Amobi and the Door Beyond Time (PREVIEW)

2. I Meet My Maker

Nobody believed me when I told them what happened. The matrons and the guards just shook their heads and lead me gently away. "He's in shock," said one to the other when I described how Mr Ohia had turned into a rhinoceros and attacked. Most of the officials thought it was my usual madness acting up, while the more sympathetic ones believed it was some sort of head trauma. I got the full details a few days later when a particularly chatty nurse bandaged my foot.

"Matron Ada and most of the guards think you're insane... more than usual at least," she informed me cheerfully. "Others are insisting you must have knocked your head on something to have brought on such powerful hallucinations."

She opened a jar containing some weird smelling concoction and began to rub it gingerly on my sore ribs. Turns out I'd only bruised them, but it still felt like they were on fire any time I brushed it against something.

"So what's the official story?" I asked. The nurse frowned at my choice of words, then let it go with a sympathetic nod. Apparently, she was in the head trauma group.

"You were very lucky," she said gently, like she was afraid I might snap and attack her. "That lightning bolt could have killed you."

And that was the end of the matter. I was released two days later and was immediately engulfed in a bone-crushing hug by my friends. My sides stung a little because of it, but I didn't mind.

"Can you imagine that they wouldn't let us in to see you?" Kosi asked in outrage. Beside her, looking around warily was I.K. They were dressed in their usual outfits, but I couldn't help but notice the deep bags under their eyes.

"How long have you been here?" I asked.

"Since last night more or less," I.K whispered. "Kosi wouldn't leave when the matrons told him we wouldn't be allowed to see you."

I shook my head, grinning widely. That sounded exactly like what Kosi would do. Then I noticed the pronoun I.K had used.

"He?" I raised an eyebrow. "You're in boy mode today?"

"Yes," he replied, hands automatically going to the braids he had in a tight ponytail. "Thank God they allow us to wear trousers regardless of gender. I don't ever want to go back to the medical centre again."

"But we are in the medical centre," I pointed out.

"You know what I mean," he snapped irritably. "The Psycho ward." He waved a hand dismissively. "But that's by the way. What happened to you? People are saying you were struck by lightning."

"They're not all that wrong," I replied and told them the story. For a moment, the two of them said nothing and just stared at me. Even I.K was too shocked to be terrified.

"That's quite a story," I.K said finally. He frowned and placed the back of his hand against my forehead. "Are you sure you didn't hit your head?"

"Listen, I'm very serious," I said, moving away from I. K's hand. "In the two months that we've known each other have I ever made up a story?"

"No," Kosi allowed. "But you screamed in the library. I thought that that was gone." I sighed and shrugged.

"I thought so too. I don't know why it came back but I swear I'm not making this up."

Kosi opened his mouth to say something but I.K quickly interrupted. "How about we walk and talk at the same?" he begged. "That matron is giving us the evil eye." I turned to see the old crone stalking towards us, a scowl on her face.

"Great idea," I said and we quickly left the lobby. The sky outside was dark with grey clouds. Lightning flashed in the distance, giving me a strong sense of déjà vu. My friends looked surprised.