“I don‟t think any child has ever been conceived during the raining

season in this compound” Talabi said. He may have been thinking aloud

because he was startled when everyone stopped and looked in his

direction.

“Eh what have I said that is wrong now? When it is raining and the

weather is like this, normal people will get close to their men or women.

But in this compound, if we are not bailing water, we are dodging from

it landing on our heads. It is only when the sun is hot that it gets to

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happen here. I‟m sure that is why all your children are hot headed.”

Everyone turned to look at Akunna when Talabi finished. This was

uncomfortable for him so he dropped his bowl and went into his room.

“Thank God the rain has stopped for now” Josiah said. At least we can

go and rest.”

One by one neighbors retreated into their rooms or the common

kitchen.

“My only consolation this week is that Man U have signed Lukaku” my

cousin Mkpoikanna said. “We are surely winning the league”. His waist

was sore from the pummeling he got in the hands of task force

officials that raided the wharf yesterday. Having to bend to bail water

when he should be nursing his wounds was taking its toll on him I could

see. “Ndifreke” he said to me. “Get a real job my brother.”

“I will try”. I said.

Talabi started to say something about how Chelsea fans did not care if

Man U signed Lukaku. But I lost interest the moment I saw Maya with a

basin of clothes for washing balanced on her head and moving towards

the backyard.

“I‟m coming” I said, I need to check something at the backyard.