Watching the Shadows, Watching the Light

Part 1

August 24th, 2018 - Nigeria

We stayed out late last night. The sunset was a burning flame, nothing like those pastel paintings we see in the London sky; instead it was clear, an ever-expanding glow seeming to reach all the way to the edges of the Earth. The air was crisp, although the vibrant colours warmed me from the inside with content. I wish John could have been there to see it, but knowing that little rascal of a child, he wouldn't be paying attention. Rather, he'd probably be more fascinated with all the creepy crawlies in the dirt. I miss him and I'm terribly worried about him, although there's too much work to be done. We're due back at the research institute in a couple of days, just after we finish collecting the samples at Kainji Lake National Park. I think I'll return home after the team get started in the lab though; because after all, they are a very capable group. Now that I think about it, they're only productive when Robin's not fooling around, although I trust Jen will keep him in line.

We first heard about it on the news one night, just over a week ago: "Feeble excuse of a virus emerging in China". They claim it's harmless, but then again aren't they all at first? Honestly, I think they're ignoring a serious issue. Jen laughed it off, claiming I was just paranoid. No one else said anything. They'd never be quite as immodest as Jen, never as confident either; but when I looked around I could see the uncertainty in their eyes, silently agreeing with her, although not game enough to step out from behind her voice. I probably am a bit paranoid. I mean I'm not exactly the most clear-headed mind of the bunch, but I can still be wary of the things going on in the world around me. Besides, when I heard that little John had the 'flu', I couldn't exactly ignore it. They're bound to understand, after all I'll only be gone a short while. I'll return when John's better, I'm sure of it. I have to be.