Word count = 4,047

It has been three years now since I got a scholarship to Harvard University in North America, to
study my favorite course History and diplomatic relations. Harvard has been one of the best
universities in North America or let me just say in the world.
I grew up knowing myself as the only male in my family of four and the first child. I told
myself I must do whatever it takes to study abroad and luckily after my SSCE in Nigeria (West
Africa), I got a scholarship and I met myself here. At first, it was lonely, being away from my
household and I have to start over again but in a twinkle of an eye I assembled with new friends and
life continue but sometimes I miss home, especially my grandmother, I miss her so much. (silence)
I knew my grandmother was right when he told me “Akanni before you make it in life, you have to
leave your comfort zone then you can be successful”.
As grandma’s favorite, I enjoyed every moment with her, and my friend was always confused
whenever am speaking with her on the phone because most times they asked me “ is dat your
mum?” and I replied, “No, am speaking with my grandma”. Neither I nor mum nor anybody can
define the love chemistry between me and my grandmother. Even people at grandma’s residence
thought I am her last child because am always fond of her and I love driving around with her but to
me, Grandma is my confidant.

****
It was early in the morning and still dark when Soji Adams woke up to someone shaking him
roughly. He groaned and mumbled to himself, half asleep.
“Hey S.O.J,” He jerked fully awake at the sound of that familiar voice. It was his chum.
“Cole!” Soji said.
“Yes, it is me, wake up we are having an early morning class and you know today is Prof
Smith's first class, and he will be grouping us today for our research.” Cole replied.
“ shut up bro, you said all this is because you came here earlier. At least have been the one to
always wake you up in bed” They look at each other delightful.
“ Go get ready for school,” Cole jumped at him on the bed.
Sighing, Soji plodded to the bathroom, it was a new day and the beginning of their 2nd semester.
He was tall and long-limbed as an athlete unlike his siblings, he had dimples when he smiled. He
was twenty there and he was already sprouting beards. He glanced at his arm and noted that he had
developed muscles.
He danced as he took his shower not minding his lateness to class.
Soji and Cole were on their way to class and they met with a few mate and they all rushed together
to class before the lecturer comes in.
“ Good morning, Am happy to take you all again this semester. Once again my name is.....
“ Prof Smith.” The whole class echoed.
He smiled “ I'll be taking you on your research and I'll group you into different groups”. He grouped
the pupils into some groups and gave them their topics. “ so listen to me, Group A is to make
research on THE CREATION OF THE WORLD. Group B is to make research on GHOST. He
continues to mention till he mentions the last group which is group D and their topic is
REINCARNATION. A student stood up to question the lecturer.
 “ Excuse me, is there anything like Reincarnation” she asked
“Yes, there is. History has it and different countries have their own belief about this. And this
particular topic is very broad research and some part of western Africa believe in that, I can assure
you that.” the lecturer replied.
“ Sir, I Am from the western part of Africa and I don't really think such a thing has ever happened,
moreover are you saying there is still life after death? Soji asked.
“As I said earlier Adams, different countries have their beliefs so I'll leave you and your group to
work on that. You will have to travel down to Africa and make your research thoroughly” He said
and walk towards the exit.

****
Soil sat down behind his table killer with bulky but neat files/books. He wore small glasses. The
question reverberated in his head. “forget about research, is there still life after death? Or should I
say where does the dead go? Is there still life after cessation? And how on earth will some countries
believe in such? Not to talk of my own fatherland, Which believes such superstitions”. There are
questions that run through Soji’s mind as he sat down alone.
He took his phone and made a call to his grandma, informing her about his coming home for
research but he didn't discuss the topic with her.
Soji and his group make arrangements to travel to the Western part of Africa to make their research.

. CHAPTER TWO

Soji and his friends traveled down to West Africa and while on their way, Soji fed them West
African stories and experiences. They were all happy to hear all the stories and see things for
themselves.
Soji got home and his mother was surprised to see him because she wasn't aware of him coming
home and to some extent she was scared.
“Adesoji, or who am I looking at?” Soji’s mum shouted looking through the cotton. She rushes out
to welcome him.
“Mummy, good evening.” He greeted her with a smile and a hug.
“ But you never told me you're coming home, moreover is anything the problem okomi? she asked
curiously.
“ Mum, calm down oooo. Am just here for my research and that's why I came with my group mate.
At least welcome us in now before questioning your son." He said in a whisper.
Soji and his friends were welcome into Mr & Mrs. Adams's house and after some hours, an old
woman walks.
“Haaahn, okomi Adesoji Akanni "lyeru Okin Omo Olofa Mojo
Olalomi
Omo abisu Joruko ijakadi loro toffa toffa
lja kan ijakan ti won nja lofa
Olalomi oju talose
Osoju ebe lala
Ibasoju oloko, iba lawon
Omo 'laare Omo su re ikan o gbodo ju kan
Bi kan ba ju kan nile olofamojo ogun lon'da ni ile baba
wan
Omo omaka, omo osa oje ba mi ki anomo
*Ki Olorun Bawa Da Ile iyeru Si,”
“Amin Ase” Adesoji and grandma echoed.
“ what is she saying?” Nola asked. She was confused because she was not an African. All of them
look so confused.
“Guys just calm down, grandma just praises me in the adage of my father's homeland,” Adesoji
replied to his friends who were very curious to know.
Soji prostrated for his grandmother and he stood to hug her for some moment. “ Grandma look at
you” he exclaimed and grandma examine herself.
“ S.O.J, your grandma looks so beautiful and young even in her old age. Now I see why you are
always over her” Maxine said with laughter
“You are all welcome home. Immediately my son told me you will arrive today then I started
rushing down here if not for traffic and my driver’s lateness I would have been here before you.
And I don't want to stress you all by coming down to my own abode so I said I'll meet you all here”
Grandma said as she took some juice. Soji’s mother comes in. “ Grandma so you are aware that
your grandson will be here today and you both didn't bother to inform me or his father too,” she said
frowning.
“It's now that you're aware of Soji and mama or where does that jealousy come from?” Mr. Adams
interrupted. They all welcomed Mr. Adams in and he was so surprised to see his son but he pretend
as if nothing has happened.
“Adesoji, Omo grandma please make sure you collect your ticket money from grandma before
going back, and make sure you don't call me when you get back to school for any allowance”. He
snarled as he climbs the stairs.
“ it is maami that will be sending you money henceforth, at least she's the one you always spend
your allowance on. Kosi wahala(No problem)” his mother added.
“Aderonke lenu ree. You and your husband dare not and moreover who said I can't take care of my
son, I don't know why you people are so jealous of him” Grandma shouted at them.
****
“Grandma, we were told about some African beliefs on Reincarnation. Is that true” Cole asked
curiously?
“ And grandma I don't want to believe if it has happened or not because I know such can never
occur. Even if u tell me a story now I still won't believe it because it was in the Bible that `The soul
of the dead person enters into a sleeping state that continues until the last day of judgment, which
will occur after the general resurrection” Soji said.
“ Hmmm omode re o mo Oogun, o pe ni efo (a child does not know herbal yet he's referring to it
as a vegetable) Adesoji u don't know anything, don't you ever say that again” she stood up and
continue. “ iwo Omo ni (don't u know) we have a lot of dead who died untimely without fulfilling
their dreams. Adesoji I once experienced what we call reincarnation. I will tell you all a story but
that will be tomorrow in fact I want every member of this house to partake in the story”. She said as
she walks inside her room. The student remains in the sitting room and kept quiet for some
moments.
“But come to think of it, where those the dead go?” Maxine asked.
“ How am I supposed to know, have I ever been dead? Cole replied.
“Guys, make unna just calm down. Let's all go to bed and have some rest till tomorrow. Adesoji
added calmly.

CHAPTER THREE
The next day, the whole family came together just as grandma has said. Grandma asked her
daughter Aderonke to get her some water in a jar.
“ you know when I was Twenty years old, I gave birth to a baby boy for my husband and that's
your late grandfather. We got married so early and we gave birth to a baby boy I was so happy that
the handsome creature came out of me. I and my husband grew up to love this newborn and we
name him Emmanuel (God is with us). After some years we tried to make another baby but all our
effort was in vain, even when I and my husband tried a lot of herbal still nothing came out. We
decided to take care of this unique baby from God to us and promise to nurture him well since he's
our only child”. She sneezes.
“ bless you” everyone echoed.
“ Thank you” she replied and continue. “ we gave our son the best education ever even with the
little we had then. Emmanuel had very rapid growth and his education was so fast because he was
so brilliant I remembered how he won a lot of prizes in his School then. People became so jealous
of him that they discussed his issue everywhere even in our eyes.”
“Only God knows what he has been giving to her child that always makes him have the first
position in everything abi is he the only child in school” Moronkeji once said. Another person will
say “ Your neighbor has been using our children's destiny whenever the got something from her
stall at the marketplace in fact I heard that her child has won another prize in school again. Oga ooo”
Everyone keeps saying what they like and we kept mute and decided not to say anything because
iwofa lenu. My husband keeps telling me not to look at their side. She paused and continue. Even
your mother has never heard about this before because I promise to hold it to myself but I think it's
time to let it out.
“ We gave Emmanuel the best thing ever which is education and to cut the long story short he got a
scholarship after his SSCE Examination and he was offered a scholarship to study abroad an when
the whole community heard about his success some were happy while others we're not. As you all
know we cannot satisfy everyone. My only child was going to be a student at one of the best
universities and then I was so happy and within a short period of time my happiness turn to
sorrow( ibanuje subu Lu Ayo)”.
Everyone was confused, “saddest day, how,” Mr. Adams asked.
“ Deolu, my sixteen-year-old son was happy that day and he was coming to the market to show me
his scholarship award and he was so happy that he forgot to look at the road before crossing,
Emmanuel was crushed by a truck and oko alajapa at once. Yes, he ran into an accident” she sobs.
“ The accident was so fatal, people rushed to call me at my stall and I was told he was at the market
general hospitals and I rushed there. As I was going I could hear people saying, “ikunle abiyamo
oooo” “ look at her O ma se oooo” “haaaa that is her only child” “ yeeee abiyamo orun oooo, ogo
de Emi piin”. She paused and tears rushed down her eyes in pain. “The accident was so fatal when I
got to the hospital I met my son in a pool of blood in fact if not for people around him I wouldn't
have recognized him at the moment. I held him and he was shaking” She couldn't hold the tears and
she burst them out.
Aderonke moved to her mother and rubbed her shoulder and she said “maami, how come you've
never told me all this story all my life?”
She sobs, “I ran to him and I held him and I said, Emmanuel, don't do this to me, Alakanni mi,
Sanu mi. You promised to stand by me, remember all your promises, okomi.” I said
“ mummy, I do not wish for this too, I..... Want to stay with you, I wish to continue the journey with
you here” Emmanuel cried out in a deep voice, he continued. “But I think this is my fate”. He
added.
“ No, my son. This is, not your fate just hang in there till the doctor arrives” she said rubbing away
the blood on his face.
“Maami Ajike Omo Adegoroye, o wuni ki a jere pe menu sugbon onfa ofun ni I je. I wish to
continue make you proud maami but this pain is too much” he said groaning, he held her hand.
“ maami if truly there is a next life, I promise to come back to you and I'll make you proud again.
You see that scholarship, it's mine and I'll come back to claim it and use it for good. (closing his
eyes) I...... Will...... Come.....back again. He stopped breathing.

* * **
Grandma leaned back in a more relaxed position with tears.
“That was how he ended his journey, I was grieving but I couldn't moan my child the way I wanted
because I was already with a six-month baby in my womb that happens to be your mother and her
twin sister(pointing at Aderonke). My husband stood by me even if he was also in pain but he didn't
show it.” In whispers, she said “Do you believe that men also cry and they even grieve deeper than
women?” she proceed. “It got to a stage I thought I was losing my man. He wouldn't eat, and he
will keep talking to himself and all of that but after some months, God wipe our tears away tho I
thought am going to give birth to a boy and he will be my late son, and he will make my son dream
came to pass but I was wrong. I gave birth to twins and there were both females.
I was so happy because it had been sixteen years of infertility and people came to rejoice with me
even people that thought it was fibroid and not a baby. Everybody came together to witness it”.
“Aderonke can you get me a cup of water?” Grandma asked. Aderonke got up to get her mother a
drink.
“But grandma, there is no reincarnation in that abi,” Deolu asked.
“Hmmm, Baba soji, let me die before you bury me. Let me finish my story before you'll conclude.
After I gave birth to my twins, I nurture them, and they grew up to make me happy none of them
fulfilled my son's promise. Taiye got married to Deolu (pointing at soji’s father) and Akehinde mi
own got married to Oluwaseun.
I was so devastated that is my Emmanuel gone like that with his dreams and promises. I was so
troubled and one night I had a dream”
“Maami” Emmanuel shouted
“Okomi Akanni, what have I done? Since you have left me no child had been able to heal the
wound you created in my heart. Or have you forgotten your promises?” she said in tears
“Maami Ajike Omo Omo Olomu Aperan, Omo oloro alagogo ide, Asingba lona t' Omu.
Omo onilu bambatiiriba, Ilu ti won kii fi awo ekun se, Afi awo eketepe eti erin. I still hold onto my
promises and I Sam still coming back to fulfill that mission” Emmanuel replied.
“But when we that be Okomi?” Ajike asked. Emmanuel disappeared without answering her and she
woke up immediately.
 Emmanuel said all this in my dream while smiling, hmm. My twins got married and both of them
started giving birth at first, they all gave birth to a female too but your mother lost her own baby.
Am sorry to remind you of that pain Adejoke” she weaved at her.
“Then your mother became pregnant again and he gave birth to you on the 30th of December, the
same date I gave birth to my late son. I was so happy that I rushed to the hospital without knowing
your gender first and it rained heavily that day. I was drenched. And to my surprise, I met this
handsome baby boy that look so much like the son I had forty-one years ago but I didn't want to
remember that not until I held him and I felt a bond as in some kind of connection that is beyond
grandmother and grandchild but I felt it was normal since he's my first male grandson.
No one I could explain my feelings to because my only husband that knew about it was no more so
I promise to keep it to myself. We took the new baby home from the hospital and I had to him one
morning and I saw a birthmark, like the one on my late child's buttocks and it also appears on my
grandson's buttocks. I was so shocked but I still put myself together. I was so curious and I told
myself this can't be real. And on your naming ceremony, I gave you a name after my late som”.
“Akanni”, everybody echoed.
“Yes, you grew up and you became so attached to me in fact u don't sleep if I am not around till you
grow up to this stage I still find it funny that you can't do without me, and to my greatest surprise.
You got a scholarship too, I never had any male grandson except you. You got the scholarship and
you traveled abroad to study the night you traveled abroad I had a dream” she paused.
*****
“Maami, I am back just as I promised and I hope have fulfilled my promise,” Emmanuel asked.
“ Emmanuel, why did you not appear to me earlier to inform me? In fact, you have just fulfilled
your promises and you have just proven it to me.” Ajike replied
“ maami, I promise to make you happy till your old age and I will never let you down” Emmanuel
replied. “Kare okomi” Ajike said.
Everybody sighed
“Are you saying Soji here is the reincarnation of the child you gave birth to some years back?” Cole
asked.
“ Grandma this incident happened sixty years ago if am correct? Are now saying my son here is the
reincarnation of your late son?” Seoul asked
“Yes, he's and I have many proofs” grandma replied
“ I can't believe that, I can never be someone's reincarnation. How can that be? Someone from the
past, some years that I can't even calculate. Grandma no!” Soji said and he went inside his room
angrily and he locks the door on himself.
Everybody knocked on the door but Soji refuses to open it
“My love, pls open this door. Don't do this to me. Everything is going to be fine” Adejoke said
“Mum, enough. Everybody should leave me for now. I want to be alone” Adesoji shouted
“Guy, don't be stupid, and don't make any stupid decision there. Remember we love you” Maxine
remarked.

******
“ Thank you for fulfilling my dreams,” a strange voice said, standing at Soji’s back.
“ What dream? He looked at the person’s face and he was surprised as he saw his replica. “ Are you
me? How come you look so much like me? Who are you and what are you doing with my body?
OMG, am I dead? Adesoji asked curiously
“ maami has said it all, you just have to believe her. You're me and I'm you. You came here to fulfill
my dreams and also heal Ajike’s wound over sixty years back. Thank you” The voice said and
disappeared.
Soji screamed out of his slumber and he woke everybody with his scream. They all rushed to his
room.
“No! NO!! No!!!” he screamed again.
“ Adesoji okomi, joor sanu mi, mapami. Calm down. His mother said in tears.
“Akanni ni, suuru logba ooo, I understand you in fact everything you saw in your dream I saw it too
right away. Grandma said.
Adejoke stood amazed weeping.
“ God is great” a female voice exclaimed
“Now I believe every one of your words grandma. Hope I fulfilled the dream now and have I been
able to heal your pains?” Adesoji asked
“Yes my dear, how I wish my husband is alive to witness this day but I know where ever he's, he
will definitely be happy. Okomi, imala eta, Omo oko bi eye sogi. May your great soul rest in peace.
Ajike said rubbing Adesoji’s shoulder.
“Now I see why the bond is so tight,” Deolu remarked.
******
Soil and his friends traveled back to their school after some days in Nigeria and he step into his
lectures office.
“ prof smith, will you believe I am a living experience of reincarnation?” Adesoji asked, holding
his research book in his hand.
“What? How? The lecturer replied.

THE END