In the end 5 By Zara Iko

Rays from the rising sun permeated the bare windows of the Gana's bedroom  right onto their faces waking them up on Christmas morning. “Merry Christmas darlings” Dawana said to the children still lying beside her with eyes wide open. She sat up and picked up a note addressed to her on the floor “will be back soon.”She had no idea where Nathan had taken off to that morning. She got up from the floor where they all slept with only a bed sheet separating their backs from the cold floor and looked out of the window. The harmattan wind blew about dust and dry leaves fallen off trees still yet the decor on the dried up trees looked better than what was in the house because some families had decorated their trees with Christmas lightning’s. Everything in their house they could get value on was sold off from their cars to cutleries. Lucky were they to find a buyer for the house in such short space and they were willing to sell at a loss. Still yet to conclude transactions before they had to leave the house finally, they planned how they were going to off load the children at Dawana’s parent's until they could have them back . Nathan had been able to get his boss to extend from two weeks to three months because he paid some money to the company every week and his boss was touched by his determination.

The Christmas morning was boring in the Gana’s and so was the afternoon. Somehow they managed to keep their dilemma from their parents and lied to be spending Christmas at the other of the couple’s parent’s house. Dawana worried as time went by and still yet no Nathan, leaving no clue as where he might be, more annoying was the automated voice popping up anytime she called his number “this person’s phone is switched off”. “Maybe he could not handle the pressure anymore and so ran off” she thought. She shook the imagination off her mind. Nala and Terni surprisingly remained calm all day. They made do with what they had available. Christmas tradition for them would mean the family all dresses up in new clothing, shoes and other accessories for the women and going to church in the morning then return from church to spend the rest of the day entertaining family and friends with games , movies , music, food, drinks and whatever was interesting to them. Tired of boredom Nala approached her mum timidly and asked “where is daddy, has he gone to get our presents?" She paused for an answer from her mum but Dawana stared at her daughter without a reply “Mummy we didn't get to go to church, put on our Christmas dresses and even get our hair done for Christmas. Why don’t we have our house decorated with Christmas lights like the Teejay’s? Pointing to their neighbour’s house. Getting irritated by the girls lamentation, Dawana lashed out at the girl words she held back on for a while “you put us in the mess” gesturing at the state of their house and their condition. “Shut your big mouth up-you just love to run your mouth everywhere you go, it’s your mouth” pulling her under lip “that’s gotten us where we are now and you still haven’t learnt your lesson yet”.  

Nathan returned home after 6pm, he meant each one of them maintaining a corner looking demoralised. “I thought you had run away” Dawana said rising up. “No!” he brushed past her and headed to Nala and Terni picking them up from where they laid down “I am sorry you are having a terrible Christmas, daddy’s is going to liven things up soon”. “What’s in the bag Nathan” Dawana asked pointing at the bag hanging from his shoulder. “Money!” he said. He dropped the bag and opened to show his wife the content. “A Guy called Ali paid $50,000 for the house. We’ve got more than we need to pay our debt.” “Have you dealt with drug dealers where on earth do you get someone to pay this much money cash down and i believe you were introduced to him today?! You have never mentioned any Ali before now.” Dawana said acting afraid “What do you care Dawana, this is a Christmas miracle.  We don’t have to sleep on the hard floor tonight we will go get dinner and a decent room to sleep in, my body aches from sleeping on the hard floor. I will hand the keys over to Ali when all the necessary documents are signed after the holiday.”

A taxi finally arrived after about half an hour wait. They dumped their luggage in the boot of the car; they only packed for one night. Nathan still held on to the bag containing the money “We will be making two stops but first the Bureau de change please” Nathan announced to the taxi man. The ride to the bureau de change was really quick, few cars on the road, most people seemed to enjoy the Christmas indoors. However when they arrived their first stop they met a bit of a queue since it was the only bureau the change open. Nathan asked that his family remained in the car while he went in alone for business.

Nathan looked at his time and it was already a quarter past seven. He guessed he might be on the line another fifteen minutes and thought he should ask the taxi to go so they would ring for another when he was done but he changed his mind quickly so he didn’t say anything, he intended to convert a thousand dollars and with that he would have enough Naira to ensure his family got a great time. Getting uneasy as he edged closer to the door of the entrance to the money converters he stretched his neck and noticed that even though the line was long there were four attendants and they were pretty fast. Soon enough he was in, he looked around and noticed they were all men, for them to be here on a Christmas day they must have had a pressing need-The rich who took out money from their collection of foreign currencies stashed in their safe to exchange so they give themselves a more lavish Christmas, to the average who maybe had run out of cash and decided to pinch from his savings and the poor who might have gotten a Christmas miracle and found favour with someone. Whichever way the room was packed with men whom all seemed to be in a hurry. He tried to fix each man to the cars he noticed parked outside- some had families, some wives and others girlfriends waiting for their men to return with money to carry on enjoying themselves. He shifted his attention back to the counter and noticed a familiar face. “Mr Danja” Nathan called out as he passed by him after being attended to, he looked shocked and without responding walked out in a hurry. At first Nathan didn't notice but just wondering why Danja reacted like he saw a ghost when he saw him looked back at Danja and noticed something that eluded him the first time- Nathan had the same bag Nala's ransom money was put into. Curious he followed Danja who walked rather briskly. Just when he was about to open his car door he noticed Nathan walking very fast towards him. Considering he might not make it out with his car before Nathan caught up with him took off on his heels.  . Nathan noticed as he ran past Danja’s car the female companion wasn’t even his wife. All along the security in the bureau de change had been aware of Nathan move and had alerted the police within the vicinity and they were already on their trail.

Noticing the commotion at the entrance of the money converters as everyone inside scrambled outside holding their bags and pockets to avoid losing their money so they could catch a glimpse of the men running and the security shutting the doors of the building behind them, Dawana searched through the crowd of men and didn’t find Nathan. She attempted to peak through the glass door but was blocked by the security men. Describing Nathan to the security man she asked if he had seen her husband, but he just looked above sending a signal and soon she was surrounded by police men.

The chase continued with neither of the men backing down. Too sure Mr Danja had something to do with Nala’s kidnap because that was without doubt the bag he put the money in he chased after Danja rigorously. Not wanting to be caught Danja tried his best to run with the weight on his shoulders. Unable to keep up, Danja noticed Nathan edging closer to him, dropped the bag down and continued running. Nathan stopped by the bag, opened it saw some money but still kept searching the side pockets and found the Receipt from the exchange

Amount-$42,000

Exchange rate- N179-$1

Amount received –N7, 518,000

“The exact amount “he said after reading the receipt “You are finished Danja” he screamed on top of his lungs. “an extra N18,000 On top ”Nathan thought  as he raised the bag up, suddenly he felt overwhelming  pain on his back he staggered and tried not to fall but he felt the pain again and couldn’t  bear, he fell to the ground. Immediately he was jacked up by two powerful hands and turned to face the third person. “Where is the second Man?” The man who appeared to be a policeman asked. “He ran away” Nathan replied dazed from the hitting. They had run quiet a distance from the bureau de change and after a few minutes a police car arrived and he was pushed into the car his wife and children where in same car too.” you can’t do this to my kids” Nathan begged them but they refused to listen, then he pleaded to make a call but the police refused stating there was nothing that could be done until after the holiday. The Christmas only became worse as they spent the night and the Boxing Day in the police cell.

Finally on the morning of the 27^th Nathans boss arrived at the station shocked at what was revealed to him that morning by Nathan’s call, “Danja managed to escape town but nabbing him would not be much of a problem the police are already onto him”. Nathan’s boss informed him and his family as he led them out of the police station into the company’s guest house he felt so sorry for what had befallen them and wanted to do his best to help them recuperate from the incidence. “What demon possessed Danja to make him act this way?! It’s unfortunate but I will be honoured to have you back at the company I promise great day are coming your way with us. I believe the money is intact. I will take that to the office now and you can call the guy who bought your house for the refund of his money” the boss said. “The house money is short of $4,000” Dawana chipped in. “That has to be from the police station” Nathan said in a defensive manner. His boss smiled and said “doggy as ever this police men. Every amount you have paid previously will cover up for that, I will see that you are refunded before the day runs out. Ok! Taking my leave now” Nathan walked his boss to the door and gave him a handshake “thank you so much sir” he said. His boss Smiled nodded his head and left. Shutting the door behind him he sighed and stretched out his hand to his family and they ran to hug him back.

                             

                                  -----------The end ------------

In the end 4 by Zara Iko

Nala returned home to a full house.Since she had been gone her grand parents on her mom's side  moved in for support. With her back her other grand parents  and Some other family came from around and occupied all the rooms except the master bedroom that Dawana and Nathan had their children sleep with them .   Dawana noticed something she didn’t while they were at the hospital Nala glued her throughout the night and from time to time Dawana would feel her shake and release some sounds obviously still traumatised.

The next day the rest of the family celebrated having Nala back, Nathan unfortunately couldn't he tried his best to enjoy himself but his mind was too engaged. He found himself in troubled waters way over his head. His family and friends celebrated Nala unaware of what he had to do to get her back . Even Dawana had no clue he had been fired and given a week’s ultimatum to refund the money. He recalled the encounter with his boss still so fresh in his memory-the look of disdain on his boss’s face, the same he had only until that morning enjoyed the admiration and praise even to the envy of his colleagues especially Mr. Danja. “You resumed work yesterday with an ulterior motive” His boss said accusingly. Not giving Nathan the chance to respond before he shot more accusations at him “you took that money, you were the last to leave the building yesterday, moreover I hear Nala has been released. We all know how this works, it is trade by barter”. Unable to deny taking the money, he went down on his knees and said “I was desperate. I knew the consequences when I took the money but I damned it”. Not too surprised by Nathan’s sincerity a trait he was known for throughout his time with the company, the boss couldn’t met on him the treatment he had intended to. Danja obviously wanted a more drastic punishment for him, he looked so disappointed  with the decision of the boss to let Nathan off so cheaply. All the while Nathan and the boss talked he positioned just out the boss’s office waiting for the words “call security” but they never came. Nathan remembered walking out of the office - most would call that walk of shame but he wasn’t ashamed he was only sober. Standing outside their office doors some of his colleagues wished him well while others looked at him with irritation. He cared, he felt bad, being called a theif didn’t feel good but  going to prison felt so much better than a dead daughter. He shifted his thoughts back to the celebration and twitched the side of his lip as he noticed Nala in a corner trying to lift up her little brother who had his hands stretched out to her.

                   

Back at work Dawana was ever happy to share her story and didn’t turn down an interview with one of the most notorious gossip papers.

“Some guts they had to show up for my daughters welcome home party as if we don’t know it’s  because of their guilt they showed up. I bet they ran out of money from having to feed their hostage that’s why they had to release her. And the police feel they have no case against the school? Even a dumb would easily finger point their motive –they needed money because they had not been paid for months. This wouldn’t even be an arguable case in court. Now they keep harassing my husband and I, our work colleagues and friends. Its crazy read on one of the dailies that we initiated the kidnap ourselves I cannot even imagine a reason why I would kidnap my own child.” Dawana said chatting to a news reporter from a national newspaper.”  

“There are rumors your husband is in some kind of mess at the office. I am not saying it’s true but you could also have a financial motivation for the kidnap 0f your  daughter and money also the motivation . I heard that your husband staged the kidnap and when help didn’t turn up like he expected he stole money from his office for her release.”   

“I am a little lost here I am not aware of Nathan having any problem at work.”

“I got firsthand information from one of your husband’s former colleagues wouldn’t mention his name, but he was the only person willing to talk”

“Former you said”

“Oh yes! I am sorry to break the news to you this way; your husband obviously hasn’t filled you in. His colleague said Nathan had been fired for theft and given two weeks to return the money.”

“The length you people go to for stories. Any ways I have learnt not to fall for just any news. I will believe when I hear from my husband.”

Dawana returned from work with the last of their guest already gone, the house had run out of groceries and they decided to go out  shopping as a family. Dawana didn’t want to ask her husband directly so she observed him to see if he would give away any vibe to that effect but he was himself- calm and in control. She thought “ He went to work every morning. if at all the news was true her husband was very calm about it. So he got the call and he didn’t even let her know. She remembered when he left for work that morning that must have been the day he took out the money and paid off the kidnappers. One thing she was overly sure of was that her husband could never have initiated a kidnap of an ant talk more of their own daughter.”

“Are you just going to let the kids buy up the whole store? Nathans voice broke her thoughts . She didn’t even notice the children had stocked up their trolley to the brim. He picked the items from the basket and replaced them on the shelves “money doesn’t grow on trees” he said. Dawana looked at him wide eyed, she thought she was choking so she gasped for breathe “it’s true” she said to herself.

“Who am I seeing?! The Gana lot ” Nala ran behind her mother while Nathan continued emptying their trolley back on the shelve. Mr. Danja went closer to Nala got on one knee and said “you are the 3^rd woman to get me down on one knee, how have you been? He squeezed her check and Nala grabbed her mum tighter remained mute. Nathan completely ignored Mr. Danja and rudely interrupted his wife from exchanging pleasantries with Danja. He gently pushed his wife in front of him and walked behind them.

Distressed by the reporters revelation and what she had perceived form Nathan, Dawana could not sleep while all four of them slept on the same bed. She noticed that their children were already deep in their sleep before she tapped Nathan and asked him straight up “So you took the money from your office safe to pay the kidnappers off” Attempting to get defensive Nathan calmed down and told Nala all.

“How can we raise 7.5m naira in such a short time? She asked hysterically.

“Shush” Nathan used his palm to cover her mouth and pointed at the two sleeping.

In the end 3 by Zara Iko

“It’s been seven days we heard from the kidnappers, fifteen days Nala was kidnapped and still yet, our girl isn’t back home. My heart is broken, shattered; if every tear I have cried  can be gathered, it could be an ocean. Poor Nathan, he has resolved to drinking to stupor and yet incapable of any restful sleep at night. We are both worn out, and candidates for the emotional junk yard” Dawana said chatting to a news reporter. She had become a frequent face on the media, mostly news channels, the case had gone global and news channels from around the world clamoured to interview the parent of the missing girl. 

Our hearts go out to the mother of missing girl- Nala, who has cried an ocean of tears since the kidnap. If you have any clues to help solve this kidnap mystery, please call the number on the screen and thanks for watching goodnight. The news caster said as he rounded up the report.

Dawana sat alongside Nathan watching the news in silence; they were hardly speaking to each other. Of recent they could not agree on anything, they argued about everything, from when to return to their lives being parents to their little son, to going back to their jobs, Nathan citing that their bosses could only have them away for so long, to whether the police should be informed about the mobile number the kidnappers had given Nathan. Nathan’s attempt to calm Dawana constantly stating that their daughter’s return alive depended on how he was able to keep that vital information secret began to tire Dawana. Her frustration grew more every day that passed without the call. Nathan himself was edgy and several times tried to call the number but found that it was out of reach. Dawana demanded for the number from Nathan, she thought him to be too slack for a matter so serious but Nathan swore to keeping the number a secret from everyone including Dawana; it was obvious what she would do if she got her hands on the number. He constantly had to muster every ounce of will power he had to maintain his patience because her bickering and lamenting drove him crazy. He had become immune to her tears and the only action he was ready to take was going to be in response to whatever the kidnappers demanded.

Nights passed with Nathan struggling to find sleep tossing on the bed from end to end. On this fateful night he left his wife sleeping peacefully on their bed-the only thing they shared together at the moment. He went out of the house and starred far into the beautiful velvet sky- counting the stars and enjoying the cool breeze of the early morning. He brought out his phone from the pocket of his pajamas- no missed calls, no messages. He was tempted to dial the number the kidnappers gave him. The number was stored in his memory and nowhere else, he didn’t want to risk someone getting the number. He pressed the first two numbers hesitantly; he paused for a while and then hit the cancel button deleting the numbers. Contemplating on whether to call the number or not he lit a cigar to calm his nerves as he paced around the back of the house. After much thought on the influence of tobacco he pressed the number on his phone and hit the call button. He put the phone on his ear and to his surprise it connected. The phone rang twice on the other end then it was answered, doubting he looked at the screen of the phone to be sure and it was reading 00:02 seconds he placed the phone back on his ear and said “hello” nervously. The person on the other end responded laughing and then said “you couldn’t wait for my call?”

“Where is Nala?” Nathan asked

“She is alright if you are willing to comply. I am sure by now the other children have told you what she has been through. It could be worse, just imagine a thousand things I could do to suck life out of your...........”

“What do you want?” Nathan asked before the man finished his sentence, he didn’t want to imagine any of that.

“As I said earlier the ball is in your court, your daughter’s life is in your hands. I won’t repeat myself so listen carefully. Get ready a hundred million, no I would prefer it in dollars three hundred thousand dollars........” 

“If you combine mine and my wife’s life savings it wouldn’t even amount to a quarter of that” Nathan said then the man on the other end started to laugh hysterically “All I can raise is twelve million naira about seventy four thousand dollars, it would take some time to sell my property and get that much money. Wouldn’t it be too suspicious- the police might find out what I am up to?

“As I said it’s entirely up to you. You might even have this call traced right now but always remember before you do anything stupid or brave as you may think her life is in your hand”

“I can do seven and a half million by tomorrow; it would attract no attention at all”

“Good i could do with that. Place the money by the side of the trash can in front of her school by nine tomorrow evening and if everything goes well you will have Naya before mid day the next day.

The line went off, Nathan looked at the time on his phone and it was 2; 36 am. They spoke for about 7 minutes. He couldn’t finish his cigar. He threw it on the floor and stepped on it hard to put out the light. He joined his wife quietly on the bed but he couldn’t be that quiet because she turned to looked at him, sniffed a little and said “ kill yourself with tobacco” then went back to sleep.

Eager for the morning he was ready to go out even before Dawana woke up, He said “good morning” to her, something they had not done for long, they usually greeted each other with funny snorts, too angry to open their mouths to speak to each other. He left the house leaving his wife perplexed at his sudden change .

Dawana didn’t have the opportunity to speak to Nathan before he left but she suspected his behaviour that morning, she wanted to know so she called him “you left the house without a word and left me wondering where in the world is my husband going to this morning?!”

“Work. I have to go will see you later” Nathan said and then cut the phone off.

The office turned out like he expected it, everyone rallying around him to extend their sympathy. Even though the whole of him oozed of irritation from all the sympathy from work colleagues they still couldn’t help but say something. He got tired and said “Can we just act like I never left and nothing happened please?!”

Just before Nala was kidnapped some money was released for him to buy a new staff bus and ever since he could not make it to work the money had been kept in the office safe as he found out. Mr Danja the accounts manager who had been in contention with him and had taken it very personal when the company CEO gave Nathan the assignment of buying the Bus surprised Nathan that in his absence from the office Mr Danja didn’t use the opportunity to move for the purchase. That was Nathan’s plan he was going to use the money and he damned the consequence- He just needed his daughter home very desperately. Everything went as planned he was the last to leave the office at 7: 45 pm and before long he was at the bureau de change and converted the money from naira to dollars amounting to forty two thousand dollars. Before nine at night he dropped the money by the Bin in front of Nala’s school. Nathan drove off and 30 minutes later passed the same route back home and the money wasn’t there.

A few minutes past seven the next morning Dawana’s phone went off and the news of Nala’s appearance was delivered to her. Nathan had been expecting since he woke up before 4am about the news of his daughters release. He wasn’t as dramatic as Dawana about the news but he was anxious to see her well-being. Arriving at the school they were led to the schools clinic “We found her tied by the waste bin just outside the school’s gate” the headmistress said as she opened the door to the dispensary. “She looks well asides the bruises from the beating she got on the first day, seems she is in shock too she hasn’t said anything since she was found”. Dawana’s knees became weak she could hold herself and almost fell but Nathan had his arms around her that stopped her from falling he whispered to her “pull yourself back together; she doesn’t need to see this”. “Sweetheart” Nathan said as he kissed Nala’s forehead he held her hands tightly. Obviously very emotional Dawana was kissing her daughter all over and crying. Nathan lifted the very feeble Nala and carried her straight to the hospital. Eventually news about Nala’s appearance filled the news scene globally, Nathan watched from the waiting room at the hospital as the news channel on broke the news. Dawana was by Nala’s side as the doctor carried a check on her. While waiting Nathan’s phone rang and the CEO of the company he worked for called, his words were brief “Your attention is need now”.

In the end 2 by Zara Iko

Dawana and Nathan drove to Nala’s school after the news of the release of the other children. They had waited patiently in their house for too long even though they so desperately wanted to leave to anywhere so they could  get some closure about the kidnap. Nathan still had bloodshot eyes due to lack of sleep, Dawana was dressed clumsily and didn’t care. They drove into the deserted school premises freely as if it wasn’t a school day. The gate was wide open and the school was abandoned by staffs.Parents had come and gone back with their wards that morning after learning that the school had closed down till further notice as a result of the strike. The entrance to the school’s building had been securely locked with a chain and padlock. Nathan fiddled with the padlock and its noise alerted the school’s security guard. He peaked out of the small window from his post  and without stepping out yelled 
“there no here, please Vamos “, then he disappeared into the tiny room. 
Feeling frustrated they moved to the front of the gateman’s post and yelled question at him and all his response was “I don’t know” without even showing his face. 
“Kusamo, why are you acting so rudely” Dawana took over the conversation “I give you good tips every now and then, you know my daughter; Nala was taken from the school yesterday and .......” Kusamo rushed out of his room, his river of patience had run dry
 “Am i the police?! please leave this compound, I want to lock the gate”. He escorted their car out of the school’s premises and locked the gate after them. They parked their car outside and waited to see if anyone would turn up.  
Nathan and Dawana waited for hours still yet no one appeared at the school. Their phones were busy with calls with no breakthrough information about Nala. Tired of sitting in the car Nathan strolled to a nearby kiosk and asked for a bottle of coke, he brought out one of his cigars from his breast pocket and lit it. He dragged in from his cigar and puffed out then he took a sip of the coke. His eyes met Dawana's, she frowned at him,hissed then she popped her head out of the car window and yelled 
“kill yourself with tobacco”. He shifted his gaze from her and continued dragging his cigar. Dawana drifted into deep thoughts trying to dissect and analyse to understand the reason for her daughters kidnap the more she tried to comprehend it, the more it managed to slip through the determined grasp of all her reasoning powers. She repeated the process again and again until her husband’s voice brought her back to reality 
“Dawana, it looks like the rain is coming, we should go home”. 
The weather deteriorated quickly and driving back home was really difficult. It was hardly 3 pm and it was as dark as night, the rain poured heavily, every car had its full head lights on and wipers moving up and down on full speed. The traffic was long because cars moved very slowly. Drivers who couldn't risk it packed their cars by the side of the road and left their hazard lights on. Nathan still refused to stop even though he could only see a few feet from him and continued moving on snails speed . He turned into their street and found a barricade of cars blocking the entrance to his house. He pulled over by a corner and handed over the only umbrella in the car to Dawana and asked her to proceed into the house ahead of him. Dawana was shocked to see several news channels in front of the house; soon as she was sighted they all moved towards her. Before they asked her any question she asked them “has my daughter been found” the journalist closest to her responded " not yet" and asked her questions too “Ma’am why would anyone kidnap your daughter?” Dawana fought tears back and responded “that’s a mystery even to me” Nathan came beside her and held her shoulders tightly and took over the conversation “I know you are watching – the men who have taken my daughter away. We are open to negotiate, whatever you want, I just need my girl back  home safe. Please call my mobile number 6162.....” he wasn’t allowed to finish reading his number when the police stopped the report and led the Gana’s back into their house.

The other four children released and their parents were invited to the police station for their testimony. The Gana’s were invited too; the room where the children were kept had been made to resemble a play room so they could  have a relaxing atmosphere and ease whatever fright  going to a police station might cause. Dawana couldn’t handle what she was hearing as the children recapped what the kidnappers had done especially to Naya. Dayo one of the boys said “one of the men in mask kept on hitting Nala until blood came out of her nose and her eye had swollen up and turned black”. The parents of the children also brought up the issue of Nala bragging to her classmates that her father had a lot of money and sometimes he brought money home in his briefcase. When the children were asked if Nala said so, they all agreed to Nala saying so. “Can we go home with our kids now” Dayo’s mother asked “the evil this Nala has caused our kids because some parents choose to train their children with money” Neither Nathan nor Dawana replied her, Nathan turned to his wife and said “I am sure Nala would still be alive if it’s the money they are after” They were lost in their world and didn’t even notice when the others left.  “Bragging is pretty normal with children that  age” The police man added when the others had left . “Hmmmmm” Dawana responsed.
 A week passed and yet no breakthrough in the case. Nala’s parents had become so desperate announcing through all media channels that they were willing to disburse cash to have their daughter back with them safe and sound even before the kidnappers communicated any ransom. “I am convinced it’s one of the hungry teachers that has planned this, there is enough evidence for my suspicion, it’s annoying that the police hasn’t arrested all the teachers from that school” Dawana said when the she was interviewed on one of the news channels. Unhappy about Dawana’s accusation the head mistress had visited the news channel too and gave response “Yeah, blame it on the teachers who have been starved of their wages for months, because Nala is very discrete about how her parents splash cash around”.After hearing the teachers reply on the evening news Dawana felt frustrated that they all used the fact that her daughter bragged about certain things that were not necessarily true to her friends at school, Nala had told her they all shared their bragging rights to each other. On the night of the eight day while her husband smoked his cigar out of their house a habit he suddenly revived she brought out her bible and read psalms 31

1 O LORD, how long will you forget me? Forever?
  How long will you look the other way?

2 How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,
  with sorrow in my heart every day?
  How long will my enemy have the upper hand?


3 Turn and answer me, O LORD my God!
  Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.

“No one will die” Her prayer was cut short by Nathan. He entered the room in a hurry looking for a paper and a biro, he scribbled something quickly and said “can I at least hear her voice”, then the phone went silent and he threw the phone down frustrated.

In the end by Zara Iko

It is the first day of a new term; Nala is excited to go to school and impatient too. Dressed in everything new from head to toe, she hurries into her mother's car and beckons on her mother to join her quickly.

 “Mum I would really like to get to school on time so I don’t miss the first day assembly.  It will be a good time to show off my new school stuffs.” 

“Nala, haven't I warned you about showing off” her mum asked

“Showing off! Showing off! No I’m not mum” Nala replied

“You said so yourself young lady”

“Mummy they do it too, we all do it”.  

“That doesn't mean you have to do the same, these things are not the most important things in life -your dad and I work hard so you can have all these things for your comfort not for show off.”

“Mum I am still a kid and that's what kids do, brag about what our parents buy for us.”

Nala got to school a little late while the morning assembly had already started; she hopped off to meet her classmates and didn’t even mind her mum coming behind her. Her mother stayed for the morning assembly so she could have a chat to Nala’s class teacher and the school’s head teacher before she left for work. One thing struck her mind as her eyes hovered around everyone gathered. Most of the children looked jolly, flamboyant and Rosy while their teachers looked rather haggard and frustrated on the first day. She thought, shouldn't they look excited about the new term like the kids. She remembered a popular saying she had been hearing a long time “a teacher’s reward is in heaven” she whispered to herself “this cannot be right”.

“Hello Mrs Gana, I see you brought Nala yourself today” Patricia the school’s head teacher said “it’s good to have the children back” she added dryly without any enthusiasm. She had the same experience chatting to Nala’s class teacher Miss Ezzi.

Throughout her drive to work she wondered why the teachers’ mood had been so dull; she imagined that if they were not happy with their jobs why they didn’t quit. Taking Nala to a private school was out of it. Ever since they decided that most private primary schools around were rather artificial caring more about how much to milk out from parents rather than giving the children sound education, they swore to Government owned schools for all their children.

The next day after dropping off Nala in school and already at work Mrs Dawana Gana's phone rang, she ignored it she had a principle of not attending to call outside work and family except during break. She let the phone ring another 6 minutes until it clocked twelve noon. Without any pleasantries the person poured out the information “Ma’am, armed men forced their way into the school this afternoon and five children were abducted, I’m sorry but Nala is among those taken”. She cut off the line, grabbed her bag and headed straight to the school. On her way she called the house to make sure Terni her 1+year old son was safe with the Nanny, her husband’s number was out of reach. Earlier he informed her he would be in a meeting for most of the day. She arrived in the school and rushed to Nala’s class but it was empty, she rushed to the head mistress’s office and met some very upset parents in there.

“How was my daughter taken away? She asked the head mistress Patricia

“Ma’am armed men walked in and picked a child from each class” Patricia responded

“Randomly! And they decided to pick Nala out of 50 plus children in her class” Dawana reiterated 

“Nala sits in the front of the class” Miss Ezzi took over answering.

“No I have been to my daughter’s class and she sits at the second to the last sit on her row”

“We had to change her position because she complained about not seeing clearly from behind” Miss Ezzi answered.

“Now she’s not here to say if that’s true or not. She tells me everything. How come she skipped that?!” Dawana said rolling her eyes in disbelief.

After waiting in the school until evening without a word about their children's where about, the parents decided to return home. By then the news had spread all over the media. Dawana returned home a few seconds before her husband, he parked his car behind hers and walked up to her. Nathan saw his wife’s swollen face and asked “is everything alright, you look like you have been crying, where u fired?!” she looked at him surprised and asked “You decide to joke on the day Nala.” she didn't finish her statement and she brushed past him. He led her back and said “Nala what? What!” Getting apprehensive. She burst out crying. Apprehensive Already he grabbed her arms firmly and asked her “Tell me something Dawana, what’s happened to Nala?” 

“Nala was kidnapped from school her this afternoon.”

The mood in the Gana residence that evening was sulky, all evening they sat in front of the television waiting for any break through information from the police, they had their phones close to them but all calls came from friends, family and other sympathisers .They moved up to their bedroom and put their son to sleep between them but they couldn’t sleep not knowing what had happened to their eight year old daughter.

Dawana didn’t remember when she fell asleep but she woke up to a poignant smell. She thought “could be maybe Nathan burning Rose scented incense and possibly saying a prayer”. She stood up from bed and felt light headed; she called out to Nathan but he didn’t respond so she walked out to look for him. As she drew closer to him the smell of rose faded to a strong smell of Tobacco, she met him dragging a cigar, and he didn’t look like he slept throughout the night, his eyes were bloodshot. She spoke to him but he didn’t even notice she was by his side. “You shouldn’t be smoking indoors; our son is still sleeping upstairs” Dawana said to Nathan. He didn’t nudge, he sat still and continued dragging his cigar. She sat by him and inhaled the tobacco, the smell irritated her and she coughed hard 

“You don’t have to sit here” Nathan said to her. 

“You don’t have to smoke here” she replied him. Dawana tuned on the TV for the morning news at 8 and they both sat quietly as they listened “Government school teachers have resumed an indefinite strike to protest the delayed payment of their salaries, our interview with a government school teacher reveals that salaries have not been paid  for the last 3 months....”  a breaking flashed and the caster announced “ four out of the five kidnapped pupils from the government school have been released their names are .................................... Miss Nala Gana is the only pupil still held captive. They had been so engrossed in the news that Nathan forgot to drop ash from his cigar on the tray until ash fell on his bare chest, the heat made him bolt out from his seated position. Dawana thinking he was reacting to the news jumped up from the chair too then threw herself on the floor crying for Nala.

Just a boy 4 By Zara Iko

Stanley started making preparations for his first catering job by sourcing for other chefs who wouldn’t mind working with him to meet up with demands of the wedding. Unfortunately he was unable to convince anyone, not even ex-class mates from the catering school he never graduated from because they didn't find the venture lucrative enough for their time and effort. Nana was the only person he had full-time to assist him; Selma did her best to help out when she came home from one of the IAAF league meetings. Selma out of all the others understood Stanley’s heart rejoiced most when he made a meal that people enjoyed.  
Stanley returned home from one of his outings and met his dad on the front porch holding a paper, to make it obvious he was waiting for him, he threw the paper at him. Stanley pick it up and felt his father’s scrutinising eyes on him as he read through the paper . 
“It arrived this morning addressed to your mother and me”. Stanley senior said watching junior’s reaction “you don’t look too surprised, you must have known about this. Why did you keep quiet about it? Junior still kept quiet, he was tongue tied , he was caught red handed, taken off guard so he couldn't cook up an excuse. He totally forgot his Uni would post same letter he got to his guardians and not been at alert to receive the letter when it came so it wouldn’t get to them.
“Of all the times I have called you irresponsible, this crowns it up” Stanley started off again “I can’t believe you will be silent about a thing like this. You messing with your future”
“I was afraid of your reaction dad”
“That is not an excuse; you don’t intend to go back? Stanley asked his son “Isn’t that it?”
No! I intend to go back and I plan to raise the money myself.
Stanley laughed sarcastically and called Rosario “come and hear what your son is saying. He still talks like a kid at 20”. Rosario having already read the letter joined the two. “It’s been your plan to drop out of school since you got in. I know, but it won’t work. Your mother and I are giving you the money.
“Shouldn’t you be mad I chucked out on sports and got my scholarship cancelled?”
“Hell yes I am mad, terribly mad, isn't it obvious?! Stanley replied his son with anger strains on his face. He could not intimidate junior with his stature anymore. Stanley had grown to be just as tall as him at 6 feet 3 inch and as nature would have it Stanley senior had started to age while Stanley Junior was blooming in youth. He stepped so close to his son that his breath fanned juniors face. Junior sensed the tensed raising and fall of his chest threatening so he stepped back. Stanley looked at his son like don’t you even open your mouth to say anything and repeated with an affirming voice “we would pay your tuition”. He walked back into the house and slammed the door. Stanley followed his dad behind cautiously “I don’t want the money Dad, I will source for my fees myself”
“Where do you think you can get that amount in this short time, are you going to rob a bank?” Rosario chipped in.
“I would rather do that can collect your money”
You are not a kid anymore it’s high time you man up and stop acting irresponsibly; your mother and I have worked hard to provide the best for you and your sisters. We have more than enough to pay for the completion of your studies”
“I am being a man by wanting to fix my mistake myself”
“No!  You are being a little boy.” his father reinstated
Stanley turned and faced his mother; she  always had his back “mum, are you not going to say anything here”
 “You should listen to your father” Rosario replied him. By then Stanley had left them alone, Rosario joined her husband and left Stanley to himself. 

Stanley searched his heart to find out why he didn't want to accept his father’s offer, his actions surprised even him. He thought, after-all he had just been bailed out from having to raise his tuition, he could just as well tell his sister to forget about hiring him for her wedding catering and enjoy his summer holiday with Nana. He toyed with the idea of accepting the money and using it to birth his dream but quickly he shook the idea off, his integrity would be at stake. For most of his life he heard his father tell him. “Man up”, he needed to prove to his father he was every bit his son, maybe not in the quintessential way his father expected but just like his father he was going to pursue his passion against all odds, start his catering business from nothing and build it up to be something.

With two weeks left to the D -day and very little done Stanley received the final menu from the couple but he faced the biggest road block; Nana decided she had had enough of Stanley’s craziness. It annoyed her that he refused to see the impossibility of what he was doing and decided to end it with him. he planned all cooking arrangements  around her, her folks were to travel for the summer for three weeks and since Stanley had nowhere else to cook they decided that they would use her house.
“Hang in there babe, it’s only two weeks remaining and ...” Stanley couldn’t finish his statement before Nana cut him short. She was moving around  the kitchen of her house restlessly while her parents prepared for their trip upstairs. “When will all your fantasies end? You are wasting opportunities for this. You have abandoned sports, and now your education, what for?” Stanley understood how upset and confused she was and he stayed silent to let her vent all bottled up emotions. After she was done, she opened the back door and asked him to leave. “Babe hang in there for us, please” Stanley told her but she shook her head and said “just leave”. Stanley stopped by her in front of door and looked into her eyes to see if he could still find love in there he thought maybe her confusion led to her decision but he met a cold face staring back at him. He walked out and didn’t look back until he heard the door shut.

 It took a lot for Stanley to own up to Sarah and Patrick that he couldn’t meet up with the challenge “For someone who had been so optimistic, your countenance now is such a sharp contrast, what’s up bro” Sarah probed Stanley. He was still her little brother and it didn’t take much for her to realise that something had gone wrong “is it your father” she asked him but he shook his head. “Then what’s up” she asked again “nothing, It’s just that I give in, I can’t meet up”
“Phew, it’s a good thing we didn’t cancel with caterers” Patrick who had been quiet all along said. His statement seemed to tick Stanley off in the wrong way and he erupted “You never wanted me to do it anyway and you are still not hiding that fact”. Sarah interfered to calm him down and he left pretty upset. He didn’t share his split from Nana with anyone so he had to deal with the pain alone.
Despite how annoyed Sarah might have been with Stanley for losing his focus at Uni she didn’t enjoy seeing him  sad. After much consultation with Patrick they decided to give him something else. They cancelled with the bakery and lost the money they deposited so they could give the baking of their cake to Stanley. Sarah decided Patrick broke the news to him so they could mend their rift. The couple also arranged for him to use the kitchen of the caterers they hired for their wedding food.

Stanley managed to complete the job without his father’s knowledge, until at the wedding reception when the MC called for the person responsible for the baking of the cake to supervise its cutting. Stanley senior stared at the cake in amazement unable to comprehend how his son could have done that good of a job, he turned to his wife “did your son actually make that” she had a smirk on her face and she replied “of course he did and even the snack you said was yum he did that too” Stanley senior squeezed his brows then Rosario added “including dessert to come, he made that too” “how come, when, where? “ Stanley asked. Rosario simply shrugged her shoulders and then turned to admiringly watch her son walk on stage with loud the cheers from his siblings, their families and friends. He stood by the couple behind the cake. He spoke to the guests “this is a beautiful white velvet cake torted and filled with seedless raspberry filling, specially requested by the couple, with a bit of my improvising. The raspberry filling was my idea, I don’t mean to be preferential here Patrick but my sister loves raspberry and thought I could give her something back after this wonderful lifetime opportunity on the platform of your wedding. You guys were too brave to have taken the risk on me at a crucial, once in a lifetime event like this. What if i messed up?! Thank God i didn't............i wish both of you a great life together and hope you beat mums record Sarah by having 9 children” the crowd laughed and the couple cut the cake afterwards. All the while his father sat quiet. The cake was served and he ate it but kept his comment to himself.

 Junior kept a distance from his father because he didn’t know how he was going to react. While everyone danced, he hung out with the kids because he was still single, he didn’t notice his father walking towards him until he heard his voice “son” he looked up from where he knelt down buckling his niece’s shoe and saw his folks. He got up quickly and wanted to walk away in order to avoid a scene. It was his sister’s day and he was going to do whatever it takes to make sure it ended a happy day. “Son” his father stopped him from leaving “good job” he looked at his dad surprised “I am serious good job. I am proud of you son” still unsure how to react from hearing his father’s approving remark he tried to hide his smile but he couldn’t, tears welled up his eyes too and he said “thanks dad, always wanted to hear that from you”

“You know I am willing to diversify the business to incorporate your restaurant” his father said Stanley stared at his dad dazed but happy “but first you must complete your education boy” “yes dad I am willing to do whatever it takes” Stanley senior stretched out his hand and said “deal” junior shook and hands and said “deal”. The two hugged unaware that they had everyone’s approving attention on them.

Just a boy 3 By Zara Iko

“I remember the day you were born; I felt like throwing you out of the window ,right now I feel like doing same” Selma chatted to Stanley. He found that really amusing “I can imagine little you struggling to carry tiny me, Still felt your aggression long after that, you are a nutcase big sis.
“I don’t know if you ever heard this but at a time my name was Rihanna” Selma continued. He laughed and said “I heard that you named yourself that, why didn’t it stick?”
“I guess it’s because I refused to bear mums name and insisted on Rihanna so mum and dad decided it wasn’t going to work then agreed that when you had a daughter you named her Rosario”
“Oh yea, what if Nana wants us to name her Nana?!”
“Hmm, so you think you and nana will get married?”
“Why not, if things works out right” Stanley replied her then she smiled and said “little brother in love, keeping this day in mind to see if you marry your first girlfriend. You are going to have to shut your eyes on sexy, flirtatious campus girls”.
“Like you and Ike haven’t been going strong since four years now and you guys are like 10 million miles apart”
“Common we just short of three hours away from each other approximately 174miles apart”
“And you are guys are still going strong” Stanley replied her
“Ok lil bro fingers crossed you marrying Nana”

Stanley got into the university; he decided to study in the same university as his sister. Selma was in her final year and their mother was more than happy Stanley had her there to look out for him since it was the first time he was away from home. Unlike most junior brothers Stanley decided to take a spare room in his sisters flat so they both lived together. Stanley had the flat to himself most of the day so he could bring all his noisy fresher friends over as his sister and other flat mates spent most of their time in the library writing their final year projects and other course works. They hardly clashed except when he stumbled in drunk after a night out disturbing their sleep. The two had enough time to talk and they ironed out how they felt on certain decisions their parents took pertaining them like how Stanley senior had insisted without relent that Junior studied business and talent management which he finally studying. 

After his first universities championship his lack lustre performance he attributed to his lack of interest. . He didn’t feel the electric in that setting instead it made him long for what he naturally loved to do. He lacked motivation to train, felt miserable training and looked uninterested in competitions that by the end of his first year while his sister had graduated from the university as the reigning universities long jump champion and already representing the country in long jump and winning medals he was being threatened by the university that they may have to withdraw the scholarship if he didn’t step up in his 2nd year.                                                                                                                           
Nothing changed in his 2nd year, in fact it got worse with no one around to push him he abandoned sports completely, the university had been patient with him all along but by the end of the 2nd year he received a letter stating that the university had pulled out of the sponsorship because he failed to meet the requirements of the contract and if he still wished to be a student in the university he would have to foot his bills..

Stanley returned home to ongoing preparation for Sarah’s wedding, all three months of the summer break he just had to come up with an ingenious idea to solve his problem, his dad hearing of the sponsorship cancellation was out of it. Also he didn’t want to cause Rosario to worry so he avoided telling her . Even though his dad was excited seeing him he held back, he wanted to be cautious so he didn't spill and have his dad vent his anger on him.

After days of brainstorming checking and cross checking ideas he arrived at what he thought was his best idea. Sarah had always been the risk taker of the entire bunch, she had a degree in entrepreneurship and he knew if he was able to convince her to trust him for her wedding catering he could convince the family for money to set up his own business.

Stanley called the couple to invite them for a chat,  they were curious to find out what Stanley called to say he wanted to see them about and agreed to meet with him after work. Unable to contain the rush of anxiety as to what their response would be, he quickly spelt out his idea “I want to do the catering for your wedding” he stopped to hear their response but they looked at him waiting to hear more of what he had to say. “The deal is you don’t have to pay me anything until after it’s done, if it’s a flop it’s on me but if it is good then you have to pay me”.
“Stanley no no no can’t do, I would rather pay a caterer who would deliver good food than wait for it to either be a flop or not before I pay” Sarah answered him. I cannot take that risk with my wedding. He turned to Patrick and said “brother in law” but Patrick shook his head in negation. Stanley didn’t mean to be rude but he got up and left without saying good bye their answer numbed all his senses so he couldn’t hear them when they tried to speak to him or when he ignored a car horn and almost got knocked down.

However still not relenting, before the close of work Stanley made samples of what his sisters favorite delicacies were and presented them to the couple in an attempt to convince them to go with his suggestion, he ignored his fathers’ demand that he spent his summer holiday working in his company, he wasn’t bothered about the consequence of that, he was more afraid of the consequence of his dad finding out his university had pulled out of sponsorship contract. The couple enjoyed Stanley’s delicacies but they just couldn’t bring themselves to take the risk “Stanley the catering for the wedding has been sorted out already, it’s too late to change our minds. Lil bro I don’t think you understand the magnitude of the challenge you are want to take. You haven’t got the utensils and manpower to cater for 300 guests, are you going to cook alone and serve us food on your palms?.”

“Guys I can do this, I challenge you to take me on this”. Sarah’s eyes twitched, she loved the challenge Stanley knew and he just stirred up that side of her. She agreed, totally ignoring Patrick’s disapproval. Soon as Stanley left Patrick protested but Sarah calmed him down saying “He will give in. It’s too big for him, I won’t cancel with our main caterers we will just go along until he quits.” 

Just a boy 2 by Zara Iko

Several years later, with Stanley Jnr in high school and finding expression of himself his father was invited to meet with his class teacher because they found out he wasn't too pleased with Junior's favourite pastime.

“Sir Stanley isn’t very interested in playing any sport. The boy loves to cook and he is good at it. He brought a trophy home last week I believe you saw for  baking the best cake in the school’s baking competition” Miss Amaka said to Junior’s dad.

“I saw it but I expected, if my son brought a trophy home it should be for let me say running, MVP or highest goal scorer in a football tournament and the likes not, for cooking. One of his sister’s could easily bring a cooking trophy”

“Sir Stanley is a special boy; he is very talented and needs your support”

“I’ve heard how special he is since he was born, yet I can’t see the manifestation. I want my son displaying Laddish behaviours, running shirtless sweating after a ball and not sweating with an apron in the kitchen.”

“Let the boy do what he loves, sir.”

Stanley rose up and said “I have to head back to work Miss Amaka”

Ever since Stanley Jnr showed prowess in his culinary skills rather than on the field as his father expected, Stanley snr tried vehemently to discourage him. Rosario his accomplice took her time to teach him all he wanted to know, sometimes she wondered why he was so interested but she was too glad to have someone willing assist her that she didn’t want to question his motive so he wouldn’t bail out on her. It wasn’t like he totally hated sports; he played football with his mates and sometimes trained with his older sister Selma who was training to be a professional long jumper. The family was talented in sports stemming from their parents who were star athletes in their university days until they got pregnant with Stacey and settled down to a more quiet family life and Stanley snr setting up a scouting organisation to spot gifted athletes and help them develop their talent. The family was very comfortable, over the years the business had grown and his first two daughters’ joined the firm after graduating from university. Stacey graduated with a degree in sports management and Susan bagged a degree in physical education. Sandra the third child was in her final year studying fashion design and already designed her first brand of sportswear and Selma helped model. Things had turned out right with his other kids, their father felt Stanley jnr was like an alien in the folk. Stanley felt as a Manly man it’s only natural that his son is butch.

After work Stanley returned home and met his son in the kitchen preparing dinner. Luckily Sarah and Selma were also in the kitchen with their mom “Jnr you should stop wearing trousers and start wearing dresses” Stanley made jest of his son. Rosario was quick to take to her son’s defense “You too can join in. We are making dinner as a family” “could be why dinner isn’t ready yet, too many hands spoil the soup you know” Stanley replied her. Rosario said “darling cheer up dinner will be served shortly”. He turned to jnr and said “Let the women finish dinner” and took him out of the kitchen. In order to avoid his father wrath he obliged without complain. Just before they slept Stanley picked up an argument with his wife “It’s all your fault our son is girlie because you treat him like one of the girls, he is twelve and prefers to sweat in the kitchen. I won’t be surprised if someday he comes home with a boyfriend.” Rosario rose up from bed obviously very upset by what Stanley just uttered “don’t be a bully Stanley, don’t push our son out of his mind.” Then she left him to sleep alone.

Before they left for school in the morning their kids realised that Rosario slept in the living room, breakfast was ready but her pillow and blanket was still on the couch. They suspected their parents may have had a fight but they didn’t want to stir up emotions so they left without asking questions while they all had breakfast. Stanley handed a letter to his daughter Sarah and also left without a word uttered. Sarah the sixth child was waiting to get into university. She still wasn’t sure of what career path she wanted to take, she sent applications out to different universities and each university a different course she based her final decision on the first university to offer her a place. She was a little disappointed when the university in her home town offered her a place to study Bsc in entrepreneurship.

Overtime two of the Johnson girls graduated from the university, Sophie gained a degree in sports communication and was employed in a sports television platform as a news reporter while Sonia read law and was a junior lawyer in her father’s organisation she also represented a few of the companies sports personalities. Selma at 17 was the junior champion in long jump and at 18 been given sports scholarship into the university to study BA in human resource management. Stanley jnr brought more trophies from winning cooking competitions , his father had shown his displeasure but was not very expressive about it so he would avoid fighting with his wife that didn't mean he didn’t give his son a piece of his mind whenever he could while they were alone. Stanley Jnr had also become a star runner in school excelling in 400m which also added to his trophy collection, that he did so his dad will give him the laxity to pursue his passion. Yet his dad was still not ready to have his son cooking, all his sisters except the two closest to him- Sarah and Selma stood with their dad.

It was the craziest period of his life. The best universities offering him just as they did his older sister sports scholarship and other packages to entice him into their university. His dad had pressured him to apply for a combined degree in business and talent management so he could someday take over the business  but he wanted to a degree in food nutrition and then become a chef. The scuffle between father and son had generated into a family meeting. The meeting degenerated into a word war with family members throwing words like daggers at each other. Feeling hurt the most was Stanley his dad things uttered words that cut through his heart  "if he was what people classified as special that they were retarded for thinking such and that he wishes he never had him because unlike the others he had made him most misery and was a confused little boy". He had enough of the words thrown at him so he ran away from home that night. Rosario who sat quietly all through the meeting after she saw he son bolt out of the house got up and addressed the whole family and pleaded that her son be left alone to make decisions concerning his life she continued “your expectations of him is driving him crazy. Stanley is only a boy, my boy. If anything happens to my boy I promise you I will never forgive any of you. Some of you mothers” pointing at her four oldest daughters “how would you feel if your husbands’ treated your sons this way?” she stopped there and excused herself from the gathering.

Days passed since Stanley Jnr went missing and still there was no news of his where about. A secret between mother and son had to be revealed  to Selma when she was asked to go look for Junior in a catering school he was supposed to be attending training,no one had heard from him there too. Rosario all along and didn't want to invade his privacy but as more time passed she looked through his phone he left without for clues and found out Stanley jnr had a girlfriend called Nana. After she spoke to Nana,  Rosario was told that the same night he vanished, he went over to see her and since then not seen him or heard from  him .

Selma returned to the university, after the emotionally draining search for her brother. She was in the final semester of third year. “Unbelievable!” she said as she met her brother relaxed in her apartment having tea and chatting away to her flatmates, she looked at him abit annoyed but she didn’t want him to run away again so she hugged him and said “do you want to kill your mother?!” “I thought I should just chill awhile here I hope you don’t mind” he asked “at all;But let’s tell your mother you are here first” Selma replied.