's no way, Daddy ‘would promise him smut phoce while he leaves us with this tonight pirane™ ‘Teemat’s protest clicited such laughter that fora moment I fogat ‘whut thebickering was about “Mum, you see plain jealousy, Envy, Thats what's stopping ‘Teemab fiom growing all” "allowed them to chastise one another a while before ruling that ‘whatever their father’s decision would be eitheronthe celebration or onthe Purported phone purchase, would have to wait ll the owner ofthe house arrived. “All asked is that nobody should uss tel him before fad (Omar nepeatec hisrequos. "Okay." I said. "Nobody would be the ove to ell him first. As 000 ashearrives, you would zoandtelThimthe good news ours.” "Thank you, mu.” “You are welcome, Oma" The room was geting sully because We didnot tum om the fa ‘What was 1 saying? We did not have light for two days now and the ‘generator was inneed oF repairs “Lets go outside and sit under the mango tree in the courtyard.” Jamilasuid, wrenching the wordsoutof my mouth “tis very hot in here ‘We tmopedoutand went tothe courtyard. White plastic chars were slready there and Bint and Jamila began dusting them with an old pices of lthing. “Mummy?” Yes, Bit. Whatisit?™ ~Twant to drink sabe" “tean buy that for everybody” Omar sui. “Teoma, tring five boutesofz0bo.” "Bring the money firs.” (nar tuned to Jock bully st ne 1justsat there sing, ‘When iteomes to motey, Omar" Teemu said, "do you, even you ddoyoutrast yourself” “sured, “How many times did you take my z0bo without paying?” That was dlferent. Iwas not an undereraduate then. Now. you se talking to a potential lawyer. See, young git? You'd etter wateh it You cle introuble one day anal your only braer ere woul! ale upon todefend yu. twould rind your this day, believer” “Teemnah goad get ihe obo," Isai, "I would pay *Poank you, mur.” By thistime Bintand Janila were done cleaningthe chai Wesituscloscte cach otherasthe white plastic cars would allow and waited for Tecmah ta bring tie zoho, There was a very joyous atmosphere inthe airand nobody wanted to spo it. Thenall ofasulden Bint said, *Mummy.tcllusa story Before I could answer, Teemal was buck with ve bottles of zibo ‘oa plastic tay ad squat serve us. Thatgot medunking. Bint wanted 4 dilfeent story that came co my mind Omar was going 19 a enviroament. Until now, he had been ensconced in this Lalayetis community of ons, He was going to tow The university was a eviize You see, sna Tecra des manny Buti vas ll 07echo ‘community, diferent from ours. And with so much freedom one didn |know what iodo witht May be T shoal el them about my experiences in {the university. But how inteesting-eculd that he? My life before marriage had always been one dreary thing fteranother Tat surely was not hic kind ‘of sory someone ike Bin, or the remaining ehikien foe that matter, would ‘want to heart certainly was nt the kind f stay my exuberant son would {ike to hear: decided not to ber about any story. Lethe story, whatever its angle orangles, come naturally or not at all. [knew though thtsince my ‘marrage coineided with my entry into the university, and s0 uch dram was witnessed then, my children may have a peep ilo that life. Like I sid, however, would not makes deliberate effort at personal naraton. ‘Westll had likerwo orthroshours before theirfathereturned from ork: Me? The joy ofa teacher was that as langas the school was over, she ‘9 wa fre to res ill the nextday. had time, F would sk Omar about his sdmission fst. How di he go about getting it when no one rise fingce ‘ohelphim? “You see, mum," Orn told me evens hissiblings listened. “There isalways silver lining nthe cloud. After | passed SSCE examinations, by no means smal fat, von ifTam suyingit. “What do youmean by that immosdstremark Ry nomeans asin ‘eat! Well done William Shakespeare.” That was Teemab, always looking forherbrokbers trouble a they say “Muu, ll his big mouth to stop interrupting 9 lawyer when he is speaking" Theale tured waddress Teemah hese “Dont you knowhow ‘many af my colleaies had their exams sat fr? Don't you know how many Parents paid big money to these so called Miracle Centres where no ‘candidate fails their exams? Dow’ you thiak [havea right buast of my Achievement when T scored seven credits including English and “Mathematis at the very rstattempr in my WAEC examinstion? tis by m0 ‘means small feat, my dear sister. Don etme curse your efforts, you heat? Otherwise f would say yours fs soon coming and I would se wht you wouidmake,” 08 Towa sensed Omar was lightly hur. Ske stopped taunting bir Ande wenton withhis sory “After the WALL results were ou, we purchased the JAMB form, filled i onfine and submitted. While people were running belie skelter from one schoo! wo another looking for whoa to assist them with theit childron’sndmission, | prayed tha {should pass the matriculation exams ‘wel. sored to hundred and thirty out of four hundred” “We know that to. And we never slept the day the rsalt was aounesd" That was foe Jail ‘Omargpored er. “Iwo days ago my fiends called anu advised me to check the aiission online,” he paused te lok empathy tm. brace, hnowing what was coming, "Mum, you see why smart phones are important? Most of my fiends knew oF thie adevissions from the comfort of their bedrooms by simply browsing on their pes. Me? Lhad to wait wo cays, So let Daddy ‘know that. Anyhow, it was worth the wait went tothe internet eae today 1 check on my aximisson status snd fund my name sino the sucessful candidates. The experience as really thnlling. But it would have been ‘eter sill iI stbrowsedand saw my name inthe como om roam.” “Its okays my son.” I said. “We would sec bout that pom when Daddy eomesbuck.” "Meanwhile do yon kxow the implication ofthis ainission in your Mer ‘Sue. Itmeans [have arived. St ricans [am atone with siembers| ofthe intelligentsia” [smile at my son's naivety. ust an admission leer and be had slready bcomea member ofthe inlligentsia The young min “Liste, my son, ThisadmissonisThee Char “Htmems tchanges yourlie” Teemah ssid “Itoneans moce than hat, my dear Itmeansitalso changes you.” “Howeanitehangeme?™ "Wel, may not beable to categorically tell you haw itean change you. But Hhnowhow my admission changed.” — How, mum?” MeL Chane CHAPTER TWO ‘was bright sun day unl the peopl of Lafayette wer happy ht their nar, Umm, as pongo the wives. Tht was mor tha twenty yeas ago. My fer aprec on the condition tha got maid before gras Tht was another ory. My husband, your fer, agreed we shoul ry vet before lent formy region So fort and members of be comma i double celebration own |r ios: waht ry mse a 1 font it th seri ‘The fit thing that stuck me was the cerefse ate oF thc pepe the Everybody wasguineatouttheirsineswithoutonparet care me word. Wht ‘wat even ne thing as that it was Mi 0 ell yo ws sent an \watateacer Len, nan soondar school weal haifa as tents. Only theteachers were allowed come in ei private uns. Wot mum, You ma Wouldnt he required wee uniforms agin “Sally not foryou. my lee em You people at the Feely of Law have what they cll dress code which compris black trousers wie sis nd nck neces fr boys and dito foe ies cacop that in place of ows, he ils wear as Huteventhacsdurmgcasssoaiy™ “tisnotsobadaterall” Nai sn. And. relly it makes yon kind of stad out ofthe ero. smakesyouspecialinasease “Then what happened, munmy” Janik “Whathippenad where?” “Aftcryounietha sudens ands wet ot essed nen "My dear ai, it say they wer not dresses diferely sah the stunts were ot quired wear uniforms. As fo diTerece im dressing that was ne ofthe frthings you would otce. An, Omar ytd beter fay sentioa ete, The way he yin the university dress aves ery line othe imagination” “Wat does tha mean." Bintasked “oman desefost kod” “Tiss ery serous, mum Ad he uivesity allows hn my schoo u‘orjust wearing the wrongcaour of smd you woul sent hore “Bin, your schoo isa pinay school now. You canna cmpare ito the ww Bits wording dstpline ad dcveney shouldbe peranet sspectiofhman charct They should aot bs liniedteavariin level or eatery ofsctooing” Omari This imerrpton wit hp, iden hig wal you aboutmy reac this Soedom arestng when istertendthe univers No ‘mowimerfsrence, plese Let youginsourexperien’e with Sai, ‘Salma wt ir compleniond gill kim and mater busty. That ast vas obvousto seven some ofus who wererscenly married Te ti fitine lotic she wore ade yu wonder long wok her Wiggs hein thom, ‘She hon ery dark su ee which accu ter fanniableappearance. The young men around were ops ling er while ic few of us as belong tcoldschool event, pretended wt one. WowereatheFaculyregisratiooffice Thelecarcrinchargeataken ges to come and when hei he was aking ety to sta. No on eter the oicearertimand we stood in theqacuefor hk amour without movement “Tis Sama ofa gia come biel cr mins and she was al ower the place grumbling about he inepiide of i registration offices, th 0 cll university ectues "Tey alof he, lsonsierate."she dlr. “They ae sobearesstishly sri theyhavechidcema home.” ‘She was aston the qe at wold ma stay at her place Oe yung a ‘es her potitey and sid, "Young lady, some of tes people have bene for farlonge han you have been adept! enh to wat or the cE estreniysothey eauldall poceed othe next vel afthergicrtan oxen.” Youd know dese peopl 3,” Sma sai. ~Ifyou wal eee tw they would kep ou il disk doing nothing. They have nothing to do bu 0 fata you. They ar ke the poiemas athe checkin. they sto you with ‘unecessary quer, its ut so much because they want bribe hsiea give, but sometimes they wantiodelay youas gas possible to hep them pany lhe veal Yehclewriveslleanbe sorely manning he oad polkeman” 2 ete change You mean there is mo difrence between your lecturers and the policemen on theron? the yours man asked, “They ae al tbe same, In fet you are beter of withthe poiceman because tance youknow here ye are with kin, Whether ouareriht or non, Jus grease bis palms dhe would allow youtopass Withlecturen you donoteven| know where yo stand. As aboy they woul ask yu for money; they would sk you fora dite” hat ike tha” "What do yu ean jus ke that? OF cous, in return fora favour deci Like the monkey inthis fie, whoever hei. Tm, you cana just Jeave people standing ante queue while youre inside ding nthe So if have ‘he eportnty, I would uso, ive him tivo rh ths ara pocket andhewouldanendtome:” "Yoaresureabout at ny deae™ "Sure: But why re you asking me x many questions” Salma removed bersunshadesandlookinteyatthe young man ateropstnher “jus find yourallegaion alle sweeping. To grea, yousk me” “You doritknaw thas leurs aso This int my fii you kaon” “Tenn imapine the mani “Jas mo, you were saving if weallow you 1 go in you ould inenee ‘the maaiogettherepteation processed ™ ‘Yes. please Money moves mona,” Sakasi, hogs ath, thong” “Nevermind Sl sai puting hergloesbackon, ‘The mancleuedhistweat aed adres “Ladies nd geileien can wre pleaseallowthis.. Wht your name?” Hetumedtosima “Salma Motammed” Laos a yeifemea, can we pens allow Salma Motammed hers to precede sto sce th eturerso that therein can gta?” "You" Weall ante in isn. ust den th etre’ door opened and the an tse came ut wi @ B‘eye Oger « ‘wetdaserin shan etumedan locks ce Weallkeptasie. Bales. "The oc sey cw NE sd, sing 6 aos 09 other ‘esonthan the young man who hadbeen engaging Salmain conversation 1 id nor understand what was happening tf Nove di Meawhile, Salma had removed her asses forthe esi ime and was ooking he young ‘man strangely. Speeches ‘Comprehension ned oo usalmott atone, Eventodykepiauit “The wm withthe der sich ou is and and gave the ou theolfcc key Than you, Jon the young ri si. istnereamythingrmore you waatime to dos" ~ John.Js y tohe ase vt the leaning oh tiem good ep ‘owe new st wating, so ke “tas ny a sm, dear sud” Jhm re and hel wathedamay fn the sca All eves were now onthe young lestrec who ha all along boom staying with nd was enduring what we were going trough as his ie was being evn [As foe Sain, she jt soo there shivering We some rn drenched The mun clay wath by ws, opened is fies and Here he ered said, Please he orderly. We would som be done with the srening excreise Masri firsteome ts sewved onde: hank you.” Hedisppeareiatoth fee. Alleyesnow tumedtoSana. She was suenly betel of wor. She Was Gticn amd was busy looking aie desig other shoes llth enaining prod tll my ten cae ‘emer tohe srs Withina very thot time way dane an rece the depron or ‘my mitricltion umber ther mater. |i ose Sal gan il me ow 4 MeL ae ‘month the semeste “Wow. That washing” Teenah wasbesie hes wit ugh. hast wait Hill tl you wat happened ding my. deparmestal repsration. (What tuypened. Mun?" Omarasted | snot eknow shat anspined before fame wo daparmental ice Theseercary was hs hitngamay at her computer She was visibly a worn of fe won. She raise hor ead, asiese ha Hwa a now tena ask wh sho could oem ‘a washer orm aiemtmbor ‘Shejustroded iowand the door beside. Om it eas wien HOD. "inocked umidly athe doorand waited *Comcin,” cme therapy Ive and wasshocked adh the HOD here wasalen avery young pen He sl reypleect behind his gh desk and was seribling awey on ‘emepapeas entered ‘e sopping and looked up sw at once that he ba tial ack ‘which wete rate tm these times, They Itay nv ance origin. He was ‘bviously am Igala perion Yoru hd 6 dow sb! dat. The eri Ahogling acrss his chest om the necklace He Wone 11d me his relies ‘netinton 9a ima filed wth appeensin without ksi why “Yes, wane ay cu for you? he aed “Lam a new stale siz Team for yy mare name” H was sti stunting Sito, my deat: ton Tino tha I would ati pase est on liu: You mina persons ‘office you over sit down even if there are hued unoccupid e i {You are invited st For seme eon, [ound is caring sation sighy 1sekg age liscoestng, You do 20 jut po bout calling everybony your deat Unless he meant something] was irunedatly ony guard. The i ofthings Vea Salina say about university lecturers filled mo with foreboding. OF course the young Jectrer who ik oer wa huh and ice, That gt to have dispelled my outs Butt didnot. [aillhadsomereseations. ‘Thename penanonbisdsksaid simply, SAMUEL JOHNSON, PAD, "Youarearongthefsio report for repstraton besa Yes sit"espoadd, wishing be would jus ash me my marber and etdone witht "What is your mame” be aol he pulled Mewar hinele We ‘ver ill analogue then. to think et of gs have change ince my sctooing ys, conceing recon keping Lean, “Mynaie is Uri Ahmad, "Tau He med inthis ile then castally ask me if needed something 0 enh. “No.thank yousic "Isai ther two quicly Suddenly the olfice was becoming oppressive. | developed an instant. repressing of laustophsbia Why would your ead of Deparment fer ‘you a dink just because you weat or resaton? This was how at started. ‘decided tel hin os muri ut quickly changed my min, One thing eae ‘nie isnevertovalsnterinfomationuilese specifiy hed. You look beuifland decent in you ati." he sail athe ood up 0 comeandsitonthesofineethe vistors, wher Lasse. This was too much, 1 thought. Why would he be tying to sake ‘amveraton with me when al ware was the matic numher? Suddenly the Iumge of Salma lore over my fe 1 could hear he saying all etre ae the sue. Lyouateabov he ash youformeney, and ifyeuare agit hey ask you fora dat. Surely the man wood tbe trying to mike aps at me, What as is sine wih my tie? 1 Knew Iwas not wearing my hijab, bac Twas dressed in ‘cha way that venthowe wearing the ijab woul wih they were that cover. OF ‘course my cme fae was exposed dnt think ther was anything woo with 16 that odo, ny Fusband and had singe come 0 the enelaion that the recakitzan ale would always misbehave krespoctiv of what the woman irs ‘Thispurmeoomy gua. "Owe studeats should emulate your ste of dressing. hope yu ane 2s Inteligemtupstuirs youare decent in opera Sovreshing win woo iher with my hearing or with ihe min sad tesidomeonthe sof Helooked every inch esponsbe Yet sould aot mh he ‘orto whathe was tabs about ‘Alli wasted wast gost ohat ace Yoware dere thea Taaed What the bel waste meng ft “Sit please ca uve ry mute number mow? {am press” ha fouarbetiecsunt imagines wasalie just wanted him me go. Hisresponae shocks “Noprblem.ny deus youcanuse my ait.” Nos ts potaloed” “Who disallowed This ieny offi, remenber?™ Unies of eure yn were not presse fir pace. No. was. ar Ok. Thank you, sic 1 was oally conse. knew i was improper wha sad And I wascornmite Fe soa up and ent wna hd his des perhanes wise me rae ‘omnnocuyeeand rth ile ‘Tiustred enough courage andere tnt Teame outs few naments aor ater fishing the toile mae 3 satsitary guating rive whic to my vr comvinad the man that mus hae sischged someday Sul she fing Was uncom. Ia twas very ‘miarassing, ami notsweifl would beable face the man pun He was brid i the fe befor fam. told mse tht Thad enough cmarassment fr one dy. Wahi with the number wa leaving “Hers yourmaic urbe. "he we ae ifreadingmythowghts, “Nowane ‘UGOO01prayasyouartho fs hrs, you woe he frstneverything Forsome eas ws penuincly angry aiththismepionsov rt Thank you sai stmostruely and mas my wayoutof theo, Hesil fuaditsecesary send his sereary erm oar tht Welie Change Ino prooediothe 100 Level Coordinate frfuthersepstaton | sine remember secing him smile as He hisoice ws oo angry tomake anything ofthesmie atthe. “But why wereyounngry. mummy?" Bintaked cucu. To tell you the math really dit kw then, With Know of hindsight row. think was angrier at methane a him Beem. realy he «tid say odo anything ro that would warransuch reaction “Sowhathrrpenedafryousawthe Coordin” My registration went om smoothly fom hat moment onan hy the end | ‘hey, da wasaraundibar'elock inthe evening, [vas thoroughly exhusied. oak atiewle ame and what sa reste, mun Bintashed “Keke Nope." Teoma repihe curly. “Contin, manny.” [By the tine Igo home your fither was ot vt hack fom the afi, 1 hui repachisdhaxerwhiche morals ok ary amd ny bth. ‘Where rete waed for hin to st andes and | was boat ost ‘aang the story of my fs dyn th niversity when he si, "You just cate toosurwithpeoplethos days.” Yes. doar What happened?” Mim ssf (thas do with our nebo” Whishoftiea?™ “Toe quietore: “Thequic\one! hata came bar afly?* Yourever know with pope, my dec” Suddely hat expression reminded me of my experience at the HOD earir "Yes" Isai, "You never know ath poole, Imagine what happened 19 sme inschoa oy Hoseenosuddeny remeber “Tam sor. smeetheat, what happened in the seal? Plas forgive me. Fexgottoade™ "old him nothing rch happened, Then L went ahead to agate ny ce of 18 esse change ‘ogistration experience thit morning, From lie long queue athe it regieration Point the Slaw nen! nd down‘ othe HOD oie ef nothing ou Indeed old himabvut ihe HOD suppl adatom commentary wo hence. id rothotberhiding anger ‘My husband was stening ore witha bemused expression ois fae, dt git ender ial expression, Whats hisrane?” ny husband ask. “Teancatelly remember. deat Why” “tsitDe Same Johan” easshocke, Yeu" i, sip hissed” Hooked bankly hi, “Iman, dogshehavetibal marks on hice?” "Yes he as, Hooks ike an glace Yoruba nan, Do you knowin?” ‘My busband doubied up n fens of luge, be aincst fl out ofc. ‘Tene got hold of himself md affected sanousnss which new he not fel and bookedalrastiily ane. “His Yorua,"hesid “That sD. Sam oh alight He amen.” I sured opes-mouthedateny husband, He wr despise ny ace un added, “Actually, he wis th ane sited me with youradinionCHAPTER THREE chiles want ask a thousand and one quctioes ut each ad every one of ther was ost in Hei ow thous I et i spe reminded me omy ownsilense ven year ago whicn my hushand mate that revelation. For ong wl Leould ot user asingle word. Then after what smd ke cert ‘he rd tld my husband go to Dr Samjohn and personally apologise on my tehall I ould not sce myself going luck to the school to face my HO afer my inexewable bebaviout. My husband undrsiond my plight and agreed. The net ‘veck whe chsced po Dr Sami onthe cord, hegrstedmejovaly ait ing ever happere. ut hen, he wash. Nothing ever hanged. I Lok @ hile for me to wresile with my conseicnee and coavines mall th indeed nothing happened And itewent en ass “Mush shou thequetone™” Omarasked “Tesietone?On.shestry my busbnd ald meatoutourmeighbou? “Yes, muy ls hoarthat on." Ally gil secre gsr to hear that T= ear long intend saci my naratFoold sense my | stood up let the bod ciclo ny Tower in thom reid my scat nrecmntedo bes the story of be qulet one asm usa le, Hooke a Om nthe fae nd ld Lin tha the tle ws about tll \wouldbemoretelevanwhinsinee waste ne leaving ou ay Someta ager city. He shoal 01 judge people cn the face valu. Never ea bok by is ‘saver Ande must eam tots sparingly You do ot jus as everybody vou 1 seinded tha hatin our itl town, almost everyone brew everyone lke In Layee, the triion fa since bees established that no stranger ws usted or given ecommedtion without the knowledge and approval ofthe Dstt ‘ead, the Hatin. The wisdom ofthis dion was to ensure that eiminl oF apie Gon justice was harboured or accemmnodaed neville, Cur clr of neighoulines wassuerave, Thin was contrary towhatobtainedinbe town In the town everybody came and went a they pleacd. Indeod, i was not 20 | | The Leger Inconceivable that two people living on the same set or even next door cighbours could lve fr yer without knowing who the oer person wa. In Lafiyete the sory as dierent. Everybody know everybody elie. Inthe case of ‘he quiet one, everybody knew when he was born, oF more prcsely the reunstanceofhisih, Hisparents were bona fide cts of Lage and they were knows ‘bea very pows ard humble couple Forsevealyearsar they were mami they id nothnve dren: Iappeard soe elt sud, when they were boat ving up, hey eons te series of 3 formidable bya, traditional micine mn, ndther wishes were granted Poape pve dilecatinerpeiations iw whatseually transpired. While som belced thatthe bh ge them some potent eoneptin fa isan eri, otter elcr that he wae de the one wh fathered the ‘ful In eihereas.Tallewasthe result He wave Tale account thst srly er is bit, bis mor ded. Ths the eee of how hewn fathered semaine sre Hs ther married aher woman who also dl not ve hit tony cil Soshchelpeinthe upbringing of Tle, Talle was ot ale the quiet me ati I ws his reticent ature wile sowing up tha cura hi te tie, He was never know 40 have cms in "isc with anyone even asa young lad. He withdrew nu bret And this silent earacc sco him in god ead wheaevet sues of respensiby aoe n ‘he commit. He was Srey teem jour old when he lost bath is father and Stepmoter naar accident This compounded his ae a he withdrew Free ‘ano binele Tale was alone. Literlyslne: He had nant onl Ot pe, ‘Noooekew wld withhsevenngsard nights, but remeigt o'clock inthe ‘mowing Jo four oslock im the evening, be would go to work a the Loc Goverimen Office, where he servedasadrive.Atth office he was elwaysonthe fis row darn prayers He was so dadicmed 1 his pty thal pple scaly belived tht there was something sou him that indiesed holiness. Tallenevee argues on any iss; he hardy cisgred with anyone even fhe was ight He never usd is voice on any ens. That was hoe got the appellation of he quiet 2Tht Came ‘Them andy one dy thing opp Bing que forall chad unwitingy establish a pater in his mark parchases over the ears tthe extent thatthe grocery stars he paonize know ane wht he ws ‘coming (fy. M dus became cious when suddenly te proces discovered fer ‘vera week pow. lle’ requrement doubled The people ew he was alae ad ‘ouk! not pss y sansa al eit was buying lb hisell Oncor hens ‘hough was wse callie atentionof ie Distt Head ‘When Tle was summoned, he ya hinselfaay by hin or inability newerthe simple questions at oewandy th Hatin the District es ‘Thesessionhezan otinarilybutended witha sad dramatic is ‘Whar you nyintherarke ony, Tall” the akin see ews. fe, afew measures orice an sone plo." Talle wi fidgety seer sully at ase “Whi precisely dil you nceda fow measures of es fr? Your customer ees yt uc to by just mesure whic ats yom a ew dy. The messireo i yomslho sd buy suddenly doubl "Yes, You Hightess. But jus though shauldbuy plenty oT would sulferweamtsn she sven Eave no one.” *Sowheredo you gctalltheimoney make these purus” “alle bowed is he and studiously loked tthe wrote postr of svarcacologt who ssn haa gu fling tha! samen preous vashidea under every round stood on, Hestod theres, ‘The people werestting ries. They seemed thnk sone tha his was theooe moment whe thesileee of be uit one was rota vite. Heid teslerapcak Ju! then hore wae aoucormoton coming fam cusieths gato the Dist Head. Thee was oud sa, aso police vehicle a of a nly ‘sic which ame stp cat th entrance Makin esis, fa i ‘wasnotone, but three police vans that came‘ step ose the gt. “The lagers were st tests by ths ae Fos mows a ‘hy becume trad yom an unbly ight And piven tne specd wth which they edie ca ‘aun aia! puke before te cance ofthe Hikes he whole hig ‘pelt something ominows. This ad Reve happend inthe his of Layee comunity Pepe hs sung onda wh as going ce (On beating the sre fom aside, Tale spray up and se in the akin’ house, The cours prs em cdrom buh. Tis at of striping to va, emtirmed wo the peopl tha i th ele Tale was gly of omehing. Bua gly oF what Nobody knew. ‘Whats wrony With yun? Why ore yousadony scared asin ?™ ‘ea he couries asked. ‘efor Tale ould respond, thee psicomen, armed othe sh, bagi om'he Hakim ands ours. thiy the pace of Habinin Lafayewe?™ ene of the mean looking alseien a - "Yes" Me Hakim eps ard, “a the kim” “We ar looking for on: of yours in connection wih kidnapping, aml obkrysmdeneton, “Thats impessb" the Hakim sa. “We area qui and pee loving ‘evple here Our community has never append even 4 comin et Jealone spp “Well, wel, ws lear frei” The piceman sun 6 one of his colleges ads" ing akin ere "Zaki?" Pueybody vas och a Tall repeatd the ham. Hew tn fe Those who observa at ease range nts ha he euly| unraredon sprain, “Doyoithave epson ama Tallent vile?” tana ila wana ata eg'n”Toe Comer si "We i not ask you for any supplicaton, te police lice sit sanz Tia was more ofa pious resinatior to reality.” the Hak sad and ‘ald, “Iemeans fom lah Weave nian sour tering” Let your man spare me his Arabic Seasons. Do you ane uy names “Talleere or en you Ard why ists guy Sprawiedom the Moat” the policeman | BMe ie Changer wat imation porsonit Hedi neve give the Hakim the espest traeger weresupposed io eserd him “Thats Talleyousteasking fer” one ofthe couric volmtcred Oh, in tha case ur seach is over” The poco ow sumed 1 the abil andsaid,-Who an take wos howe?” “Heil thuthise Butwaatsal his shout” “Wetoldyouttatts man'sanacoesso to kidrappingandextoton.” Ji them, the other police hat was set Uo bring Zaki ca bak dragging nn obvionsty bert Zaki who wis coed arn nls One ight ofthe chained and manaced Zaki, ale doubled over and, that were posible, fhimedasccend tine Get up.my tien.” thepa-oman sid curly brandishing akiskatTllos sidite. “Tale stuggerodup and immediately bagan declaring his insocence “Believe me, offer, am innocent” Tale said. “Iwas Zak's idea. He asthe one whos they apeighbourincowm.” "Shut up, my find, Nobody ashe you anything Just take as to the house, your use the policeman owed. ‘Tae Hakimi was beside hinset with confision, He had never before ‘witessed anything ike this, And he ha been Hai in Lafayette Fr ove hy ‘years And, come to think ot, ifany acta misdeed were tbe suspected inthis humble vile, Tale was the st pers tht would cometary mind. Now inappeus Tale was noon neekucey in whatever e was being accused, Ne was ven ying 1 ttionaize it. God, you elly never know with men. Who would Innvethought..batwhatwasitreall that they had done “cute me oficethe aking cleared bistrot, “Yee? Thepoliceman treo the Hakim Whatever ha hisman here wouldve done, itis expedient that you take witness rom bre otha! wean explain isubsence to those wh hay wish toknow something bout his whereabouts.” “Please yours Hakim” ht ean assure yo tha his man hee wold hesdwen! fora very longtime” ™ | “Who among you wants to Flow thea to town to report what Is happening there?” the Hakimi tured ty his courtiers and other members of the ‘community who ha eae roop wo complain tht Tale was observed buying ‘mor foods than hens sco buying. They had observe ead fer ahost ‘one weekbefore they decided tke ation. The people cringed and me thee parc way from th Hak “Well the” the policeman aid “since nobody is flowing ws to town, ‘we woul adjust ifers yu though the Hak whatever happened ace” He thentamed ok. “sthsthe Talleyoutldusabout”heaske Zakinoddo. ‘Thepotcemy ised hishaen, “Ca you ak “Ys. y35.He’sthe ne: Tats Tall" -OLLetsgo.” “Two other police constables dragged Tale up and whisked him out ofthe aki’ residue ard ito the waiting pice van. As they drove slowly towards Tales ows, the peop hither reluctant fllow Tale ttn, now willingly {ollowedthe police vehicles Tall’ shouss Once thee. the policemen flowed Tall smo the house an! shy ‘hereantercame outwith ayoungbov fo moe thanthieen yeas Talc ws alr handcue He was ose ua the wating vehicle where Zaki wasandthehoy sin theFoatseat withthe leading pices ‘obviadsy was ite IPD, the Inviting Police Oficer. The vile zoomed aff snd eft Lafyete as have as thy entero. ht wa the las anyon the ‘comunity saw o Tall. There wasramour going ee ome year eo that he as Sie nthe border town up ror where smugetingtheved This amour was baever confined adit fzleloctasfitasitstarte, ‘Fev the Hakin report th PO sem a message dein wit | append inthe Tale saga Tale and his low eanpiions were semene=! some years ofmpisenmen with ard lhbour for kideapingndenteron | Thestoy the police tld waning in its simpy, Tall was presse | for money ant he went io wan ona eckend a it Zak Zaki ad a Beer 25MeL Changer ‘dea. He old Tale hata the GRA, thre ws his bincssman fiend of is ho ‘would alway be sen driving wth his sn nhs car If they could abduct the on, Zaki was sre the ater wuld pay anything for ans. Somehow the boy a5 ‘ragged and aac adn the mide of night hey brag hey 0 Tale house in faye and kept hi for one weet: before he police came wed he boy. The boy's father hed been contacted ad wero never o involve the police “The fiherreasoned tha the kidnuppers were amuieurs sine thrashing price was ‘one millon and ater ame dwn wosnundradand Fit thowen aia Zaks an turested atthe point of collecting he ransom “Wow: Thats some tory. mar,” Omar sid“ appear to bea generat simonitiontaallofun, Why de youn tix ofparteularirstto me” smiled nd sai, "My son, you ae hike that young hoy ine story. You are pong tothe wiveity Donottustanyone” Srey...” “1 undestand. OF course you wal ke Tend ae all ha. Just be care” “eis, ler hirnrsteverybny" Tenia id. “Mam” Ves | ka hat you will da. at whatever you would do, dont ge mixed wth ba company.” Like kieapper na” “Nope: Likeeulstsandthoaewhoengage in EMAL.” “EMAIL? MAL. Exams raipacice “Oh.jcwasan rons 00?” Iuhasmany nines” ‘Suey wils vo tha” ~Youremerber Sana” Bint raiscberhandaifacrplingtounswer aqucsion nthecascom “Yes. my dear?” “Salas that stent who mrss hors rig your rain” in desta, 26 elie thon I asipresed “Clap fo my Bink™ ‘Tacothesclappadtalf eae “oh youremenbe, by het confession, eu seo! was nother it." ow id youkow, mun?” "She told me. We late became Fema 1h was exams malpatice tat rove neremoftheenivery.” 2CHAPTER FOUR lina canal wad inte fie holding her rearation les fir arossher est She was hac wery years lth tad doxtiessinthe prime ofhey youth She wa caved a woenn andwastan wilt un er clegarce: She wa always dee nih, jeans tows and ody hugs op that stopped jes tort a Reig eset, Sl vets rellos rasa she unl to ame ofthe fein she ned and the effect his ad on members ofthe apposite ex. She elle i the hunger he ‘iw jn the eyes of men as they shamelesly ole her oy won sho wake pas thom. This easel feedor She thoypht The university hada fthisand ns ‘ne Gul reprimand you for caring des the way you Wate So long as Sar tive toed just thissidcofdeveney Doctor Dabo was highly dcp lecturer and he was never Dea engage in any frm oFunderhandcncss with any female stadt, or any sat or that mate: Today. however. a Salma wed tonnes hi wile er eptation files across harshest ne fla lam rscin his thoot. He a never cena yl ok so llaring and beastie swallowed ha and chi! Nims ott Uric himself Hemust a puthisrepuation onthe line. Head ben inte university fr neha dead and nny tudes adanthar. They all a singular espe farm. He mur tht he eae hie stats ely, He was tile for tune Coasequemly he was always punta o lectures Hsu was very simple, “Dont come in fer me” Whe catered the clas befve you, sou did wt bor msring. The stots new this In fac, his punctuality was picnomenal to the exenthathegrodating stems warned the incoming dents etchant here was ano-sonvense stare who never allowed suds inthis clase cnehe sates befnedhem. ‘As forsomerting wit the ened, Gul asthe thet Id ‘ever Iappened. So when thie fief day Salina walled ino his fc looking seductive anal, Dabo couldn explain he sue palpitation of bs hac. The weather was cold ouside, but he was sweating side. What as happening io me? ‘He askea himself. He clears hie tht and promis hinsell wo dispose of ber 8 ‘repro ease as gue ashe oul before be dd something he wold eet for therstofhislie Whee do for your he ake bial “Lama 10Leve tudes corning foreisraon. They sid you ar the ‘Level Covrinorandthat you ste to sige my forms” Dabo marveled atthe contidenre ofthe gir. 10Level ad she was ‘exuing such confacnce. She must bea pec breed. Almost sary, he thought ‘vary Dabo shear was beating fist, “Yes. I amthet vel Coos Have youbeen sree?” “Yes sit Iwas sreeed Iwas fom there hat they directed me to your ofice” “Allrightthen. Lets seeifthefommnarecorplete” She hand him the forms and be wud them carefully. They were ‘complete He signe the appropri columns on the forms aed relict pases thefilostoSalns. ‘he hesitate before standing upand walking owards the dor could have cen Be seer beauty, hr physic appenrnce, a some ther inexplicable signal the devil hud sent to Dabs mind. Whatever it was, inseadofallowing her 40, Daboheand hist y,"Wait” ‘Se tumed slowly nd fced him. ‘Sit doa please ust want task you's few questions.” Suely that st sentence wasnotcomplete. Bat he wate, Salmasat dow, Wheteare you or? “Tarn from the aor. her aproblams-?* "No," Dato saa ant esi. eras noc nema for hin wo be shor oF Word. But he seemed dey tongue-tied oda ‘Tae gr waited “May Limow you, please” hess Even oscar thaouted clumsy, “Tama sudenthere sr [hi that shouldbe knowledge enough” “times | ato kaw you nae intimately »