Subsidy Removal By Zara Iko

"Emabong if you leave this house, make sure you stay there, you cannot return here," Emabong's mother reprimanded her. 

"Mama, I really want to be among those out there. I have to experience this, even at the university nothing as significant as this happens.  See the crowd of people trooping out. Watch out for me on the news tonight mama, I will make sure I stand by the cameras."

"I am just back from what I call a job, which you know nothing about. While sweeping the road this morning, do you know the kind of things we trashed? Unthinkable! I saw many Men out there, but I did not see one responsible girl"

Mama the struggle is becoming more intense. Young people have to go out to show the government how serious we are. How many of our Government officials fuel their uncountable cars with their hard earned money? I am going out there for you, for Papa, me and my siblings. Think about what the subsidy removal will result to- increased food, transportation cost and many more, and with all this increases, salaries will still not be increased. I am going"

"I already told you go, but stay there, don't return. I have seen the bag you packed. What do you need a change of clothes and underwear for, you even have your lotion and bath sponge will you have a wash on the streets Emabong Issong?  Do you think your mother to be a fool?"

"Bye bye Mama, see you when I get back."

Emabong walked out of the house with her Mama behind her. Her Mama was screaming for her not to go, passers-by stopped to watch, people living around them came out to see what is causing so much noise.

 "Mama Ema, you can't follow her, you have your other children to look after. Let her go, she will come back." Mama Lele her friend from the market held her back.

"What if she doesn't return home? She replied. Mama Lele could see the genuine concern in her eyes. But she  helds her back to stop her from going after Ema. She screamed, cried, struggled to free herself, but Mama Lele held her back. With all this, Emabong didn't even turn back  until she disappeared into the distance.

 The demonstration against the fuel subsidy removal had been going on for three days and the government still didn't relent when Emabong left home to Join in. Her father returned from work some minutes past nine in the morning and met his wife pacing around the house.

" Papa Ema your daughter has gone. she says she has gone to fight for me and you" Mama Ema informs her husband. Very exhausted after keeping guard all night, he soaks in the information and without uttering a word, gets on his bed for a rest. Able to sense his mood, his wife lets him off, she knows that if she pushes further, they might end up having a fight. She holds her peace and lets him sleep, she keeps checking from time to time to see if he is awake, he isn't but she can see his sleep is not restful. He is tossing and turning and even talking in his sleep. Usually when he returns from his Job as a night guard, his snoring is so loud one could hear from two houses away, but today he makes no sound. The houses are so mashed up together, that when they first moved in, the neighbours would query the Issongs about the loud snoring. Seems they have gotten used to it because they didn't make trouble anymore.

She mutters "this man is not enjoying his sleep," then she calls "Papa Ema"  he doesn't reply so she gives him more time. With their other children still in school, she is alone and her mind begins to wonder. it's on  Emabong. So Emabong has grown bigger than me now, she's now out of control. She still cares for her child though, she shuts her eyes and prays for Ema oh God bring my daughter back home, please.

 Mama Ema checks on her husband, two more times and she meets him till sleeping. The third time she sees him sitting on the bed. His elbow on his lap and his palms on his cheeks. "You're finally up papa Ema," she asks.  " when You and your daughter would not allow me to sleep" he replies.

They sit quietly for a few minutes, then he asks "what's the time" "1:15pm" she replies. They sit quietly again for a few minutes and then he demands "where is my food woman.” She stares at him perplexed. "how can he even ask me that" she's thinking“ I didn’t cook anything” she replies. He shakes his head, he is feeling his temper rise, but he tries to keep his cool, he drags air into his lungs and His wife considers it  a threat and goes on the offensive. She starts screaming  “I told you our daughter left home this morning and still you say nothing........”. He listens to her, but he's got his palms on his ears trying to protect his eardrums from bursting. After screaming her heart out she sinks into the wooden armchair by the bed.

“ I was relieved of my job this morning,” he tells her after she let out her frustration.

“Ah! Hey hhhey O God. Where are you! My world is crashing down this morning,” she starts off again

“They went from peaceful protestors to ravaging rioters. They broke in, looted all valuables and could have set the building on fire” he continues telling her

“ I guess These are the same people our daughter has gone to be with, So Emabong is also a thief now” Mama Ema starts lamenting again.

Papa Ema sees he is causing her more grief so he ties his wrapper properly, puts on a vest, then leaves the room. He wants some quietness and besides the room is too small for all the noise she is making.He sits on a wooden stool outside the house and his mind begins to hover until the rest of their children return from school.After marriage, it had taken them over six years to conceive Emabong, after mockery from some family members, friends, and even strangers. All doctors they visited confirmed both of them to be fertile, their families had insisted it was spiritual and brought every kind of concoction for them from different herbalists, which almost killed them, did Emabong arrive to restore Joy to their family.Effiong their second child came another six years after Ema and was only fourteen. The next, twin boys Bassey and Edo were three years younger than Effiong. The last, a girl Ini, came when they thought they were done with child bearing Five years after the twins. “Good afternoon papa” they all chorused.” “ My children you are welcome. Effiong, keep your school bag, take this money, buy us some garri, groundnut and sugar. Be fast, your papa is hungry.” Ini rushed into the kitchen, brought out a large rubber bowl. It has happened before, they will all eat soaked Garri from the rubber bowl and whenever this happens, whatever they ate tasted more delicious than when their mother cooked rice, stew and chicken. It was enjoyable dipping their spoons into the bowl to fetch garri and groundnut swimming on top of the bowl. Their Mama, being curious that none of her kids had come in to ask for food, came out and met them eating with their father. She picked up a spoon too and joined them and for a short time forgot the pain Emabong had caused her.

Later that evening, Mama Ema had found strength so she cooked dinner for the family.While they ate, she and her husband discussed “ I have been considering, it may not be a bad thing I lost my job today. It's been more than five years I sat down in the evening like this to eat dinner with you and the children. The cooking business you had to stop when Ema got admission into the university, we can revive it. I will help you out. When you go out to sweep in the morning I and the children can begin until they leave for school and you return home. We could get a few chairs and tables, bring out all the abandoned pots and food warmers. My days as a night guard is over”

“God Forbid, I can not have my husband, cooking and selling food.” Mama Ema rose up  saying. “ You will look for another job, as soon as possible.”

“Look at me. I am not a young man anymore, most people would consider me a liability to employ” he responds.

“What will other men think of you, what will the women be saying of you!- look at him like a woman…”

He cut her off “ who cares what they think or feel. What bill has my job as a night guard  paid off since I started. Every month we still have to beg, we are heavily indebted. Last night I got lucky I did not get killed. You know why the company was vandalised? because it belongs to the minister of petroleum.And today I was let off with no pay.”He adds

“My husband selling food” she exclaims

“Yes and if you chose not to do it, I will do it myself. I Know my children will help me,” he insists.It was a very hot night and the electricity was out, so after washing up they all sat outside listening to the news on radio when the news of the death of ten protesters was announced, reason being that they had gone violent, destroying state property. They were all listening attentively when two policemen walked into their compound.

“Please where is the house of Mr Issong” one of them asks

Being very afraid he responds trembling “it's me sir”

The arrival of the policemen to the residence of the Issongs did initiate a gathering of men and women who were eager to scoop the gist of what was going on. “Can we talk to you alone?” the policeman says. Papa Ema leads him into his house, lit by a lamp placed on the table.

“This identification card was found on one of the girls killed today at the city center. It apparently belongs to your daughter Emabong Issong”

Papa Emabong screams loudly and his wife rushes into the room.

“It’s Ema. Emabong……”

Mama Ema starts Wailing too and the rest of their children understand the news and start crying too.

“Sir, please pull yourself together, you have to come with us to identify the body,” The policeman says to Papa Emma and they get him ready to leave with them.

Valentine Blues by Zara Iko

Kamsi’s first valentine on her own in the big city looked promising. She and Nedu started dating in their final year in the university. They recently just graduated and as luck would have it got Jobs in the same city. Her parents, especially, insisted she got a separate apartment from Nedu’s; they didn’t want them living together until maybe they got married.
 Before he came over to hers to get her out that evening Nedu had been doing everything right, sending her romantic messages throughout the day. His last text got her all fired up it read “you are like the gin in the glass of cranberry juice I am holding right now, except in your case I don’t have to drink you to get drunk, all I need is a vision of you. See you in 20 x”.
Fully charged with the expectation of a great evening with her love, Kamsi was ready and waiting when Nedu arrived, she opened the door excitedly. Expecting to see a bunch of flowers, candy and maybe a present. She squeezed her brows seeing he came empty handed. He tried to hug her, but she stepped back. “No flowers, no candy, nothing Nedu!” Kamsi exclaimed
“Well, you see everyone knows that on Valentine’s Day, flowers and candy are sold out. I tried to get, but every single shop I went to had run out” Nedu replied.
“What happened to preparing before today? You could have managed a card at least?”Kamsi demanded
Nedu scratched his head and asked her “Where is my own gift”. She walked to the fridge, took out a cupcake and gave it to him. “Happy valentine’s day,” kamsi said.
“One cupcake” he laughed, pulled off the paper from the cake and pushed  the whole thing into his mouth. “Thanks darling, he forced out munching his cupcake, Shall we?” he said,   leading her out of the door.
“He couldn’t even offer me a bite” Kamsi mumbled with disappointment, rolling her eyes as he followed her lead.
On their way, taxi’s passed by, but Nedu didn’t look like he was interested in stopping one. Kamsi expected him to call a taxi, especially because she had heels on, but he just kept on walking and talking, so she asked “I know you don’t have a car yet, but we don’t have to trek to where ever we are going. What about stopping a taxi?”
 “Don’t you think it would be more romantic if we walked?!”Nedu replied her. Kamsi looked at him fuming, but she managed to get her temper trapped and walked by Nedu’s side finding support resting her arm on his shoulders and his arm around her waist. Somewhere along the twenty-five minutes’ walk to the city center Kamsi’s mood had lightened up and she was feeling excited once again. She imagined he had some wonderful surprises planned out by the time they got to where ever he was taking her to, else he wouldn't have dared the horrible start to the evening.

After the painful walk, they arrived at the city center. It was packed with some lovely places to visit, mouth watering Valentine’s Day deals were on, one of the most popular deals was for free champagne and cake for any couple who got engaged in Tapa restaurant, the poshest in the city center. Kamsi was now very anxious for the unfolding of  Nedu's  grand planned evening to salvage the catastrophic valentines she was already having. She even imagined them being up in Tapa clicking their champagne glasses  celebrating their engagement, she had a strong conviction he was about to propose to her hence the front, excitement rushed through her that she grabbed and pulled Nedu closer, giving him a long spitty kiss on his cheek; He giggled with excitement thinking she was finally enjoying the evening.

The city center was buzzing with couples of different ages, even some grandpa’s had brought their old ladies out for a good time and managed to get flowers for them, yet her Man who had filled her ears with some sweet jargons couldn’t manage a stem of flower. “I think most people had flowers and candy grown in their backyards this year, even granny there” pointing at an older couple close by “could manage one” kamsi queried Nedu.
 “Ah, what’s more important than this- me, you holding hands on this romantic walk, my heart beat right now is so powerful you can feel it on my palm and it's because of you,” Nedu said trying to sweet talk her.
 “You are so full of shit man. We’ve been walking for an hour now, I have got heels on, and it hurts. I pulled this look for you and you’ve decided to punish me for it” kamsi was starting to feel frustrated.
 “Haven’t I been singing your praise all evening, you look out of this world?” Nedu said.
“I haven’t been listening to your balderdash for a while now; it worked on the phone, that’s why I got dressed this up. It can’t work now, not while my feet are on fire. I am burning with anger right now,Nedu. If you speak another lie I will slap your lips out of your face. ” Kamsi shot at him.
“I know you don’t mean that. You look too good to be angry today. Don’t worry the day will get better” Nedu tried to calm her down
When? I am worn out from trekking around town. All I want is my bed Nedu, my feet are sore”
That will be an awesome end to this valentine day celebration me and you wrapped up underneath your sheets” Nedu said and winked at her.
“You know what, I have had it with you”, kamsi said. She bent to take off her heels and launched them at Nedu in rage, but he dodged them and ran off. She chased after him but couldn’t keep up, so she stopped. By then her figure hugging, short red dress had rolled on up exposing her black panty, quickly she adjusted and started to walk off. She left home without money; her clutch bag was empty she trusted that Nedu would take care of her. She thought, well, I walked here, so I can walk back, it would even be better now that I don’t have my shoes on and that annoying Nedu, she consoled herself. From nowhere someone’s hands circled her waist from behind, firming his grip on her, he put his lips to her ear and whispered “I am having so much fun baby”
 “You are so annoying, release me and see if I won’t kill you” she yelled. “Relax and enjoy yourself,” Nedu asked of her.
 “We’ve walked past several nice restaurants and other good hang out spots, but we’ve past every single one of them twice and still not decided where we would end up. I would be enjoying myself better if we had been sitting in there” pointing at Tapa “like one of the normal couples in there eating a delicious meal, champagne to wash it down and maybe a ring pop’s up magically. That would have been very enjoyable. Look at me; I am dressed for that kind of enjoyment. Not this.”
He released her, walked in front of her looking very serious. He starred at her for some brief seconds, then he burst out laughing really hard.
Kamsi continued “You did the same thing for my birthday, I can’t believe I fell for your shenanigans again. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” She said, then slammed her shoes on the floor and walked past him. He tried to pull her back, but she released her hand from his hold and used both her hands to push him by his chest farther away from her. Then she started to run towards her house. Nedu didn’t even notice they had caused a stir, a small crowd had gathered around them to watch the lovers quarrel. Some people from the crowd yelled out “go get her dude, you are in the wrong, go get her. Nodding his head in affirmation, he picked up her shoes and ran after her. Catching up with her wasn’t so difficult; soon he was jogging behind her and talking to her “Will you stop kamsi. I brought your shoes for you, ” she turned back again and pushed him by his chest away from her and continued jogging. “You know it’s the silly things I do that makes you love me” she groaned angrily bent to pick up a stone and threw it at him but he dodged it. All the while she was running. “I bet you, this will be your most memorable Valentine’s Day,” he continued poking at her. She bent down, packed sand in her hand and threw back at him, but he dodged and continued chasing after her. “Someday our grandchildren will hear how I chased after their grandma overcoming all obstacles thrown at me- shoe, stone, sand and whatever you find next to throw at me”. But then she stopped and yelled “go away. I really hate you now” and pushed his chest again and continued running. He didn’t relent, he continued chasing after her “it is so sexy watching you run from behind Kamsi”

 “You are so frustrating, get lost forever Nedu”.


Eventually, She got to her house stopped by her front door and tried opening the door before Nedu got to her so she could slam the door right in his face, but she ended up fiddling with the keys until he caught up, he placed his hand on her hand on the door handle, she was breathing heavily because of the running “let me help you” he said  but she kept fighting him off. Calm down Kamsi, calm down! I’m sorry you didn’t see the humour in this I promise you next year would be much better, please. Still really upset yet accepting his apology she stopped fighting him off and let him open the door, and then they went in together.

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.