Chapter 10: Night Vigil and Red Slippers

That night, I wan keep vigil for my sister-in-law, but my mama push me enter my room.

She use body block door. "Go rest, Chinedu. Your eye don red. You go see her tomorrow." I wan argue, but she raise hand, eye red. For our side, when mama talk, you gats obey.

She mutter low, 'Who die for afternoon no dey hide for night.'

"You don tire today. Go sleep first. The wake-keeping na three days; tomorrow you fit keep watch."

She close door, make sure I no go come out. I lie down for my bed, cowrie dey my pocket. My heart dey pound, my spirit dey float like dry leaf.

After she talk, sleep just rush me. I no argue, I nod, go lie down.

Sleep heavy like stone, but fear still dey my chest. I hold the pendant like prayer bead. I try remember Baba Afolabi face, his warning dey ring for my head.