Maiduguri, May 17 2022, Dusk
The 30 seater coaster bus meanders methodically through the busy street. The driver chose this day of all days to be unfortunately slow. I’m seated at the 3rd to the last row; and I think I can hear the screaming thuds of my heartbeats. Aisha, my girlfriend, seated next to me, holds my arm like her life depends on it. Unbeknownst to her, I am wearing a bomb, underneath my shirts.
There’s still space for one and in comes Mama. I look at her and smile, it’s a good day to send the witch to hell. As I reached under my vest to push the button, my girlfriend stands up with a gun to my head,
“Hands up, you’re surrounded by the anti-bomb squad.”
I am torn between love for my mother, and loyalty to the cause of Allah’s paradise. My anger blazes forth against my mother and against Aisha for choosing today of all days to board the same bus with me… well, love for paradise gives way…with a loud bang!
Written by PBlessing and Chidiebere Udeokechukwu
PPBlessing 