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remember when I was 16, I was naive, young and tender but a fast thinker.

Christmas had

I never been boring for few years but this particular year was different. The streets were though decorated but still deserted, faint music were played from around. We all gathered in the sitting room in silence, Grandma was on the cushion with her eyes closed; probably dozing. The rocking chair had been empty since grandpa's departure. He was the one who used to tell us stories of the ancient times. The women were in the kitchen chatting inaudibly, the aroma of the food was inviting but no one felt so hungry.

I looked over the single chair were my brother was sitting to images of the Late pa Olarotimi (my grandfather). bHis face looking fresher than ever on the frames. Sitting doing nothing got me bored, so I decided to stroll out. Across the short fence were the men sited (my father and my uncles) laughing hysterically and taking glasses of carbonated drinks. I felt the company was enjoyable for them and I turned to look at the other side where the children were playing and cheering in happiness. Suddenly,I felt an abrupt tap on my shoulder. I turned and realized it was Kasope, one if my first cousins. "Grandma calls for you" she altered and I followed her back inside to meet grandma. Her eyes was now open and watery, I felt her pains and went straight to her and squated before her. She smiled faintly and spoke almost inaudibly, calling me by my first mame "AdeDayo, is that you?", "Yes mama, it's me Dayo" I answered most politely. "My son, may God bless..." she prayed from obviously her heart.

After her prayers, she asked Damola to go to the next street to get some items. I was clueless about what was going on until Kasope told me a man had came in while I was out claiming he was an angel sent by God to the family. He said he was instructed to tell grandma she's gonna die or she get a sum of $50 plus beverages as a ransom so he can appeal to God on her behalf. Although grandma asked him to come for the items in the evening, but this got her worried as she had paid $60 the previous day to an angel on the same issue. The picture now becoming clearer and my brain thinking fast. M I overthinking or grandma is the one too religious to believe this, worries took the better of me.

Evening came though slowly. Grandma had told me earlier to gather the children in the compound because I was the eldest of them all. In no time,they were all at the front of the house cheering out loud in disorganization. Grandma went outside slowly with my help, immediately they sighted us coming, they all kept quiet. At this, grandma smiled and sat on the wooden chair placed resting on the of the building. She ordered everyone to gather round her and gently cleared her throat, then began speaking.

"Hi",she gently said (this time she spoke audibly)

"Hello grandma",they all echoed in unity'.

..To be contacted😉

Thanks for reading