Anuri sat in front of her house, doing her Saturday laundry. Suddenly, she heard approaching footsteps. Jerome was not at home. He had gone to see a business associate and only ten minutes had gone. The footsteps were distinctly feminine. Expectantly, she looked in the direction of the sound wondering who it was. May be Mrs. Onyenso's visitor. Just then, a figure appeared round the bend and halted a few feet from her. It was a woman in her early thirties. She was very pretty and had an air of strong sophistication around her. She was a bit dark complexioned, clad in a beautiful emerald satin suit. Anuri was surprised. She did not know the lady. And… why did she regard her so?... Anuri raised her eyebrows, 'Hello.' 'Keep your greeting to yourself,’ the lady spoke with vehemence, moving closer to her. 'You are Anuri Uchechi, aren't you?' 'I am and how can I help you?' she asked sharply. 'You can help me by leaving Jer

Activities were aflame in the campus, students walked to and fro the lanes, some hurriedly, some seriously and some lackadaisically. Occasionally, cars sped by leaving a cloud of dust behind. It was the penultimate month of the year; everyone was preparing for the first semester assessment tests which would take place first week of December.Nneoma and her closest friend, Gladys sat comfortably in the campus library studying their textbooks and solving mathematical sums. The well stocked and arranged library was quiet except for the hums from the air conditioners in the spacious hall. Students went in and out of the library from time to time, most laden with seriousness. Nneoma loved the silence of the library. It afforded her the opportunity to assimilate her works more easily.'Nneoma,’ Gladys whispered.She barely looked up from her book. 'Hmm?''Will you go to the theatre with me tonight?''Don't you realize we are in the library?' Nneom

You are welcome!’                                                    ‘Thank you!'                                                             'Oh, sister Nne!’ ‘Ah … Chika … Nkem … Chuks … you all look good!’ Nneoma laughed happily, embracing her siblings. Nneoma's family had just received her home with the exception of her father.'Ole etu i mere?’ 'Adi m mma o... I’m  fine,  mummy, only tired from schoolwork,' she laughed. So what about you all?  How have you been?''Fine, we thank God for everything.'They sat down comfortably and exchanged more pleasantries. 'Oh, good,' Nne

When the hour struck 15:30 N.T, Nneoma leapt from her bed. She dressed up again in her earlier clothes. She retouched her makeup and made sure she looked good. Selecting the relevant books, she left for Gladys' room. Since the latter was ready too, both of them left the hostel.'Do you know the particular class?''No but we will find him without any problem. Come on, Richard keeps to time and if you don't he leaves. That way, he teaches his friends to stick to time.' Gladys increased her pace.Moments later, they arrived at the Blue classes. Looking through the windows, they sought for Richard. In the sixth class, they found him. Nneoma felt a peculiar joy well up within her just at the mere sight of him. He had not seen them yet. He stood before a wall map looking very engrossed. At the sound of their foot steps, he turned round. Richard wore a cool black T. shirt over a deep blue jeans looking grand in casual clothes. He smiled, his eyes lighting up as they fell on

The bus arrived the Eastern Heartland at exactly 20:45 N.T. At the ITC Park, Nneoma alighted from the vehicle. She felt very tired and weak.She gazed up the night sky. The sky was bluish black, sprinkled with myriads of brilliant stars. They told her life could be smooth rough, beautiful or ugly depending on how one played his cards. Shaking her head, she looked around for a cyclist.Minutes later, the motor cyclist arrived at Gladys' residence which was in Aladinma Layout. She dismounted and paid the cyclist. She knocked on the black gate and waited patiently. She was the epitome of a run-away soldier. Just then, the gate was opened by Gladys younger brother, about eighteen years old.''Joseph.'He was visibly surprised. 'Ah, Nneoma, good evening!''Good-evening,’ she answered with a weak smile. 'Is Gladys in?''Yes, yes, come in.' He stepped back and Nneoma entered the compound. Joseph locked the gate and moved toward their white bungalow