Chapter 2: Return to Palm Grove

No be say I really come back alive sha. Baba Orun, the King of the Spirit Realm, fear say I no go ever fit pay my debt, so e allow me return to the world for small time.

Baba Orun na correct agbalagba for spirit side. As e see say my case don pass be careful, e just shake head, say, 'Ngozi, carry your wahala go earth, maybe you go fit recover your money.'

E send Mallam Bako and Pa Sunday make dem do body for me—exactly like my old one.

Dem two spirits sabi this resurrection work, ehn. Mallam Bako mix camwood, kolanut, and small salt from Ilorin. Pa Sunday na old carpenter for spirit land, e carve my new body with palm oil for shine. By the time dem finish, na the same Ngozi, just small finer.

After many years as ghost, to get body again just scatter my head.

Na like person wey dey use generator for years, then NEPA bring light. I dey feel anyhow, my hand dey shake, my leg dey dance. Spirit breeze no reach person again, I fit even smell suya for junction. I wan shout, but I just dey smile.

I rush go human world, head straight to Tobi mansion for Palm Grove Estate.

You know those big big gates for Palm Grove, with security men wey no dey smile? Na so I waka with spirit confidence, dey hope say my Tobi go rush welcome me.

But the security people stop me for gate.

Dem look me from head reach toe—see as my cloth be like pesin wey just come from wilderness. I know say my face resemble wahala, so dem no blame me. One tall one with red eyes even ask if I dey craze. I just smile small.

One of dem talk, 'Who you dey find? You get appointment?'

Dem talk say person wey bear Tobi still dey there, but no be Tobi.

I confuse, but I no wan argue. Maybe dem dey mix up, maybe na Tobi papa or small pikin. I just stand, dey look dem.

Maybe as I look so pitiful and dirty, dem pity me, give me business card, say make I call the number.

The way dem hand me that card eh, you go think say e get juju inside. I thank dem, look the number, and nod like correct village girl wey see city man.

To find Tobi, I gats hustle.