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BAD HABIT
by Ezeigbo Christian

Chapter 2: Unseen Shadows
Life in the apartment felt normal for a while, or at least on the surface. Peter had settled in well, and his cheerful presence blended into the daily rhythms of Femi and Tola’s home. Tola treated him like the younger brother she had never had, doting on him as she would any family member. Peter was always ready with a smile, and Femi, trusting his brother completely, was grateful to have him around.
But below the friendly interactions and shared meals, something began to shift. There were subtle changes in Peter’s behavior, small enough to go unnoticed at first. The looks he gave Tola were no longer the innocent glances of admiration he once had. There was something darker now, something that simmered beneath the surface.
Tola remained unaware, her days filled with work at the school and the quiet joy of returning home to Femi each night. She would come home, prepare dinner, and the three of them would eat together, discussing their day, laughing at Peter’s jokes. It had become routine, and Tola found herself feeling a sense of comfort in it.
But Peter’s feelings toward her were becoming increasingly complicated. The more time he spent around her, the harder it became for him to hide what was growing inside him—a twisted desire, something that made him feel both guilty and powerless. He knew it was wrong. Tola was his brother’s wife, a woman who had shown him nothing but kindness, but he couldn’t help the way he felt. And with each passing day, the lines blurred more and more.
It started with the smallest of gestures. Peter would offer to help Tola with chores around the house—something as simple as washing the dishes or cleaning up after dinner. At first, Tola didn’t think much of it. She was grateful for the help and appreciated his willingness to pitch in. But Peter’s offers became more frequent, and his gaze lingered longer than it should have.
One evening, after a particularly long day at work, Tola was exhausted. She had barely touched her dinner, her mind consumed with lesson plans and the endless demands of her students. As she sat on the couch, trying to relax, Peter came over and sat beside her.

"You look tired," he said softly, his voice filled with concern. "You should rest."

Tola smiled weakly, rubbing her temples. "I’ll be fine, Peter. It’s just been a long day."
Without asking, Peter reached out and began to gently massage her shoulders. Tola tensed for a moment, surprised by the gesture, but then relaxed. She hadn’t even realized how much tension she had been carrying until that moment. "Thank you," she muttered, closing her eyes.
Femi was in the bedroom, still on a work call, completely unaware of what was happening in the living room. As Peter’s hands moved over Tola’s shoulders, his thoughts raced. His heart pounded in his chest, but he tried to keep his touch gentle, nonchalant. Tola, for her part, thought nothing of it. To her, Peter was still the younger brother, someone who looked up to her.
But for Peter, it was more than that. He was testing boundaries, seeing how far he could push without drawing attention. And the fact that Tola didn’t stop him only fueled his growing obsession.
That night marked the beginning of something Peter couldn’t control. Peter became more emboldened, finding excuses to be closer to Tola whenever he could. If Femi noticed, he didn’t say anything. He had complete trust in both his wife and his brother, never imagining that something sinister was at play.
As the weeks passed, the tension between Peter and Tola grew, though she remained oblivious to it. There were times when she caught him staring at her from across the room, his eyes intense, but she dismissed it as nothing more than a passing glance. After all, Peter had always been a bit eccentric. But his behavior started to shift in more noticeable ways.
One evening, as they all sat together after dinner, Peter suggested they watch a movie. Femi agreed, and they settled in on the couch, with Tola sitting in the middle. Femi had his arm around her, and she leaned into him, grateful for the warmth of his presence. But as the movie played, Tola became aware of something strange—Peter’s leg kept brushing against hers. At first, she thought it was accidental, but it happened again and again, until she couldn’t ignore it.
She shifted uncomfortably, moving closer to Femi, but Peter didn’t seem to notice—or maybe he did and simply didn’t care. His eyes were fixed on the screen, but Tola could feel the tension in the air. It was subtle, but it was there, like a heavy weight pressing down on the room.
Later that night, as Tola lay in bed beside Femi, she couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had settled in her chest. Something wasn’t right. She had always been comfortable around Peter, but now there was an unspoken tension that made her feel uneasy. She told herself she was overthinking it. Peter was like a brother to her, and she trusted him. But the feeling wouldn’t go away.
It was during one of these nights that everything changed.
Femi had traveled for a work conference in Abuja and wouldn’t be back for two days. Tola wasn’t particularly worried; she had lived in Lagos her entire life and was used to being alone when Femi had to travel. Peter was still at home, of course, but Tola didn’t think much of it. She trusted him, just as she trusted her husband.
That night, she went to bed early, feeling drained from the week’s events. As she drifted off to sleep, the apartment was quiet, with only the faint sound of traffic from the streets below. But sometime in the middle of the night, Tola stirred. There was a noise—a creak, the soft padding of footsteps across the floor.
Her eyes fluttered open, her mind foggy from sleep. At first, she thought she was dreaming, but then she felt it—a presence in the room. Her heart began to race as she realized someone was standing at the foot of her bed.
She sat up, her eyes adjusting to the darkness. "Femi?" she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
But it wasn’t Femi.
It was Peter.
He stood there, silent, his figure barely visible in the dim light from the hallway. Tola’s heart pounded in her chest as she tried to make sense of what was happening. "Peter, what are you doing?" she asked, her voice shaky.
He didn’t respond right away. For a moment, there was only the sound of their breathing, the heavy silence filling the room. Then, slowly, Peter stepped closer to the bed.
Tola felt a surge of panic rise in her throat. Something was wrong—terribly wrong. She scrambled to sit up fully, her mind racing. "Peter, get out," she said, her voice firmer now, but her hands were shaking.
Peter hesitated, his face unreadable in the shadows. Then, without a word, he turned and left the room, disappearing into the hallway. Tola sat there, her heart pounding, unable to move for what felt like an eternity.
When she finally got up, she locked the bedroom door behind him, her hands trembling as she turned the key in the lock. She stood there for a long time, her back pressed against the door, trying to calm the rising tide of fear inside her.
The rest of the night passed in a blur. Tola didn’t sleep. She sat up in bed, her eyes fixed on the locked door, waiting for the first light of dawn to break through the curtains. Her mind raced with questions, but she had no answers. Why had Peter been in her room? What had he wanted? And why hadn’t he said anything?
When the morning finally came, Tola didn’t wait for Peter to wake up. She grabbed her things and left the apartment, going straight to her friend’s house in Lekki. She needed space—time to think, time to process what had happened.
She wasn’t sure if she would tell Femi. Not yet, anyway. She needed to understand what was happening first. But deep down, she knew something had changed. The peaceful life she had once known had been shattered, and in its place was a creeping sense of dread she couldn’t ignore.
As Tola sat in her friend’s living room, staring out at the busy streets of Lekki, she knew that whatever came next would change everything.
But she had no idea just how much.

To be continued.......

NonsenseRubbish:
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How many times did I call you ??!!!

Many times

A DARK GIFT FROM LOVE
BY Ezeigbo Christian

Chapter 1
It was a warm evening in Lagos. The sun was setting, and the streets were filled with the usual sounds—cars honking, people chatting, and distant music playing from someone’s radio. Toluwa, five years old, and her little brother, Kelvin, four, were playing outside their home. They were close, always together, always laughing. Toluwa loved looking after Kelvin, even though he sometimes annoyed her by running too fast or laughing too loudly. But tonight, everything felt calm, just like any other evening.
Toluwa and Kelvin were playing a game they made up, where they would race each other across the small space in front of their house. Their giggles echoed in the air as they ran, both trying to be faster than the other. Their cousin, Funmi, who was supposed to be watching them, was inside the house chatting on the phone, probably not even paying attention to what they were doing.

“Catch me, Kelvin!” Toluwa called, running just a little faster than her brother.

Kelvin tried his best to catch up, his tiny legs moving as quickly as he could make them. “I will, Toluwa! Wait for me!” he called, laughing as he almost tripped over his feet.
Everything seemed perfect. The evening was nice, and the children were happy. But what Toluwa and Kelvin didn’t know was that they were being watched.
A little farther down the street, an old van had been parked for a while. The windows were dark, and no one in the neighborhood paid much attention to it. Inside the van were two men, talking in low voices. One of them, with a deep scar across his cheek, kept his eyes on the children.
“Are you sure these are the ones?” asked the other man, looking nervous as he wiped his sweaty forehead.
“Yes,” the scarred man replied, without taking his eyes off Toluwa and Kelvin. “These are the ones we were told to get.”
The nervous man glanced around, worried someone might see them. “We shouldn’t be doing this out in the open like this. Someone might notice.”

“Nobody’s paying attention,” the scarred man said coldly. “It’s a quiet street. It’s now or never.”

Meanwhile, Toluwa was getting tired of running. She sat down on the small steps in front of their house, breathing heavily. Kelvin, always full of energy, kept hopping around, trying to keep the game going.
“Let’s play one more time, Toluwa!” he pleaded.
Toluwa smiled at her brother, shaking her head. “No, Kelvin. I’m tired. Let’s sit down.”
Just then, the van started moving. It crept down the street slowly, almost too quietly. Kelvin didn’t notice it because he was still trying to get Toluwa to play, but she saw it. She tilted her head slightly, watching as it got closer.

“Toluwa, let’s play!” Kelvin whined again, tugging at her arm.

“Wait, Kelvin,” she said, her eyes fixed on the van as it stopped a few meters away. Something about it didn’t feel right, and a strange feeling settled in her stomach.

The door of the van slid open, and the scarred man stepped out. He looked at the children for a second, then gave a short nod to the nervous man who followed him out. Before Toluwa could fully understand what was happening, they were walking straight toward her and Kelvin.
Her instincts kicked in. “Kelvin, let’s go inside!” she said quickly, pulling at her brother’s arm, but it was too late.
The scarred man grabbed Kelvin first, lifting him off the ground as the boy let out a surprised yelp. “Toluwa!” Kelvin cried, kicking his legs, but the man held him tight.
Toluwa’s heart raced, her eyes wide with fear. “Let go of my brother!” she screamed, running toward the man, but the nervous man grabbed her too. He wasn’t as strong as the scarred man, but he held her tightly enough that she couldn’t escape.

“Quiet!” the scarred man barked, his voice rough and frightening.

Kelvin was crying loudly now, calling for his sister, but there was nothing she could do. Toluwa struggled, kicking and squirming, but the man holding her dragged her toward the van. Everything was happening too fast. She tried to call for Funmi, but her voice felt small, lost in the noise of the street.
The men shoved them both into the back of the van, slamming the door shut behind them. It was dark inside, and the smell of gasoline made Toluwa feel sick. She reached for Kelvin, pulling him close. He was still crying, his small body shaking with fear. She held him tightly, trying to comfort him even though her own heart was racing.

“Don’t cry, Kelvin,” she whispered, though her voice trembled. “It’s going to be okay.”

But she wasn’t sure. She had no idea where they were going or who these men were. She wanted to scream for help, but it felt like no one would hear them. The van sped off, bouncing on the rough road. Toluwa kept her arms around Kelvin, trying to be brave for him, even though she felt like crying too.
After what felt like forever, the van stopped. The door opened, and the scarred man looked down at them with an unfriendly grin.

“We’re here,” he said, his voice making Toluwa shiver.

The two men grabbed them again, pulling them out of the van. Kelvin clung to Toluwa, his face wet with tears. They were dragged into a big, empty building. It was dark, cold, and smelled like damp walls and dust. Toluwa had never seen a place like this before.
They were forced to sit on the cold floor, and the scarred man crouched in front of them, his dark eyes staring at them like they were toys he could play with.
“You two are going to different places now,” he said, his voice calm but cruel. “You’ll never see each other again.”
Toluwa gasped. “No! You can’t take my brother away! Please!” she begged, grabbing Kelvin’s hand tightly. But the man only laughed.

“You don’t have a choice,” he said, standing up. He turned to the nervous man, who had been pacing in the background. “Get the boy ready. He’s leaving first.”

The nervous man hesitated. “Are you sure this is the right way? Maybe we should wait…”

“I said get the boy!” the scarred man snapped.

Toluwa held Kelvin even tighter, her heart pounding. She couldn’t lose him. He was her brother. They had always been together. She couldn’t let them take him away. She was about to scream for help again when something caught her eye—a small mark on Kelvin’s neck, one that looked just like the mark she had on her own. It was a mark their mother had always said made them special.

The scarred man noticed her staring and grinned. “That mark means nothing now,” he said coldly. “Say goodbye to your brother, little girl.”
Toluwa’s eyes filled with tears as she realized what was happening. The man was serious. They were really going to take Kelvin away. She tightened her grip on him, but as the scarred man reached down to grab him, she felt her strength slipping away.
Kelvin screamed her name again as the man pulled him away, his small hands reaching out for her, but there was nothing she could do.
The door slammed shut, leaving Toluwa alone in the dark, her heart breaking as her brother’s cries faded into the distance.

To be continued……..

BAD HABIT a story by Ezeigbo Christian.

CHAPTER1: The Genesis
Femi and Tola’s love story was one that many admired. From the moment they met at a mutual friend’s wedding in Ikeja, sparks flew between them. Femi, a tall, soft-spoken man, was drawn to Tola’s warmth and intelligence. She had an easy smile that lit up any room she walked into, and her sense of humor balanced out his often serious demeanor. It wasn’t long before their friendship blossomed into something deeper. After two years of dating, Femi proposed during a quiet dinner at their favorite restaurant in Victoria Island, and Tola said yes without hesitation. They were married six months later.
Life as a married couple in Lagos was not without its challenges, but Femi and Tola faced them together, always finding comfort in each other’s company. Femi worked as a branch manager at one of the leading banks in the city, while Tola was a dedicated secondary school teacher at a private school in Surulere. Their lives were busy, but they made time for each other, sharing meals and long conversations whenever they could.
Their apartment in a quiet estate in Ikeja had become a home filled with love and laughter. The two-bedroom space was modest but comfortable, decorated with a mix of Tola’s eye for style and Femi’s penchant for minimalism. The small living room was their favorite spot. In the evenings, they would often sit together on the plush gray couch, Tola’s head resting on Femi’s shoulder as they watched Nollywood movies or shared stories about their day.

"Femi, I think we should visit Mama this weekend," Tola suggested one Friday evening as they sat together after dinner. "It’s been a while, and she mentioned something about missing your cooking."

Femi smiled, knowing full well that his mother always used his cooking as an excuse to have them visit. "Mama will never change. She misses you more than the food, but I’m sure she won’t complain if I make some jollof rice while we’re there."
Tola chuckled, the sound soft and familiar, filling the room with a warmth that Femi had grown used to over the years. It was moments like this that made their relationship so special—the ease with which they communicated, the quiet intimacy they shared.
Weekends were often spent visiting Femi’s family in Ibadan or Tola’s family in Lagos. They both came from close-knit households, and family was important to them. They had spoken often about starting their own family someday, but they weren’t in a rush. For now, they were content with the life they had built together.
But despite the peaceful rhythm of their lives, there was a lingering emptiness that neither of them wanted to acknowledge. It had been almost three years since their wedding, and while they had not actively tried to have children, the absence of a baby had begun to weigh on them—especially Tola. She had heard whispers from family members, subtle comments about when they would finally start a family. Femi’s mother, Mama, had even dropped a few hints during their last visit.
“Femi, you know you’re not getting any younger,” she had said gently, her tone laced with expectation. “It’s time to give me a grandchild.”
Femi had laughed it off, assuring his mother that everything would happen in due time, but the conversation stayed with him. He had noticed how quiet Tola had become afterward, her usual cheerfulness replaced with a contemplative silence.
That night, as they drove back to Lagos, Tola had spoken in a soft voice. "Do you think something is wrong with us?" she asked, her eyes fixed on the road ahead.
Femi had glanced at her, surprised by the question. "What do you mean?"
"I mean... we’ve been married for a while now, and nothing has happened. Maybe we should see a doctor?"
Femi had reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "There’s nothing wrong with us, Tola. These things take time. We’re not in a rush, remember?"
Tola had nodded, but the worry in her eyes remained. She loved Femi deeply, but the thought of not being able to give him a child haunted her. She wanted to believe that everything would work out as he said, but there were days when her fears got the better of her.
Despite these occasional moments of doubt, their marriage remained strong. They had learned to lean on each other through difficult times, and their bond only grew with each passing day. Femi was Tola’s rock, always calm and steady, while she brought a lightness to his life that balanced out his serious nature.
It was a Wednesday evening, and Femi had just returned from work, tired but content. The bank had been unusually busy that day, and all he wanted was to relax with Tola over a hot meal. She had prepared efo riro and pounded yam, and the smell of the stew filled the apartment, making his stomach growl in anticipation.
As they sat down to eat, Femi’s phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen and saw that it was his younger brother, Peter. Femi’s face lit up as he answered the call. Peter had always been his favorite sibling, the one he had looked out for since they were children. Though they were five years apart, they had always been close.

"Peter! It’s been a while. How are you?" Femi greeted, his tone warm and welcoming.

"Brother, I’m fine, but I need your help," Peter’s voice came through the line, sounding slightly stressed.

Femi’s brow furrowed. Peter had just completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Enugu a few months ago, and Femi knew he had been struggling to find a stable job. "What’s wrong? Talk to me."

Peter hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "I’ve been applying for jobs everywhere, but nothing has come through. I’m running out of money, and I can’t afford to stay in Enugu any longer. I was hoping I could come to Lagos and stay with you and Tola for a while... at least until I find something."

Femi glanced at Tola, who was listening intently. He knew that she would be supportive—she had always been kind to his family, treating them like her own. "Of course, Peter," Femi replied without hesitation. "You can stay with us for as long as you need. We’ll help you get back on your feet."
Tola smiled and nodded, confirming her approval. "Yes, Peter, you’re welcome anytime," she added, her voice kind and sincere.
Peter’s relief was palpable even through the phone. "Thank you, brother. I really appreciate it. I’ll come down to Lagos this weekend."
After the call ended, Femi and Tola continued their meal, discussing Peter’s situation. Tola was genuinely excited to have him stay with them. She had always liked Peter’s carefree personality, and she believed that with the right guidance, he would find his way.
The weekend came quickly, and Peter arrived at their apartment late Saturday afternoon. Tola had prepared a small welcome meal, and Femi had helped Peter settle into the spare bedroom. As the evening progressed, the three of them sat together, catching up on old times and sharing stories. Peter was full of life, cracking jokes and making them laugh with his usual charm. Femi was happy to see his brother again, and Tola found herself enjoying his company as well.

In the days that followed, Peter quickly adapted to life in their home. He was polite, helpful around the house, and always quick to lighten the mood with his sense of humor. Femi was glad to have him around, and Tola didn’t mind either. Having Peter there almost felt like they were extending their family, filling the apartment with more laughter and warmth.
But there were small moments, fleeting glances that went unnoticed at first. Peter’s eyes lingered on Tola a little longer than they should have when she walked past. Sometimes, in the quiet of the evening, he would watch her from across the room, his gaze intense and unreadable. Tola, oblivious to the shift, continued to treat him like a younger brother, never suspecting that anything was amiss.

As the weeks went by, Peter’s job search continued without much success, but Femi was patient. He encouraged his brother to keep trying, confident that something would come through eventually. Tola, too, remained supportive, always ready with a kind word or a home-cooked meal to lift his spirits.
Yet, beneath the surface of their seemingly peaceful life, something was stirring—something dark and dangerous that neither Femi nor Tola could see coming.
And one night, as Tola lay asleep in her bed, unaware of the storm brewing in the shadows, Peter stood at the door of their bedroom, his heart racing, his thoughts no longer innocent.
Femi slept soundly beside her, completely oblivious to what was about to unfold.

To be continued......

BAD HABIT a story by Ezeigbo Christian.

CHAPTER1: The Genesis
Femi and Tola’s love story was one that many admired. From the moment they met at a mutual friend’s wedding in Ikeja, sparks flew between them. Femi, a tall, soft-spoken man, was drawn to Tola’s warmth and intelligence. She had an easy smile that lit up any room she walked into, and her sense of humor balanced out his often serious demeanor. It wasn’t long before their friendship blossomed into something deeper. After two years of dating, Femi proposed during a quiet dinner at their favorite restaurant in Victoria Island, and Tola said yes without hesitation. They were married six months later.
Life as a married couple in Lagos was not without its challenges, but Femi and Tola faced them together, always finding comfort in each other’s company. Femi worked as a branch manager at one of the leading banks in the city, while Tola was a dedicated secondary school teacher at a private school in Surulere. Their lives were busy, but they made time for each other, sharing meals and long conversations whenever they could.
Their apartment in a quiet estate in Ikeja had become a home filled with love and laughter. The two-bedroom space was modest but comfortable, decorated with a mix of Tola’s eye for style and Femi’s penchant for minimalism. The small living room was their favorite spot. In the evenings, they would often sit together on the plush gray couch, Tola’s head resting on Femi’s shoulder as they watched Nollywood movies or shared stories about their day.

"Femi, I think we should visit Mama this weekend," Tola suggested one Friday evening as they sat together after dinner. "It’s been a while, and she mentioned something about missing your cooking."

Femi smiled, knowing full well that his mother always used his cooking as an excuse to have them visit. "Mama will never change. She misses you more than the food, but I’m sure she won’t complain if I make some jollof rice while we’re there."
Tola chuckled, the sound soft and familiar, filling the room with a warmth that Femi had grown used to over the years. It was moments like this that made their relationship so special—the ease with which they communicated, the quiet intimacy they shared.
Weekends were often spent visiting Femi’s family in Ibadan or Tola’s family in Lagos. They both came from close-knit households, and family was important to them. They had spoken often about starting their own family someday, but they weren’t in a rush. For now, they were content with the life they had built together.
But despite the peaceful rhythm of their lives, there was a lingering emptiness that neither of them wanted to acknowledge. It had been almost three years since their wedding, and while they had not actively tried to have children, the absence of a baby had begun to weigh on them—especially Tola. She had heard whispers from family members, subtle comments about when they would finally start a family. Femi’s mother, Mama, had even dropped a few hints during their last visit.
“Femi, you know you’re not getting any younger,” she had said gently, her tone laced with expectation. “It’s time to give me a grandchild.”
Femi had laughed it off, assuring his mother that everything would happen in due time, but the conversation stayed with him. He had noticed how quiet Tola had become afterward, her usual cheerfulness replaced with a contemplative silence.
That night, as they drove back to Lagos, Tola had spoken in a soft voice. "Do you think something is wrong with us?" she asked, her eyes fixed on the road ahead.
Femi had glanced at her, surprised by the question. "What do you mean?"
"I mean... we’ve been married for a while now, and nothing has happened. Maybe we should see a doctor?"
Femi had reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "There’s nothing wrong with us, Tola. These things take time. We’re not in a rush, remember?"
Tola had nodded, but the worry in her eyes remained. She loved Femi deeply, but the thought of not being able to give him a child haunted her. She wanted to believe that everything would work out as he said, but there were days when her fears got the better of her.
Despite these occasional moments of doubt, their marriage remained strong. They had learned to lean on each other through difficult times, and their bond only grew with each passing day. Femi was Tola’s rock, always calm and steady, while she brought a lightness to his life that balanced out his serious nature.
It was a Wednesday evening, and Femi had just returned from work, tired but content. The bank had been unusually busy that day, and all he wanted was to relax with Tola over a hot meal. She had prepared efo riro and pounded yam, and the smell of the stew filled the apartment, making his stomach growl in anticipation.
As they sat down to eat, Femi’s phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen and saw that it was his younger brother, Peter. Femi’s face lit up as he answered the call. Peter had always been his favorite sibling, the one he had looked out for since they were children. Though they were five years apart, they had always been close.

"Peter! It’s been a while. How are you?" Femi greeted, his tone warm and welcoming.

"Brother, I’m fine, but I need your help," Peter’s voice came through the line, sounding slightly stressed.

Femi’s brow furrowed. Peter had just completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Enugu a few months ago, and Femi knew he had been struggling to find a stable job. "What’s wrong? Talk to me."

Peter hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "I’ve been applying for jobs everywhere, but nothing has come through. I’m running out of money, and I can’t afford to stay in Enugu any longer. I was hoping I could come to Lagos and stay with you and Tola for a while... at least until I find something."

Femi glanced at Tola, who was listening intently. He knew that she would be supportive—she had always been kind to his family, treating them like her own. "Of course, Peter," Femi replied without hesitation. "You can stay with us for as long as you need. We’ll help you get back on your feet."
Tola smiled and nodded, confirming her approval. "Yes, Peter, you’re welcome anytime," she added, her voice kind and sincere.
Peter’s relief was palpable even through the phone. "Thank you, brother. I really appreciate it. I’ll come down to Lagos this weekend."
After the call ended, Femi and Tola continued their meal, discussing Peter’s situation. Tola was genuinely excited to have him stay with them. She had always liked Peter’s carefree personality, and she believed that with the right guidance, he would find his way.
The weekend came quickly, and Peter arrived at their apartment late Saturday afternoon. Tola had prepared a small welcome meal, and Femi had helped Peter settle into the spare bedroom. As the evening progressed, the three of them sat together, catching up on old times and sharing stories. Peter was full of life, cracking jokes and making them laugh with his usual charm. Femi was happy to see his brother again, and Tola found herself enjoying his company as well.

In the days that followed, Peter quickly adapted to life in their home. He was polite, helpful around the house, and always quick to lighten the mood with his sense of humor. Femi was glad to have him around, and Tola didn’t mind either. Having Peter there almost felt like they were extending their family, filling the apartment with more laughter and warmth.
But there were small moments, fleeting glances that went unnoticed at first. Peter’s eyes lingered on Tola a little longer than they should have when she walked past. Sometimes, in the quiet of the evening, he would watch her from across the room, his gaze intense and unreadable. Tola, oblivious to the shift, continued to treat him like a younger brother, never suspecting that anything was amiss.

As the weeks went by, Peter’s job search continued without much success, but Femi was patient. He encouraged his brother to keep trying, confident that something would come through eventually. Tola, too, remained supportive, always ready with a kind word or a home-cooked meal to lift his spirits.
Yet, beneath the surface of their seemingly peaceful life, something was stirring—something dark and dangerous that neither Femi nor Tola could see coming.
And one night, as Tola lay asleep in her bed, unaware of the storm brewing in the shadows, Peter stood at the door of their bedroom, his heart racing, his thoughts no longer innocent.
Femi slept soundly beside her, completely oblivious to what was about to unfold.

To be continued......

TRUE LOVE

A poem by ezeigbo Christian.

1. I'm jumping inside the water
To catch my one true love
Please did you see her passing by?
My breath is almost off.

2. I raised my head out of the pool
I've searched my heart it's only you
Give me some moment of your love 💕
To keep and share the joy.

3. Don't you have a lover's bank?
Where love is kept save and sound
One scary day, love made a way
One happy day, love made the day.

4. Love and true are words alike
True love takes more than sacrifice
Don't look far for what is yours
Because love finds it's way by bus.

RINGS OF GLORY
Part 2

By Ezeigbo Christian

Chapter Four

"Hi, I wasn't expecting you today," Wilmer stuttered.
"Yeah, I know, I was so bored, so I had to come here," said
Princess Avara.
"Really? How may I help you?" Wilmer asked.
The Princess replied, "I'd love to listen to your music at
the nearby stream."
"I'm sorry, I can't," said Wilmer. "I lost my voice last
night."
At this point, a sudden stare ensued between them, and
her eyes were locked onto Wilmer's. A sharp connection
was felt, and she lowered her head slightly to maintain
self-control.
"You lost your voice last night, right? Don't worry, I will
sing," the Princess said.
"What! You, you—"
"Wilmer, you don't need to stutter; I want to sing for the
one I love," Princess Avara declared.
Max overheard everything and cleared his throat as he
emerged from the door, intending to excuse himself.
"Welcome, my princess. Wilmer, please close the door and
window," he said.
Left with no choice, Wilmer followed the princess to the
stream, picking up his musical instrument along the way.
Princess Avara was fascinated with Wilmer, seeking a way
to break the silence.
She asked, "Wilmer, can I tell you a story?"
"Story about what? The royal family? I'm not interested,"
Wilmer replied.
"There is something you ought to know about the royal
family," Princess Avara insisted.
"Okay, I'm listening," said Wilmer.
"Once upon a time," she began, "All the noble kings were
invited to a feast in Ecot. They were very happy and began
to prepare themselves with the most expensive cotton,
well-designed and decorated. The host, King Great, saw all
these and soon discovered that it was an honor for all the
kings to gather in his own home. At once, he sent his
soldiers to search around the kingdom and to prepare
young maidens for presentation. There was famine in
those days, and King Great had stored enough food for
only himself and his household. His special adviser had
whispered to him some hours ago. So the King asked what
must be done.
"The land of some of the people should be sold to
purchase food," said the Special Adviser.
Without wasting time, the lands were sold to purchase
more food for his visitors.
"But where would those people whose land was sold find
shelter?" Wilmer interrupted the Princess's story.
"Be patient," replied Princess Avara.
The princess continued, "At last, the great day came, and
the noble kings arrived at the palace. When all the kings
had gathered together, King Great sent out for the
beautiful maidens to display their beauty before the kings.
Ecot was known as ‘the home of beauty.’
"There's one important thing we must not forget," King
Great addressed his special guests. "When people are
invited to a great feast like this, it signifies peace and unity
among the nations."
During the celebration, an old woman appeared at the
center of the gathering and said, "King Great, why are you
eating and enjoying while your people are dying of
starvation and hunger?"
King Great, in anger, said, "Who is this, and how did she
enter this place? Throw her out of here!"
"Because you've done this, today will be the last day you
and your descendants will sit on the throne of Glory," said
the old woman as the guards held her and threw her out of
the palace.
The old woman was ignored, and the celebration
continued. After the feast, King Great was applauded and
praised for his friendly treatment, and then they all
departed to their various kingdoms. The following day,
King Great woke up early and went directly to his throne,
but he couldn't touch or sit on it. It was locked and
guarded by four rings of glory. Till today, no one has ever
sat on the throne."
Wilmer sighed after listening to the story. "So, isn't there
any way to unlock the throne?"
"There is, but before that, I want you to play the
instrument while I sing," said the Princess.
Gradually, the day became darker, and the sun changed its
color to red. There was no moon at that time. Princess
Avara sat on a small hill close to the stream, closed her
eyes, and started singing:
"When we were young, I could feel your love within me,
Now you've grown, I can see you left something.
Don't be long so you can take it from me,
I hope you know it is meant for you and me.
Hope you know how much I love to care for you,
I know you're feeling so shy near me.
Hope you know your heart, your smile is in my dream,
Now your hope in me is safe inside my heart."
Later on, Wilmer was tired, so he lay down beside
Princess Avara. He didn't know when he fell asleep.
Princess Avara noticed that he had fallen asleep, so she
used one of her clothes to cover him while she sat down
quietly.
For the first time since Mary got employed in the palace,
Prince Kelvin demanded a walk to the stream.
"Which stream, my Prince?" Mary asked.
"The one close to your man's house," said Prince Kelvin.
As they walked, Mary observed Princess Avara and
Wilmer's musical instrument on the hill. As they
approached, Mary walked carefully and quietly, doubting
the figure of the person lying on the ground.
"Wow! Who am I seeing?" said Prince Kelvin. "My little
sister is having a good time."
Wilmer, not knowing how long he had slept, heard a noise
behind him and stood up sharply. A lady stood there with
fierce anger written all over her face.
Wilmer couldn't utter a word; he knew she had seen the
princess's cloth on him.
"Don't be foolish, Wilmer!" Mary said. "I thought you said
you wanted to sing for the princess."
Wilmer did not answer; he didn't know where or how to
start explaining. He knew Mary would never listen to him.
"Go home and sleep," said Prince Kelvin. "You have made
Mary very sad."
"I've told her several times that you're not meant for her,"
he continued. As they stood there together, Wilmer's mind
went back to the days when they were young. He had
always loved her right from the beginning of time.



Chapter Five
The night enveloped Princess Avara in darkness. Laying
her head gently on the pillow, tears streamed down her
face as she dwelled on the incident at the stream. Sleep
eluded her as she pondered on how Wilmer might feel.
"Will he hate me?" she muttered. "I hope not," she said.
"It wasn't my fault."
The crowing of a cock announced the arrival of the
morning, disrupting her restless night. Determined to
make amends, Princess Avara hastily grabbed a pen and
penned an apology letter to Wilmer. Entrusting it to her
palace girl, she inquired about Wilmer's whereabouts.
"Do you know Wilmer?" Princess Avara asked.
"Yes, Princess," said the palace girl.
"Do you know where he lives?" she asked.
"Yes, ma'am," the palace girl replied.
Surprised, Princess Avara questioned, "How did you
manage to know his location?"
"His brother, Max, directed me there one day," the palace
girl explained.
Handing the letter to the palace girl with strict
instructions not to show anybody, Princess Avara hoped
for reconciliation.
As the palace girl left, she encountered Prince Kelvin.
"Good morning, my Prince," she greeted.
"Morning," he replied. "Where are you heading to this
morning?" he asked.
"Nowhere, sir. I'm just checking around," she said.
Unconvinced, Prince Kelvin confronted her about the
conversation with the princess. Fearing punishment, the
palace girl reluctantly agreed to cooperate with the prince.
"I want you to seduce Wilmer," Prince Kelvin instructed.
"How can that be possible, sir?" the palace girl protested.
"I don't know; you must do it," Prince Kelvin insisted.
The palace girl proceeded to Wilmer's house, where she
encountered him coming out. Handing him the letter from
Princess Avara, she deliberately stumbled and fell.
"Oh my!" Wilmer exclaimed. "I hope you didn't injure
yourself." He helped her up, displaying concern.
"Wait a second; let me go inside and get warm water to
treat your wound," said Wilmer.
As Wilmer tended to her, Prince Kelvin and Mary
observed the scene. Mary, already troubled by previous
events, couldn't bear to watch.
"Don't cry, my dear, lest Wilmer will see you as a weak
woman," Prince Kelvin comforted Mary.
Unable to contain her emotions, Mary confronted Wilmer.
"Never will I see you in my life again."
Back at the palace, Prince Kelvin and Mary left, leaving
Wilmer heartbroken. He unwrapped a gift from Princess
Avara, discovering a map to the Ring of Glory.
Early the next morning, Wilmer embarked on a journey to
a distant land to seek the Rings of Glory, following the
map's directions. Arriving at a hut in Gatarh, he knocked
but received no response.
Reasoning that the owner might be in the backyard,
Wilmer explored the surroundings. Suddenly, a
mysterious voice asked about his purpose.
"I came from Ecot and I'm looking for Master Zuul,"
Wilmer responded.
The voice revealed itself as Mr. Stone, the personal
assistant to Master Zuul, the guardian of the Rings of
Glory. Wilmer, astonished, engaged in a conversation with
Mr. Stone.
In the course of their discussion, Master Zuul returned.
Upon seeing Wilmer, he declared, "The time has come for
a king to become the king."



Chapter Six
Princess Avara had experienced loneliness for some time,
not having set eyes on Wilmer. Night after night, she
would hear the soft moans emanating from Mary in Prince
Kelvin's room, wondering how Wilmer would react if he
discovered Mary's betrayal with her brother.
"How I wish he loves me just as he loves Mary; I'd be the
happiest person ever," she thought to herself. Engrossed
in her newfound skill of crocheting, she pondered the
situation.
One day, she overheard a conversation between Prince
Kelvin and Max, Wilmer's brother.
"I really love the way you cooperated," Prince Kelvin
remarked. "Mary is finally pregnant for me."
"Really? Congratulations, my prince. Remember my
compensation," Max said.
"Why not? I will also promote you to become a staff in the
palace if I become the king," Prince Kelvin added.
Princess Avara was bewildered by Max's treacherous
actions against Wilmer. She quickly retreated from her
hiding place to avoid being caught.
On the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the time
arrived to appoint a king in the land of Ecot. Prince Kelvin
and his pregnant wife, Mary, donned extravagant robes
crafted with the finest cotton and silk. They walked regally
to the seat of honor, following the customs. Prince Jack
and his beautiful sister sat alongside them.
An elder stepped forward, emphasizing the significance of
the rings of glory before crowning a new king. Aware that
a king without a throne is not a genuine king, he
announced, "The ring of glory must be found before
crowning one of the princes."
The land fell into absolute silence, confusion evident in
every face. Suddenly, the climatic conditions shifted as
clouds darkened and thickened. Princess Avara looked up
and smiled.
Meanwhile, Wilmer found himself led into a dark cave by
Master Zuul. Before him lay a large book surrounded by
the four rings of glory. Though Wilmer had lost patience
in acquiring the rings, he was intrigued by what he saw on
the book's cover.
"Within shadows, I weave treasure unseen, an atmosphere
of power where secrets convene. A future both present
and past, guarded by lights between the stars. What am
I?" The puzzle left Wilmer standing firm and quiet,
patiently awaiting Master Zuul's response.

RINGS OF GLORY
By Ezeigbo Christian
Part one

Prologue
In the kingdom of Ecot, where magic lingered in the air
and secrets hid in every corner, a young man named
Wilmer found himself caught in the twists and turns of an
extraordinary adventure.
In this lively kingdom, where destinies were like stories
waiting to be told, Wilmer set out on a journey that would
change his life and the fate of Ecot forever. Little did he
know that his path would cross with others who held the
strings of power, love, and deception.
Princess Avara, longing for a love that went beyond royal
boundaries, discovered a new talent in crocheting.
Unbeknownst to her, the threads she wove would connect
with Wilmer's story and the destiny of Ecot.
In the shadows, a tale of deceit unfolded as Prince Kelvin
and Wilmer's brother, Max, navigated tricky waters.
Secrets were kept, alliances formed, and destiny's wheels
started turning, leading to a revelation that would
challenge love, loyalty, and reality itself.
As the kingdom prepared for the crowning of a new king,
an old prophecy resurfaced, demanding the discovery of
the mysterious "Ring of Glory." Wilmer's quest for the
rings turned into an adventure that revealed the magic of
Ecot and the destiny whispered by the wind.
With darkening clouds and a knowing smile from Princess
Avara, the stage was set for a story of magic, love, and the
courage of those who dared to challenge destiny. The
journey began, and the fate of Ecot hung in the balance,
waiting for the unraveling of the tale that bound them all
together.



Chapter One
In the Eastern part of Scotland, there existed a small
village named Ecot. This village, abundant in food,
clothing, and breathtaking beauty, played a crucial role in
supporting nearby villages. Notably, many princes from
prestigious kingdoms sought marriage with women from
Ecot due to their captivating charm.
Amidst this prosperity, Wilmer, a young orphan living
with his elder cousin Max at the village's edge, found
himself in solitude, deep in contemplation about his life.
Recently, he had a haunting nightmare about his late
father, Mateo, who met his demise while attempting to
unravel the mystery behind the "rings of glory."
In Wilmer's dream, Mateo departed Ecot, following a
peculiar map through a dense forest. Along his journey, he
encountered a talking stone that persuaded him to take a
specific route, promising a faster accomplishment of his
objective. Trusting the stone's counsel, Mateo reached the
heart of a dark cave, where a significant book surrounded
by the four rings of glory awaited him, each with
instructions inscribed within.
"Finally, my dreams have materialized into reality; I will
become a king!" Mateo exclaimed with a self-assured
smile. Intrigued, he approached the book with caution,
wondering about its contents. Suddenly, a mysterious
voice echoed, asking, "Mateo! What do you see?"
In response, Mateo revealed his quest for the rings of
glory to unlock the throne. However, the voice chuckled
and proclaimed, "Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha, only a child born on
an eclipse is worthy of the rings!"
"But who are you to tell me that?" Mateo questioned.
"I'm Zuul, the guardian of the four rings of glory," the
strange voice answered.
"Really? Then where are you, and why can't I see you?"
Mateo asked in confusion.
The strange voice replied, "You ask too many questions. I
am everywhere, inside you, speaking through your heart."
In annoyance, Mateo declared, "I don't really care. I need
it, and I must get it no matter what!" He rushed towards
the book to grab it, but unfortunately, he was caught by
the power of the rings.
"Max, I want to ask you a question," Wilmer said.
"I'm listening, bro, go on," Max responded.
Curious, Wilmer asked Max about the reason for their
persistent poverty despite all their efforts. Max's response
wasn't straightforward; he suggested that the answer
should come from Wilmer's late father.
"Really?" Wilmer said in surprise. He then shared the
nightmare he had the previous night with Max.
"Wow, you had a nightmare?" Max smiled, drawing closer
to Wilmer. "But why didn't you ask your father about the
cause of your current situation?"
Out of anger, Wilmer grabbed a broken piece of wood
from the ground and hit Max on his head. Max, turning
red with anger, retaliated by dragging Wilmer and
delivering a punch to his stomach. Their heated exchange
turned into a full-blown fight.
The young boys continued their brawl until they heard a
soft knock on the door, which surprised them. "Wait,
Wilmer! Don't be hasty to open the door," Max cautioned.
Peering through the window, he tried to identify the
person outside through their shadow.
"Max, what's the problem? Who's that?" Wilmer asked
quietly.
Max instructed Wilmer to be silent while he confirmed the
stranger's identity. However, before Max could descend
from the window, Wilmer quietly opened the door,
revealing Mary, the stranger, standing patiently outside.
"Hi-i-i," he stuttered in response. Wilmer stood still,
smiling slightly at Mary, who seemed unperturbed.
"Aren't you happy to see me?" Mary said, looking directly
at him.
"I'm sorry about that, Mary. He's just a shy little boy,"
Max explained, ushering Mary into the house.
Sensing Wilmer's embarrassment, Mary changed the
subject to love. "Wilmer, how do I look today?" she asked.
Wilmer complimented her without looking. "Really? Am I
beautiful?" she inquired again.
"You know you're beautiful, in fact, you're the most
beautiful girl in this entire land," Wilmer replied.
"You're so beautiful that Prince Kelvin and his brother,
Prince Jack, are in conflict because of you," Wilmer
added.
"Please, stop mentioning those names," Mary said,
moving closer. "They are so proud and rude." After hours
of conversation, she stood up, gave Wilmer a hug, and the
atmosphere lightened.



Chapter Two
Two decades later, a talent competition unfolded in the
kingdom of Ecot. Wilmer and his brother, Max,
meticulously prepared their musical instruments, viewing
it as a chance to secure a better life if they emerged
victorious. As the gentle wind blew and the sun dimmed, a
well-arranged carpet adorned the beautifully designed
floor. Mary eagerly awaited Wilmer's arrival, unaware that
he was already present. Perceiving his absence, she
decided to explore behind the palace.
"Wilmer!" Mary called out. "I've been looking for you."
"This is the most challenging day of my life; I must not
miss this opportunity," Wilmer responded.
Gracefully, Mary, reminiscent of a princess, approached
Wilmer and embraced him gently. "I know you will make
me proud," she assured.
"Of course, I will," Wilmer affirmed.
Meanwhile, Prince Kelvin and his brother Jack, consumed
by anger and jealousy, secretly observed the scene.
"She looks exactly like a princess," remarked Prince
Kelvin.
"Oh yes, and I must have her for myself," added Prince
Jack.
"How dare you! How many times have I told you to stay
away from her?" Prince Kelvin exclaimed angrily.
The two princes quarreled until Prince Kelvin stormed off
to Princess Avara's chamber. Knocking on the door
yielded no response, and upon entering, he discovered his
little sister in tears.
"Princess, what's the problem?" he inquired.
Turning from her seat, Princess Avara stood up, holding
Prince Kelvin's hand firmly. He sensed her intense
emotions and emotional trauma.
"Who did this to you?" Prince Kelvin asked.
"Nobody," she replied in a low tone. "There's this young
boy named Wilmer. I've loved him since he first entered
the palace, but because of my status, I'm not free to go
wherever I want to see him."
Prince Kelvin realized his sister's love for a poor boy and
reluctantly said, "Go get him. I saw him hugging a girl."
"Could she be his girlfriend?" Princess Avara questioned.
"I doubt it," Prince Kelvin replied, revealing that the girl
was Mary, the one he loved.
The talent show's first round commenced, and Wilmer
and Max's musical performance captivated the audience.
Birds in the air, initially silent, now echoed the sounds,
and the earth seemed to come alive. As the clouds
darkened, the brothers received applause and praise.
When the judges announced the results, the crowd
expected Wilmer to win. However, to everyone's surprise,
a contestant named James was declared the winner.
Confused and angered, Wilmer stood up, disappointed
and filled with regret, mumbling, "If I knew it would turn
out this way, I wouldn't have performed."
He journeyed home, passing by Princess Avara standing
in front of his house. Filled with fear, he managed a forced
smile, but as he approached her, he began to stutter,
uneasy about potential trouble with the princess.



Chapter Three
"Hello," Princess Avara greeted.
"Hi-i-i," Wilmer responded. "What a surprise visit. What
brings you here?"
"Didn't you observe that the result was changed? And you
know you were the rightful owner of the reward," the
princess asked.
"Yes, that was why I stood up angrily and took my leave,"
Wilmer answered.
"The results were changed by the other judges who sat
close to the Princes," said Wilmer.
"It's not the end, Wilmer," said Princess Avara. She then
presented another gift to Wilmer.
"Why are you being so nice to me?" Wilmer asked.
"Nothing, I just felt you were being cheated, that's all,"
Princess Avara said. "I'd like you to play your instrument
for me alone tomorrow evening."
Wilmer stood there speechless, unable to believe what was
happening. He hurried inside and waited for Max to
return so he could share the news. Two hours passed, and
Max wasn't home yet. Wilmer, tempted to open Princess
Avara's gift, discovered it was twice the value given to
James, the acclaimed winner. Inside a short letter
attached, he read:
"I wondered what made you sad
I wondered who made you sad
Who is as handsome as Wilmer?
He has forever been a Wilmer.
I'd love to see him always smiling
His music always gladdens my heart."
For the first time in two nights, Wilmer slept peacefully.
The next morning, a loud knock woke him.
"Who's that?" Wilmer said angrily.
"Open the door."
"Max?" Wilmer said, opening the door to find his brother
and Mary.
"What's going on, Max?" Wilmer asked. "I've waited for
you all day."
"Nothing is going on, dear," Mary said. "I just wanted to
break the good news to you."
"What good news?" Wilmer asked.
"I've been employed as the personal assistant to Prince
Kelvin," Mary replied.
Wilmer was shocked and disappointed. He shut the door
and sat, tapping his feet in confusion.
"Wilmer, you have to calm down. This is a life-changing
opportunity for her," Max said.
"What do you mean by that?" Wilmer shouted.
Max invited Mary into their discussion. She entered the
house, visibly sad. Wilmer looked at her, unsatisfied with
the news.
Wilmer stood up, drew closer, and held her firmly. "Mary,
I love you, and I don't want you to leave me."
"I understand, Wilmer, but this is a life-changing
opportunity for me. I've always wished to work at the
palace and be paid handsomely," Mary said.
Wilmer's face reflected disappointment. He stood still, not
knowing what to say, as Mary had made up her mind to
accept the job offer. Eventually, he uttered, "The things
that happen these days are just strange."
"What happened?" Max asked.
"Did you know that Princess Avara was here yesterday?"
Wilmer said. Mary and Max were shocked.
"She said she loves our music and would love me to play
for her at the palace soon," Wilmer added.
"This is good, but you ought to ask her why she chose you
alone," Mary suggested.
Max sighed. "How do you expect him to question the
princess?"
"Let's leave that aside and celebrate our new royal
employee," Wilmer said. He went to the kitchen, bringing
out fresh wine to celebrate Mary.
The next day, the people of Ecot assembled for their usual
activities, and Wilmer and Max practiced new tunes at
home. A sound at the door caught their attention.
Wilmer opened the door to a stranger. "Hello, how may I
help you?"
"Good day," said the messenger. "Prince Kelvin gave me
this to give you."
Wilmer thanked the messenger, opened the letter, and
screamed in pain. He handed the paper to Max, tearing
his clothes and weeping.
"He dare not, what's the meaning of this?" Max said.
A knock interrupted their distress. "Who's there?" Wilmer
thundered, opening the door, only to be shocked and left
stuttering.

To be continued.....

MIRACULOUS ESCAPE
Episode 3
By ezeigbo christian


I didn't wanted to say this, but I must say that Uncle Uche is indeed a rich man; therefore, from the entrance of the house to the inside was extremely beautiful. The fence which surrounded the building was very tall, the gate was built with heavy metal designed with golden plates and the ground was covered with bricks of different colours. At the side of the building, I noticed a 20 by 40 ft swimming pool and a recreational space.
Looking at the interior aspect, it has a spacious dinning room measuring 18 by 15 feet. The design was simple with large open space for living, dinning and kitchen area. The kitchen, dinning and living area was at one end of the house, while the bedrooms at the other.

" Why was I suffering when I have a rich cousin?"
" Why didn't uncle Uche help my father when he was in need?" I reasoned while eating at the dinning.
" Maybe my father didn't tell him, so he was not aware" I concluded. Just then, I raised my head up a little and I noticed aunty Grace looking at me with such an awful eyes. I guess she wasn't happy that I'm going to be staying with them for the main time. At my left hand side comes my cousin who was lost in thought. Immediately uncle Uche looked at his wife Grace, she came to her senses and act normal.
I wasn't comfortable anymore; everywhere was quiet so I decided to break the roo.
" Uncle, where are your children?"
I asked my cousin who was looking at me as I dropped my spoon. There was silence and a kind of sad moment. I could feel the breeze were now as cold as those blown in the graveyard. My cousin looked at me with tears in his eyes. Then, I turned to his wife Grace but her head was down.

"Ahhh, what have I done ooh" I said to myself. I was actually regretting why I asked about his children.

"Did I say something bad?" I questioned my cousin whose eyes were filled with tears.

"No no, not at all just .. ju..ju..st that...t". tears rolled down from his eyes as he stammered. He continued...
" We've been married for six years now and we don't have any children to show for it"

"I'm so sorry about that, God will definitely give you one before I leave this house" I said ending the conversation.

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

After eating at the dinning, I washed my hands, dusted my body; adjusted the chair and get up.
" Hhnm, this food I so delicious" I complimented the cook
" Thanks, you're welcome " Aunty Grace replied smiling at me. Her smile was so attractive but I didn't let it bother me.

❤️Episode 4 will soon be posted.thanks❤️

MIRACULOUS ESCAPE
Episode 2
By ezeigbo christian



Ever since I was a kid, my late father told me lots of good things about his brother's child Uche who happens to be my cousin whom I am staying with. I could remember vividly what my dad always say...

"Anytime I or your mom is not around, always call your uncle Uche because he is reliable".
It was actually the first time visiting uncle Uche and his beautiful wife Grace.

**** Uncle uche's POV***

After eating with my lovely wife Grace, I decided to go to the sitting room and rest a bit before going to bed. My phone was on silent to prevent distraction while eating. I decided to pick up my phone so I could remove it from silent; only for me to see six missed calls from the same number.
" Who could this be??" I thought. I looked at the time and it was after 10. Before having a second thought, the same number called again.

" Hello, please who are you?? I'm sorry for missing your call, I was at the dinning" I said smoothly.
"Uncle there is no need for an apology"
" Please who is this?" I asked the second time.
" It's me John your cousin"
" John??" I asked
" Yes sir, it's me John" He said.

My heart slipped. I made a promise to John's father to always be there for John but I failed.
" How are you?? It's been a long time" I said
" Uncle, I'm not fine, I am located around close 14 please come and pick me up fast" John said in a trembling tone then the phone went off. Hurriedly, I grabbed my key from the table and left the house.
John is the only cousin I have. I was too focused on making money that's why we weren't close.
"This is very strange; the way John was sounding on the phone was not clear" I said to myself . I could observe he was nervous and frightened while driving him home.
"Wait ooh, why the sudden call?"
"Why was his lips vibrating while on call?"
"What happened to him? Or is he hidding from something?"
These questions ran through my mind until I was distracted by my wife who was busy looking at John suspiciously.

**** Grace (uche's wife) POV*****

I've been talking from the kitchen at a high tone thinking my husband was hearing me. After talking for about ten minutes I didn't get a response, I decided to check the parlor.
" Honey, Honey" I shouted.
" Honey, where are you?" I continued. There was no response , I became scared. The last time I heard his voice was when he was on a call so, why the sudden disappearance??. I picked up my phone and call his number
"Hello, honey where are you?" I asked.
"I'm so sorry dear, I got a call from John" my husband said.
" John? Who is John again?" I asked my husband.
" John my cousin, the only child of my late uncle"
" Ooh that boy, why is he calling you by this time?"
"I don't know"
"You don't know? But you went out without letting me know"
"I'm so sorry, it was an emergency"
"Don't worry, we will meet at home" I ended the conversation angrily.

*************
I sat patiently on the couch for about thirty minutes.
" Kpon, kpom, kpon" - there was a knock on the door
" Who is that?" I asked with a soft voice.
" I am the one dear" my husband said in a low tone. I slightly opened the door for my husband and his cousin John. John was a handsome guy but I was not happy he will be staying with us without my consent. I welcomed him and directed him to the dinning table to have something to eat. The way I was looking at him at the dinning made my husband suspicious so I had to act normal for the main time.

Follow for more.

I grew up in a poor home. Poverty had led me astray. My father died attempting to cater for the family by all means. His death wasn’t a story told but it was a reality. I saw the way he hustled just to take good care of the family but at last, he died. Hearing the news, my mom; who was hawking mangoes in the street came back home so sad to the point that she could not eat anything.
“Mummy please eat something, I don’t want you to leave me like my father” I said petting her.
“You won’t understand, poverty has taken a good soul away” she said still crying.
I had nothing to say because I didn’t want her to cry anymore. Early in the morning, I woke up only to see my mom lying motionless on the mat, I could observe she wasn’t breathing.
“Mummy! Mummy! wake up the sun has risen“ I said while shaking her body. This time she didn’t move. I decided to call the nearby neighbours. Shortly, they came into the house.
“My mom didn’t respond” I said looking scared. One of my neighbour touched my mom’s neck and shouted “Jesus! She is dead”. I wept continuously though, I was consoled. After the burial of my mom, I was so scared returning back home, I decided to meet a guy named Paul who was always dressing nice and spending massively. I walked up to him, explaining my story and he promised to help me.
“John meet my squad, they are the ones I told you about who will end your problems” Paul said.
“Hi, I am John”. I formally introduced myself. We were cool together living in a two bedroom flat. I was called at night by Paul for a group discussion where I was told the kind of business they were involved in.
“Cocaine dealings” I raised my voice; “will you keep quiet” Paul said looking fearful.
The day passed and I was taught to job well. We went to different locations at night dealing with drugs and guns in our pockets, I started building up my wealth. One certain day, we were to go to a mission, luckily for me, I was ill so, I had to stay back. My squad pardoned me and I stayed at home taking my drugs and doing some exercise. “Peem! Peem” my phone beeped and I decided to go through the message. Paul and his squad were caught by the police while exchanging drugs, they were charged with drug abuse and terrorism. On seeing the message, I hurriedly board a taxi and went straight to a hotel.
I remembered I once had my cousin’s number so, I decided to call him. He came and took me to his house.
Right now I am in his house still surprised about how I escape miraculously.


By ezeigbo christian.