TOMMOROW AWAITS

Episode 1- By a hair's breadth

I was rooted to my seat. This was like a movie i was expecting to wake up from,anytime soon and see it was all a dream. Mom motioned for me to go into the kitchen while she inched towards dad who was already heading to open the door. I felt like a blind person as i turned off the kitchen lights and crawled into the store and squatted right behind the large stack of pots,my heart beating right into my mouth. I forced myself to concentrate on what was going on in the parlor.

"You should know me already. My name is Abubakar Shekau,the most famous person in Nigeria. I have come in peace,in the name of Allah "

The baritone voice came on.

"What do you want? Money? We don't want trouble. How come you're in Lagos so soon. In the name of whatever God you serve take what you want and go"

Father said bravely.

Shekau laughed. I shuddered.

"Your wife and children. Offer them to Allah as a willing sacrifice, your war effort."

Mom whimpered and hid behind Father who was shivering with fear.

"You can't take my wife. She's all i have. My daughter? My only daughter is in school. Take anything. Take me even. Just not my wife"

Father pleaded. For the first time ever,i felt him break. Shame came all over me. Shame for every wrong i had done, for even in the face of death, he protected me.

Shekau laughed. A hollow evil laugh that resonated through the room. He turned to his men.

"Two of you take her away. The rest of you search the house. Anything we will need take. Now you Mister, like i said,i come in peace. So i offer you this minute a sign of peace. Accept Allah now and be saved"

Dad stared at him dumbfounded. He had heard so much about this terrorist but nothing prepared him for this. His wife screaming as the rebels carried her out of the room,she was calling on him to save her. His daughter, helpless in the kitchen with some bandits there searching for food. An anger filled his heart and he clenched his fists.

"Why? You and your God have taken everything from me. What more do you want? Kill me,i don't care but there's a God and he will judge "

Dad screamed at them.

Shekau laughed again.

"Your wish is my command "

The bullet ripped my ear drum. I whimpered from my hiding place making a movement that upset the pots making a "clang!" Sound.

I froze.

There was a rebel in the kitchen. He froze and turned in my direction. The sounds i could hear was his approaching boots and my heart beating right out of my chest.