Life With Tutu

Emenike prepared his mind for the worst. What could even be worse than losing his limbs minus one, his mother and the prospective loss of his beautiful sister? If the Sherpherdhood felt his sister was next, so be it. He was powerless, now. He took to throwing his all into his business, he wanted his affairs set in order, just in case he was next. He wasn’t surprised when he got a call from his aunt in Owerri the following week; Chioma was in a critical condition in the hospital on account of a ghastly motor accident. Emenike mourned his sister, he knew it was the end. He however sent funds for her treatment and was making arrangements to go visit her in Owerri when he was called again that she had passed. Emenike cried like a baby. He was inconsolable. For days he refused to bath or eat.  Eventually, he had to see to her burial as the first son. He travelled down in the company of his driver, nurse and family for the burial. It was a sad affair, her fiance had cried himself hoarse,...

'Madam, I’m afraid I have some bad news' Nash looked numb. Doctor adjusted himself in his seat as he continued ‘We’ve conducted some preliminary tests on your husband. He appears to have suffered some form of paralysis as a result of the trauma he suffered in the accident' Nash lips were moving noiselessly as she kept staring at the doctor.  ‘I just want you to prepare your mind. We’ll still conduct more tests to ascertain the extent of the paralysis. I am so sorry’ Nash did not know how she left the doctor’s office. She walked to the loo on legs that had suddenly turned rubber like. She locked herself in and shed bitter tears. She never bargained for something like this. What was her crime she kept asking herself, what was her husband’s crime? They gave generously in church, and out of church, to the poor, the widows and the orphaned. No, they didn’t deserve this! Meanwhile Emenike was trying to see if he could move his limbs which strangely felt so very heavy. He complain...

After mulling over the issue, he decided he had no choice. What must be done, must be done. He couldn’t go back now. It was too late. But, he made up his mind to see his sister, one last time. In his way, bid her goodbye. She had told him she was in the middle of her exams and since she couldn’t come, he set out to see her. He travelled by air and then took a cab to her apartment, not far from the university. He remembered sending money to get the apartment and furnish it to her taste. He had also gotten her a car. All the things a good elder brother does, he thought, at least he had been good to her. She was home reading and welcomed him with all the exuberance younger sisters reserve for their elder brothers who had been good to them. She wanted to prepare a meal for him but he insisted on eating out, his treat. Very soon, they were at a goodly restaurant. She had always had a sweet tooth and so she went for ice cream and cupcakes while he had yam pottage. She spoke of her plans afte...

Chuks brooded some more in his study. Eventually he dialled a number ‘Yes' ‘He wants out' replied Chuks ‘You and I know that’s impossible' ‘I said same' ‘He’s your problem, handle him' said the voice ending the call Chuks decided to handle Emenike with kid gloves. He had, nay,he must provide what was needed to make the second ‘sacrifice', a success. This time, something belonging to Chioma needed to be provided. Willingness and not reluctance was important for a ‘sacrifice' to be successful. Chuks visited Emenike the next day. Emenike received him coldly whilst Nash was all over him. He met them at the diner table and he was of course invited to join them in the pounded yam and white soup meal. Afterwards, the men retired to Emenike's private sitting room. Chuks cleared his throat ‘Emenike, it would be a grave pity to lose your wife and kids because of your refusal to present Chioma at the altar of the Shepherd hood' Emenike had an expressionless loo...