Surviving COVID19

The pupils were lined up for the morning assembly amidst chattering and pleasantries. Soon enough it was quiet as the proprietress walked in, grim looking. The air of uncertainty was strong that morning.

I looked on with rasped attention, waiting for her to drop the news that everyone had heard but needed confirmation for. 

The silent was heavy. For some, they were trying to stiffle their joy in anticipation. For me, i wasn't sure what to hope for. 

"Good morning everyone, let's put our hand together. All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small..."

*****      ***** 

The school cafeteria.

"I'll take two doughnuts please." Queen said as she stood by the counter waiting for the woman to package her order. 

"Ahan! So you're here sef?" Ife said tapping Queen playfully. 

"Heeyyy. Sorry jor. I saw you were busy so i didn't want to disturb you. That mathematics teacher likes to keep you guys during break time."

Queen replied, hugging her.

"As innnn. I don't understand that man o. On top double period again!"

"Sorry you hear."

" I hear o."

They walk away from the counter, strolling towards the school field. Ife wears a worried look"Queen, have you told her?"

"Told who?"

"Your mum."

Queen sighs, "I haven't. I don't think i can. She won't believe me." 

Ife stops walking, disbelief written on her face, "So what are you going to do now? We have to leave the school by the end of this week because of what's going on. Would she let you come stay with me?"

"To be honest, I don't know."

Ife shakes her head. "This is crazy. Everything is crazy."

They're silent and the bell rings signaling the end of break-time. They walk briskly to their class.

******

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The city is awashed with loud horns and chatters as Queen makes her way through the bus stop carrying a box. She boards a bus and sit patiently waiting for it to get filled up. 

She looks crestfallen as she replays her phone conversation with her mum. "I'll be back within a week dear. Just stay with my brother for now. Businesses are closing up here and i need to make enough when i come back so we're not stranded. As it is now, Africa looks like the only safe place in the world now. The disease is every where. Please stay with your uncle you hear. He will take care of you, okay?

"Okay Mum. But i have a friend i want to stay with. I don't want to stay with Uncle Paul."

"What nonsense are you talking? Oh, so you're now a big girl now, abi? Because small small boys are toasting you, you're now telling me you want to stay with your friends so you can go and sleep around? Eh?"

"Mummy why are you doing this? Uncle Paul does not allow me to sleep. He's always..."

"He's always what? See, I'll talk to you later. I have to go back to work. I'll call him and confirm if you've gotten there. Bye".

Queen stares at the phone in shock and confusion.

She mutters under her breath, "My life is about to end. This is a nightmare".

**** ****

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Moses, 13, stood behind the kitchen door trying to listen to the conversation in the parlour. His mother has come to see his madam. He hasn't seen his siblings in a while and with this disease, he was looking forward to spending time with them since he wouldn't be going to school. His mum always came for him every holiday and this one even though it was earlier, it was expected. He had his bags packed, he has washed oga and madam clothes, ironed it as well as their two children's. All he had to do was wait for mama's signal.

"Moses! Moses o!"

That was it, it was time. He quickened his pace, carrying his bag with him as he made his way to his mum, smiling.

"Mama, i don carry my bag."

"Moses, you don carry bag?" She paused.

Moses was starting to feel uneasy, why is she not standing up yet? Aren't we going anymore? He said to himself.

"Hmmm. Moses my pikin. Your papa don sick o. Everything don too hard. Even to buy vitamin C na problem. This disease don too make everything cost. I no come carry you o. Na money i come find like this so. I know say school don close but you go stay with madam till everything don come down small you hear? I no go fit take care of you join with your brothers and sisters for this kind time now. You hear? Your madam and oga go take care of you, ehn?"

Moses stood dumbfounded.

Slowly the tears came, "Mama, please, make I follow you go house. Please..."

"Ah, you dey cry? Big boy like you? No cry na. No worry, when your papa well, i go come carry you eh?"

His lips quivered and he winced in pain as she hugged him. The lashes he received was still fresh on his back.

It was going to be a long holiday.

*****  *****

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