It was a Sunday afternoon in a semi-urban part of Lagos, Nigeria. The day was bright and the sun shone with the ferocity of one angered by a jilt. The intensity of the rays roused Olaide from her sleep and she cursed under her breath. Her bump, now... Read More

What’s going on, Ife?” I playfully asked as my husband took hold of my right hand and pulled me forward gently. He blindfolded me about an hour earlier, helped me get into the car and drove to God knows where. He revved to a stop about... Read More

 “I love you, Shirley” I closed my eyes and bit my lower lip as his voice filtered through the phone. “I know, Bryan.” “So, why are you holding back?” I exhaled slowly to ease the pressure welling up in my heart. Fresh... Read More

I Until your laughter, I could make little sense of the world. I stuttered mid-song, my teeth tiny grenades, wove smoke into my breath with each muttered word. I crouched behind grief’s thicket, face upturned like hands in prayer, pondering the... Read More

Her eyes flicker open to the sunrise and the smooth sound of Nigerian jazz. She stretches slowly before her gear finds her lithe body; faster jazz tucked into her armband. The cracked streets of her city do not stop her strong, speedy strides. In... Read More

The dust winds have become more frequent when Nonyelum starts spending weekends at Ayo’s self-con in Gusau. On one of those hazy mornings, they stay too long in bed, until she says they have to eat or she’ll die hungry in his arms, then disappears... Read More

Adriana, when I first saw you, I had no words for your perfect dentition and demeanor. I was told affection was a gift. One that I wanted to toss into your orbs. But when you're at a loss for words, Awkward becomes the only wrapping sheet at your... Read More