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Big Aunty nodded approvingly.
"Good. Serve it in the dish and put it on the dining-table."

After Kubrat had put the dish, Big Aunty turned to me.

"Let's go and eat."

The dining-table and the ceramic dish were exquisite. But more exquisite were the delicacies.

There was a big difference between this and the one I bought in joints and eateries. Kubrat must be a good cook. "This is really delicious," I said.

After eating to my satisfaction, I returned to the sitting-room. Big Aunty brought some albums.

She sat by side to point out some people in the pictures. I could see when she was a baby, when she was in primary school, federal government girls college and the University.

She was indeed a beauty to behold. I saw the pictures of her late husband when they were in courtship and during their wedding.

There were many other pictures including during her trips overseas.

"They are all beautiful pictures," I said.

Then, I saw the pictures of her children when they were babies and when they were growing up.

The boy obviously took after his dad while the girl took after her mum.

"The is boy is Femi while the girl bears her mother's name."

I suddenly stopped to stare at Big Aunty.

"Funny enough, I don't even know your real name."

She was defensive. "Didn't Sharon tell you?" I shook my head.

"No, she didn't."

She smiled briefly. "The name is Fransisca Aresa."

I smiled too. "Beautiful name."

She went on to show me many other pictures. I was so engrossed with her I didn't know time had gone.

When it was few minutes after eight p.m., I stood up to go. "I must really thank you for the warm reception you gave to me. It is a pleasure to be with you, madam."

"The supper will soon be ready. Won't you wait to take it?" she quickly said.

I shook my head. "I won't eat anything again today. I'm belleful as it is."

She stood up. "Give me a minute."

She left me for about five minutes. She returned with a polythene bag and handed it to me.

"There's little something for you there."

"Oh, you shouldn't have bothered. Thank you a lot. Good night, ma'am."

"Good night, Seyi."

I left the, feeling glad that I visited. On getting home, I checked the package Big Aunty had given me. In the big nylon bag were two smaller ones.

When I opened the first I saw pieces of fried chicken. In the second one were fried plaintain chips. I put a call through to thank Big Aunty.
The following, day, Monday, things went smooth in the official. On Wednesday afternoon, Big Aunty called and asked if I could come to her residence at the close of work.

"No problem, madam," I replied.

I got to her residence around six p.m.

"Hope your work is not stressful," she said like a person that really cared.

I smiled. "No, madam. I enjoyed the work. Thanks for your concern."

"Follow me. I want to show you something."

I followed through a passage to a room that she unlocked and opened. It was more of a store room.

Big Aunty nodded approvingly.
"Good. Serve it in the dish and put it on the dining-table."

After Kubrat had put the dish, Big Aunty turned to me.

"Let's go and eat."

The dining-table and the ceramic dish were exquisite. But more exquisite were the delicacies.

There was a big difference between this and the one I bought in joints and eateries. Kubrat must be a good cook. "This is really delicious," I said.

After eating to my satisfaction, I returned to the sitting-room. Big Aunty brought some albums.

She sat by side to point out some people in the pictures. I could see when she was a baby, when she was in primary school, federal government girls college and the University.

She was indeed a beauty to behold. I saw the pictures of her late husband when they were in courtship and during their wedding.

There were many other pictures including during her trips overseas.

"They are all beautiful pictures," I said.

Then, I saw the pictures of her children when they were babies and when they were growing up.

The boy obviously took after his dad while the girl took after her mum.

"The is boy is Femi while the girl bears her mother's name."

I suddenly stopped to stare at Big Aunty.

"Funny enough, I don't even know your real name."

She was defensive. "Didn't Sharon tell you?" I shook my head.

"No, she didn't."

She smiled briefly. "The name is Fransisca Aresa."

I smiled too. "Beautiful name."

She went on to show me many other pictures. I was so engrossed with her I didn't know time had gone.

When it was few minutes after eight p.m., I stood up to go. "I must really thank you for the warm reception you gave to me. It is a pleasure to be with you, madam."

"The supper will soon be ready. Won't you wait to take it?" she quickly said.

I shook my head. "I won't eat anything again today. I'm belleful as it is."

She stood up. "Give me a minute."

She left me for about five minutes. She returned with a polythene bag and handed it to me.

"There's little something for you there."

"Oh, you shouldn't have bothered. Thank you a lot. Good night, ma'am."

"Good night, Seyi."

I left the, feeling glad that I visited. On getting home, I checked the package Big Aunty had given me. In the big nylon bag were two smaller ones.

When I opened the first I saw pieces of fried chicken. In the second one were fried plaintain chips. I put a call through to thank Big Aunty.
The following, day, Monday, things went smooth in the official. On Wednesday afternoon, Big Aunty called and asked if I could come to her residence at the close of work.

"No problem, madam," I replied.

I got to her residence around six p.m.

"Hope your work is not stressful," she said like a person that really cared.

I smiled. "No, madam. I enjoyed the work. Thanks for your concern."

"Follow me. I want to show you something."

I followed through a passage to a room that she unlocked and opened. It was more of a store room.

Big Aunty must be living a comfortable life. She soon came to the room and sat on the leather seat opposite me.

She studied me closely.

"Thanks for the refreshments," I said.

"You are welcome. If you don't mind, I'll like to ask some very personal questions. You may not answer if you don't want."

"Ask me any question, ma'am," I answered.

"If you must answer it at all, I want you to be sincere."

I nodded.

"The first question: how active is your sex life?"

I wasn't expecting that but I would not shy away from.

"The sex life is zero," I answered.

She clouded her face briefly. "Meaning?"

"It has been deactivated." I smiled. "For the past two years, I've been a celibate."

"Coming from a young man like you, that is difficult to believe."

“I agree, but it's the truth."

"Why did you choose that path?"

I smiled again. "Providence made and still makes me understand that sex is best between married couple only."

"Are you saying if a beautiful lady willingly offers you sex, you will decline?"

"Yes, I wil definitely decline."

She paused to consider what I had said. I could not tell whether she believed me or not.
"For how long do you want to maintain celibacy?"

My answer was prompt. "Till I marry."

"Are you asexual, homosexual, bisexual, or heterosexual?"


"Heterosexual."

She nodded. "If all your answers are true, then we have a lot in common."

"Can I ask you some questions too?"

"Why not? Go ahead."

"Aren't you planning to remarry?"

She sighed. "In truth, I've been getting suitors, but I'm not in a hurry about it. What else do I want? The houses my late husband left behind and the little business I do can support me and my children for the rest of our lives.

“I have two children schooling in U.S. and one is on scholarship. So, at this stage, what do I need a husband for?"

It was a rhetorical question, so there was no need for an answer.

"All the same, whether I will marry again or not is in the hands of God."

I totally agreed with her.

"What about your fiancee? Sharon told me you have issues with her.
Have you reconciled?"

I was surprised Sharon had talked to that extent.

"We have parted ways. She has declared she's no longer interested in the relationship."

"Sorry about that," Big Aunty offered.

"Thank you ma'am."

She briefly eyed my [quote author=kweensheba post=96196647]my refreshment.

"Kubrat will soon finish with the pepper soup she is preparing. You like catfish pepper soup, don't you?"

"It's actually my favourite."

“Good, we're on the same page on that."

There were some minutes of silence. I watched the movie on the large screen quite absentmindedly.
Kubrat came to the sitting-room. "The pepper soup is ready, ma."

Big Aunty nodded approvingly.

"Good. Serve it in the dish and put it on the dining-table."

After Kubrat had put the dish, Big Aunty turned to me.

Big Aunty must be living a comfortable life. She soon came to the room and sat on the leather seat opposite me.

She studied me closely.

"Thanks for the refreshments," I said.

"You are welcome. If you don't mind, I'll like to ask some very personal questions. You may not answer if you don't want."

"Ask me any question, ma'am," I answered.

"If you must answer it at all, I want you to be sincere."

I nodded.

"The first question: how active is your sex life?"

I wasn't expecting that but I would not shy away from.

"The sex life is zero," I answered.

She clouded her face briefly. "Meaning?"

"It has been deactivated." I smiled. "For the past two years, I've been a celibate."

"Coming from a young man like you, that is difficult to believe."

“I agree, but it's the truth."

"Why did you choose that path?"

I smiled again. "Providence made and still makes me understand that sex is best between married couple only."

"Are you saying if a beautiful lady willingly offers you sex, you will decline?"

"Yes, I wil definitely decline."

She paused to consider what I had said. I could not tell whether she believed me or not.
"For how long do you want to maintain celibacy?"

My answer was prompt. "Till I marry."

"Are you asexual, homosexual, bisexual, or heterosexual?"


"Heterosexual."

She nodded. "If all your answers are true, then we have a lot in common."

"Can I ask you some questions too?"

"Why not? Go ahead."

"Aren't you planning to remarry?"

She sighed. "In truth, I've been getting suitors, but I'm not in a hurry about it. What else do I want? The houses my late husband left behind and the little business I do can support me and my children for the rest of our lives.

“I have two children schooling in U.S. and one is on scholarship. So, at this stage, what do I need a husband for?"

It was a rhetorical question, so there was no need for an answer.

"All the same, whether I will marry again or not is in the hands of God."

I totally agreed with her.

"What about your fiancee? Sharon told me you have issues with her.
Have you reconciled?"

I was surprised Sharon had talked to that extent.

"We have parted ways. She has declared she's no longer interested in the relationship."

"Sorry about that," Big Aunty offered.

"Thank you ma'am."

She briefly eyed my [quote author=kweensheba post=96196647]my refreshment.

"Kubrat will soon finish with the pepper soup she is preparing. You like catfish pepper soup, don't you?"

"It's actually my favourite."

“Good, we're on the same page on that."

There were some minutes of silence. I watched the movie on the large screen quite absentmindedly.
Kubrat came to the sitting-room. "The pepper soup is ready, ma."

Big Aunty nodded approvingly.

"Good. Serve it in the dish and put it on the dining-table."

After Kubrat had put the dish, Big Aunty turned to me.

.

In the morning
Early in the morning
In the morning
I will rise and praise the Lord


Good morning Jesus,
Good morning, Lord.
I know You came from heaven above.
The Holy spirit is on the throne.
Good morning Jesus, good morning, Lord.

We did not communicate again that day. The following day, just as I had planned, I went to Ikeja to attend the church that Precious and her family attended.
The Sunday service had already started by the time I got there. I could see Precious among the choir and though she sighted me, she avoided eye contact with me.
Her father was on the pulpit. After service, I went to greet him.
"Young man, it's quite some time," he responded, offering his hand for a handshake.
Thereafter, I went to see Precious' mother.
Right there in the church auditorium, I told her that her daughter had been avoiding communicating with me for several days and that she should intervene.
"Precious has told me what happened," she said. "She also said categorically that she is no longer interested in the relationship."
I was shocked. "She actually said she is not interested in continueing the relationship?" I asked.
"Yes. At this stage, I will advise that you should move on."
Again, I was greatly surprised. The person I had thought would intervene was the one sounding the death kernel.
I left the place a disappointed man. So, that was the end? Was that really the end of what I had thought was a blossoming relationship?
Time would tell.

* * *
By three p.m, I was back to my residence. I was still thinking about Precious. I should not be totally surprised by what she did. I could have been heartbroken.

Besides, I had always stelled myself against such a possibilty. No problem, I would take my time to decide what next to do.
About four p.m., I called Big Aunty. She picked it at the second ring.
“Good afternoon, madam," I greeted.
“Good afternoon. I've been waiting for your call."
"How is your day?"
"Well, so far, so good. How's yours?"
It had not been a good day, especially from what I heard about Precious. But then, life must go on.
"I thank God for everything, madam."
"Can you come around to my place? I will like to see the physical you."
Would I like to see her? Although things were
going at a fast pace, I would like to see.
"It will be a pleasure, madam. Where do you live?"
She gave me the address. She lived at Ikosi and from my place, it would take about forty minutes.
"I live at Ogba," I said. "Within an hour, I should see you."
"Alright, I'll be waiting."
She disconnected the line. My heart was thumping as I dressed up to go. It was Sunday and the traffic was light. Thirty-five minutes after I had talked to her, I was the gate of her residence. It was a storey building.
A Hausa guard attended to me.
"Who you want see?" he asked.
"Big Aunty."
"Big wetin?"
I suddenly realized that I did not even know her real name. I put a call to her.
"I'm already at the gate of your house," I said.
"Good. Just hold on."
Within a minute, I saw a woman walking towards the gate from the main building.
Big Aunty was the one. I studied her intently. She was wearing jeans trouses and blue t-shirt. She really looked attractive. I hoped the attractiveness would be beyond the looks. I beamed in smile at at her.
"Good evening, madam."
She smiled too. "Good evening, Seyi."
Then, she turned to the guard. "Bashir, you see this man, anytime he comes around, allow him to see me."
The guard bowed slightly. "Yes, oga, madam."
She turned to me. "You are welcome. Please, follow me."
"Yes, ma'am."
I followed her to a side stair case that led to the first floor. There was a short passage that we took to the sitting-room.
"Please sit down and make yourself feel at home."
I nodded. "Thank you, madam."
She left the siting-room. A girl I suspected to be the house-help soon came in with a tray that contained a bottle of peanuts and packets of fruit juice.
"Thank you," I told her.
She courtesied and left. The sitting-room was large and comfortable.
The air-conditioner system was on and I felt cool.
Big Aunty must be living a comfortable life. She soon came to the room and sat on the leather seat opposite me.
She studied me closely.

We did not communicate again that day. The following day, just as I had planned, I went to Ikeja to attend the church that Precious and her family attended.
The Sunday service had already started by the time I got there. I could see Precious among the choir and though she sighted me, she avoided eye contact with me.
Her father was on the pulpit. After service, I went to greet him.
"Young man, it's quite some time," he responded, offering his hand for a handshake.
Thereafter, I went to see Precious' mother.
Right there in the church auditorium, I told her that her daughter had been avoiding communicating with me for several days and that she should intervene.
"Precious has told me what happened," she said. "She also said categorically that she is no longer interested in the relationship."
I was shocked. "She actually said she is not interested in continueing the relationship?" I asked.
"Yes. At this stage, I will advise that you should move on."
Again, I was greatly surprised. The person I had thought would intervene was the one sounding the death kernel.
I left the place a disappointed man. So, that was the end? Was that really the end of what I had thought was a blossoming relationship?
Time would tell.

* * *
By three p.m, I was back to my residence. I was still thinking about Precious. I should not be totally surprised by what she did. I could have been heartbroken.

Besides, I had always stelled myself against such a possibilty. No problem, I would take my time to decide what next to do.
About four p.m., I called Big Aunty. She picked it at the second ring.
“Good afternoon, madam," I greeted.
“Good afternoon. I've been waiting for your call."
"How is your day?"
"Well, so far, so good. How's yours?"
It had not been a good day, especially from what I heard about Precious. But then, life must go on.
"I thank God for everything, madam."
"Can you come around to my place? I will like to see the physical you."
Would I like to see her? Although things were
going at a fast pace, I would like to see.
"It will be a pleasure, madam. Where do you live?"
She gave me the address. She lived at Ikosi and from my place, it would take about forty minutes.
"I live at Ogba," I said. "Within an hour, I should see you."
"Alright, I'll be waiting."
She disconnected the line. My heart was thumping as I dressed up to go. It was Sunday and the traffic was light. Thirty-five minutes after I had talked to her, I was the gate of her residence. It was a storey building.
A Hausa guard attended to me.
"Who you want see?" he asked.
"Big Aunty."
"Big wetin?"
I suddenly realized that I did not even know her real name. I put a call to her.
"I'm already at the gate of your house," I said.
"Good. Just hold on."
Within a minute, I saw a woman walking towards the gate from the main building.
Big Aunty was the one. I studied her intently. She was wearing jeans trouses and blue t-shirt. She really looked attractive. I hoped the attractiveness would be beyond the looks. I beamed in smile at at her.
"Good evening, madam."
She smiled too. "Good evening, Seyi."
Then, she turned to the guard. "Bashir, you see this man, anytime he comes around, allow him to see me."
The guard bowed slightly. "Yes, oga, madam."
She turned to me. "You are welcome. Please, follow me."
"Yes, ma'am."
I followed her to a side stair case that led to the first floor. There was a short passage that we took to the sitting-room.
"Please sit down and make yourself feel at home."
I nodded. "Thank you, madam."
She left the siting-room. A girl I suspected to be the house-help soon came in with a tray that contained a bottle of peanuts and packets of fruit juice.
"Thank you," I told her.
She courtesied and left. The sitting-room was large and comfortable.
The air-conditioner system was on and I felt cool.
Big Aunty must be living a comfortable life. She soon came to the room and sat on the leather seat opposite me.
She studied me closely.

Saturn101:
Nice update.

Thanks.

Saturn101:
Nice update.

Thanks.

Jehovah is Your name
Jehovah is Your name
Mighty warrior
Great in battle
Jehovah is Your name.

1
Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee; Let the water and the blood, From Thy riven side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure, Save me from its guilt and power.
2 Not the labor of my hands Can fulfill Thy law’s demands; Could my zeal no respite know, Could my tears forever flow, All could never sin erase, Thou must save, and save by grace.
3 Nothing in my hands I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress, Helpless, look to Thee for grace: Foul, I to the fountain fly, Wash me, Savior, or I die.
4 While I draw this fleeting breath, When mine eyes shall close in death, When I soar to worlds unknown, See Thee on Thy judgment throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee.

pongwa:
you can give your own meaning to the statement but you can't force your perspective on everyone. Emilokan to me is not a statement of entitlement rather it's a statement from someone who has been nursing the ambition of running the affairs of this nation and feels this is his time to achieving his dreams. You have to see it to achieve it

Right.

I sighed again. "Thanks for calling, Sharon. I really appreciate."

"You are welcome. See you."

She cut the line. I thought over the information I just heard and shrugged. Surely, there should be no harm in being friendly with a woman like this.

That very moment, I sent my account details to her. Within a couple of minutes, I got a credit alert.

Twenty thousand naira was a cool amount to me. I immediately put a call to her to thank her. I was surprised that the phone rang on and on, but she did not answer it. Maybe she was busy.

About fifteen minutes later, I called her again. No response. I therefore decided to send a thank-you text message to her. When I called her again, I would give her the gratitude. I decided to go out and treat myself nice.

After all, my income had just been boosted. I would go to the joint down my street. I had been there before. I wore casuals of jeans and t-shirt.

Some guests were there, some watching live football match on the large screen. I sat at one corner. A sales girl came to take my order.

It was a simple one: two bottles of malt drinks and a plate of cat fish pepper soup. I took my drinks and savoured the delicacies.

From the joint, I went to a shop to buy one kilogram of frozen chicken. I also bought a litre of vegetable oil and a bunch of plaintain. I then returned to my mini ftat.

I was in the small kitchen, frying the chicken when some messages came to my Whatsapp. It cointained some pictures. About eight of them had Big Aunty in different clothes, some in formal dresses and some in native attires. I studied her carefully.

This woman should be in her forties, probably mid-forties she was beautiful, no doubt, and she appeared to use minimal make-up. In the picture where she wore a white t-shirt and jeans trousers, her waist looked trim and her figure, fit.

For a woman, she was in-between slimness and sturdiness. There was a picture where she stood in the company of Sharon and two other ladies. In all the pictures, she looked cool, calm and serene.

My phone suddenly rang. She was the one on the line.

"Good evening, madam. I had called you earlier. I appreciate what you sent."

I paused briefly. "Thank you for the pictures you sent. They are beautiful. I didn't realize until now that I've been talking to a very beautiful woman."

"It's okay. Thanks for the compliments. Now, I called because there's one important aspect I ought to have discussed."

I did not wonder what she meant for long. By instinct, I could sense it.

"I think I know the aspect you have in mind, madam."

"Really? Can you tell me what aspect that is?"

I allowed a meaningful silence.

"I think the aspect has to do with platonic clause."

I could hear her catch her breath.

"That is very correct. How did you guess right?"

"As I said, I could sense it."

"Good. That is what it is, that is what it will always be. Do we have a deal? Can we still go on with this?"

"With all pleasure, madam. I can assure that you will not regret meeting me."

"Okay," she said. "Send me your pictures too."

"I will do that." She cut the line. I spent more time studying her pictures before I decided to send five of mine.
We did not communicate again that day. The following day, just as I had planned, I went to Ikeja to attend the church that Precious and her family attended.

I sighed again. "Thanks for calling, Sharon. I really appreciate."

"You are welcome. See you."

She cut the line. I thought over the information I just heard and shrugged. Surely, there should be no harm in being friendly with a woman like this.

That very moment, I sent my account details to her. Within a couple of minutes, I got a credit alert.

Twenty thousand naira was a cool amount to me. I immediately put a call to her to thank her. I was surprised that the phone rang on and on, but she did not answer it. Maybe she was busy.

About fifteen minutes later, I called her again. No response. I therefore decided to send a thank-you text message to her. When I called her again, I would give her the gratitude. I decided to go out and treat myself nice.

After all, my income had just been boosted. I would go to the joint down my street. I had been there before. I wore casuals of jeans and t-shirt.

Some guests were there, some watching live football match on the large screen. I sat at one corner. A sales girl came to take my order.

It was a simple one: two bottles of malt drinks and a plate of cat fish pepper soup. I took my drinks and savoured the delicacies.

From the joint, I went to a shop to buy one kilogram of frozen chicken. I also bought a litre of vegetable oil and a bunch of plaintain. I then returned to my mini ftat.

I was in the small kitchen, frying the chicken when some messages came to my Whatsapp. It cointained some pictures. About eight of them had Big Aunty in different clothes, some in formal dresses and some in native attires. I studied her carefully.

This woman should be in her forties, probably mid-forties she was beautiful, no doubt, and she appeared to use minimal make-up. In the picture where she wore a white t-shirt and jeans trousers, her waist looked trim and her figure, fit.

For a woman, she was in-between slimness and sturdiness. There was a picture where she stood in the company of Sharon and two other ladies. In all the pictures, she looked cool, calm and serene.

My phone suddenly rang. She was the one on the line.

"Good evening, madam. I had called you earlier. I appreciate what you sent."

I paused briefly. "Thank you for the pictures you sent. They are beautiful. I didn't realize until now that I've been talking to a very beautiful woman."

"It's okay. Thanks for the compliments. Now, I called because there's one important aspect I ought to have discussed."

I did not wonder what she meant for long. By instinct, I could sense it.

"I think I know the aspect you have in mind, madam."

"Really? Can you tell me what aspect that is?"

I allowed a meaningful silence.

"I think the aspect has to do with platonic clause."

I could hear her catch her breath.

"That is very correct. How did you guess right?"

"As I said, I could sense it."

"Good. That is what it is, that is what it will always be. Do we have a deal? Can we still go on with this?"

"With all pleasure, madam. I can assure that you will not regret meeting me."

"Okay," she said. "Send me your pictures too."

"I will do that." She cut the line. I spent more time studying her pictures before I decided to send five of mine.
We did not communicate again that day. The following day, just as I had planned, I went to Ikeja to attend the church that Precious and her family attended.

She laughed shortly. 

Was that funny? 

"That first time I called you, did you recognize my voice? Did you know who was talking?" 

Now, I was quite confused. Did I know her before? 

"I didn' know you and I still don't know you, madam," I said, wondering what she was aiming at. 

"Are you naturally nice or are you just trying to be nice to me?" 

I chuckled. "If you say I'm nice, I'll take that as a compliment. Thanks for the compliment."

 "No wonder, Sharon said so much about you." 

My heartbeat fluttered.   "You know Sharon?" 

She laughed shortly again. "Come on. When you first called her line this morning, I was the one who picked it."

 I was aghast. "You were the aunty?" 

"Yes, I was the one she called Big Aunty. I asked who you are and I was intrigued by what she said."

 "Did you mix my number with the man you met at the supermarket?" 

"No," she answered cooly. "Just as you said,  I too was was not in any supermarket this morning."

 I was perplexed. Why did she go through all that drama?

 "You appear to be an interesting person, and I will like to know you more. You know what? Send me your account details. I will like to send you something for the weekend." 

My heart started beating fast. How could a woman I barely knew be saying this?

 "Seyi, are you doubting my intentions?" she asked.

 She even remembered my name. 

"May be before you take a move, call Sharon and ask of me. You can also confirm this my number from her." 

I wanted to tell her that there would be no need for all that, but she had disconnected the line. I sighed. This woman must be an interesting character. 

Why did she have to make up the story that she met me at supermarket? Now, she was saying she wanted to send something to me for the weekend.

 Just like that! I am not the kind of person who jumps at such an offer, so let me not rush into it. About ten minutes later, my phone rang.

 It was Sharon on the line. 

"Hello, Sharon." 

"Hi, Seyi. Big Aunty just called me now. She said you can ask any question about her and I should give honest answer."

 I was intrigued. "I see. First and foremost, who is she to you?" 

"She's a younger sister to my mum, so she's a maternal aunt."

 I nodded. "I can sense that she wants friendship," I said. "I can easily offer that, but not to a married woman." 

There was a pause. "Big Aunty lost her husband in a U.S hospital about two wears ago." 

 "Hmn, sorry to hear that." 

"Yeah. She has two grown up kids schooling in the U.S. Right now, she's the one managing the estate business which her husband left behind."

 I sighed again. "Thanks  for calling, Sharon. I really appreciate." 

"You are welcome. See you." 

She cut the line.

She laughed shortly. 

Was that funny? 

"That first time I called you, did you recognize my voice? Did you know who was talking?" 

Now, I was quite confused. Did I know her before? 

"I didn' know you and I still don't know you, madam," I said, wondering what she was aiming at. 

"Are you naturally nice or are you just trying to be nice to me?" 

I chuckled. "If you say I'm nice, I'll take that as a compliment. Thanks for the compliment."

 "No wonder, Sharon said so much about you." 

My heartbeat fluttered.   "You know Sharon?" 

She laughed shortly again. "Come on. When you first called her line this morning, I was the one who picked it."

 I was aghast. "You were the aunty?" 

"Yes, I was the one she called Big Aunty. I asked who you are and I was intrigued by what she said."

 "Did you mix my number with the man you met at the supermarket?" 

"No," she answered cooly. "Just as you said,  I too was was not in any supermarket this morning."

 I was perplexed. Why did she go through all that drama?

 "You appear to be an interesting person, and I will like to know you more. You know what? Send me your account details. I will like to send you something for the weekend." 

My heart started beating fast. How could a woman I barely knew be saying this?

 "Seyi, are you doubting my intentions?" she asked.

 She even remembered my name. 

"May be before you take a move, call Sharon and ask of me. You can also confirm this my number from her." 

I wanted to tell her that there would be no need for all that, but she had disconnected the line. I sighed. This woman must be an interesting character. 

Why did she have to make up the story that she met me at supermarket? Now, she was saying she wanted to send something to me for the weekend.

 Just like that! I am not the kind of person who jumps at such an offer, so let me not rush into it. About ten minutes later, my phone rang.

 It was Sharon on the line. 

"Hello, Sharon." 

"Hi, Seyi. Big Aunty just called me now. She said you can ask any question about her and I should give honest answer."

 I was intrigued. "I see. First and foremost, who is she to you?" 

"She's a younger sister to my mum, so she's a maternal aunt."

 I nodded. "I can sense that she wants friendship," I said. "I can easily offer that, but not to a married woman." 

There was a pause. "Big Aunty lost her husband in a U.S hospital about two wears ago." 

 "Hmn, sorry to hear that." 

"Yeah. She has two grown up kids schooling in the U.S. Right now, she's the one managing the estate business which her husband left behind."

 I sighed again. "Thanks  for calling, Sharon. I really appreciate." 

"You are welcome. See you." 

She cut the line.

Nice work.

This is an avoidable tragedy. Nigerians must learn to say no to illegality.

Such is life.

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
Jehovah the man of war,
His mercys endureth forever and ever
Oh praise his holy name



I will call upon the Lord
Who is worthy to be praise
So shall I be saved from my enemies
The Lord reignth, blessed be the Lord
Let the rock of my salvation be exalted.
Hossana, blessed be the Lord
Let the rock of my salvation be exalted

Oba to n se ohun, t'enikan o le se,
Oruko re ti ni yi to
Jesu to n s'ohun, teni kan o le se
Oruko re ti niyi to
Oluwa, Oluwa, Oluwa wa
Oruko re ti ni yi to
Ni gbogbo aye
Oruko re ti ni yi to

Jehovah, You are You are
You are the Most High God
Jehovah, You are, You are
You are the Most High God.

After about seven minutes, another call came through. 

"What are you waiting for?Why the delay? Send the account number and bank right now." 

It was the same woman.

 "Excuse me ..." 

The line was dead before I could finish my sentence. What an impatient woman. I decided to call the number. 

She picked on the second ring.

 "Hello, madam. I think you got the wrong number," I quickly said. 

"But this is the number you gave to me at the supermarket this morning. My ATM had issues, I was short of cash and you bailed me out. Now, I want to pay you back as I promised." 

I shook my head as if she was physically there to see me. 

"There's a mix up, madam. I was not the person. I've not been to any supermarket today."

 "Hmn, some Nigerian men will not stop amazing me," she countered. "Is it that you're so proud you don't want  to receive repayment from a woman or what?" 

I chuckled. "I will gladly receive payment from you if I was the man. But then, I was not the person. Thanks for your time madam." 

There was no further response, so I cut the line. If I thought that was the end of the conversation, I was wrong. 

A couple of minutes later, she called again. 

"Hello, madam," I started.

 "Do you know who's calling?" she asked. 

Again, I was bemused. "Yes, you are the woman who thought I was the man that she met in the supermarket this morning."  

She laughed shortly. 

Was that funny?

After about seven minutes, another call came through. 

"What are you waiting for?Why the delay? Send the account number and bank right now." 

It was the same woman.

 "Excuse me ..." 

The line was dead before I could finish my sentence. What an impatient woman. I decided to call the number. 

She picked on the second ring.

 "Hello, madam. I think you got the wrong number," I quickly said. 

"But this is the number you gave to me at the supermarket this morning. My ATM had issues, I was short of cash and you bailed me out. Now, I want to pay you back as I promised." 

I shook my head as if she was physically there to see me. 

"There's a mix up, madam. I was not the person. I've not been to any supermarket today."

 "Hmn, some Nigerian men will not stop amazing me," she countered. "Is it that you're so proud you don't want  to receive repayment from a woman or what?" 

I chuckled. "I will gladly receive payment from you if I was the man. But then, I was not the person. Thanks for your time madam." 

There was no further response, so I cut the line. If I thought that was the end of the conversation, I was wrong. 

A couple of minutes later, she called again. 

"Hello, madam," I started.

 "Do you know who's calling?" she asked. 

Again, I was bemused. "Yes, you are the woman who thought I was the man that she met in the supermarket this morning."  

She laughed shortly. 

Was that funny?

When my way groweth drear
Precious Lord, linger near-ear
When my li-ight is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my ha-and lest I fa-all
Take my hand, precious Lor-ord
Lead me on

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me sta-and
I am tired, I'm weak, I am worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the li-ight
Take my ha-and, precious Lor-ord
Lead me home

When my work is all done
And my race here is are you-un
Let me see-ee by the light
Thou hast shown
That fair city so bright
Where the lantern is the li-ight
Take my ha-and, precious Lor-ord
Lead me on

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me sta-and
I am tired, I'm weak, I am worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the li-ight
Take my ha-and, precious Lor-ord
Lead me home

14. Enjoy the moment

“After spending nearly every waking minute with Angel for eight straight days, I knew that I had to tell her just one thing. So late at night, just before she fell asleep, I whispered it in her ear. She smiled – the kind of smile that makes me smile back –and she said, ‘When I’m seventy-five and I think about my life and what it was like to be young, I hope that I can remember this very moment.’

A few seconds later she closed her eyes and fell asleep. The room was peaceful – almost silent. All I could hear was the soft purr of her breathing. I stayed awake thinking about the time we’d spent together and all the choices in our lives that made this moment possible. And at some point, I realized that it didn’t matter what we’d done or where we’d gone. Nor did the future hold any significance.

All that mattered was the serenity of the moment.

Just being with her and breathing with her.”











15. Stop chasing happiness

“An old man lived in the village. The whole village was tired of him; he was always gloomy, he constantly complained and was always in a bad mood. The longer he lived, the viler he became and more poisonous were his words. People did their best to avoid him because his misfortune was contagious. He created the feeling of unhappiness in others.

But one day, when he turned eighty, an incredible thing happened. Instantly everyone started hearing the rumor: ‘The old man is happy today, he doesn’t complain about anything, smiles, and even his face is freshened up.’

The whole village gathered around the man and asked him, “What happened to you?”

The old man replied, ‘Nothing special. Eighty years I’ve been chasing happiness and it was useless. And then I decided to live without happiness and just enjoy life. That’s why I’m happy now.'”

14. Enjoy the moment

“After spending nearly every waking minute with Angel for eight straight days, I knew that I had to tell her just one thing. So late at night, just before she fell asleep, I whispered it in her ear. She smiled – the kind of smile that makes me smile back –and she said, ‘When I’m seventy-five and I think about my life and what it was like to be young, I hope that I can remember this very moment.’

A few seconds later she closed her eyes and fell asleep. The room was peaceful – almost silent. All I could hear was the soft purr of her breathing. I stayed awake thinking about the time we’d spent together and all the choices in our lives that made this moment possible. And at some point, I realized that it didn’t matter what we’d done or where we’d gone. Nor did the future hold any significance.

All that mattered was the serenity of the moment.

Just being with her and breathing with her.”











15. Stop chasing happiness

“An old man lived in the village. The whole village was tired of him; he was always gloomy, he constantly complained and was always in a bad mood. The longer he lived, the viler he became and more poisonous were his words. People did their best to avoid him because his misfortune was contagious. He created the feeling of unhappiness in others.

But one day, when he turned eighty, an incredible thing happened. Instantly everyone started hearing the rumor: ‘The old man is happy today, he doesn’t complain about anything, smiles, and even his face is freshened up.’

The whole village gathered around the man and asked him, “What happened to you?”

The old man replied, ‘Nothing special. Eighty years I’ve been chasing happiness and it was useless. And then I decided to live without happiness and just enjoy life. That’s why I’m happy now.'”