Purple Hibiscuses: Chideziri POV

   The trees outside my window are almost naked now, burnt to figs by the ever angry sun. In the darkness of dawn, their branches resemble bones. 

   I can't sleep, and being awake staring at the skeleton branches isn't helping, so I take Tobi's hoodie and leave the house. 

    Outside is silent, much like everything else. So silent that when I pass the playround, I can hear the grass whistle. 

   I walk.

   I walk by the tailors shop, to Close 4 and past. Past the hulking buildings and lonely trees. I walk till I get to the river. 

   Elimgbu river has sunken so low that the stones underneath break its glassy surface. 

   The first time we were here, it was full to its brim. Leaves floated on its surface. Pebbles lived under. It was beautiful. 

   That is the thing about faded glory. It always starts out beautiful.