May 9

Goodness would have refused if he was given a second chance to express his views concerning the issue but he had gotten caught up in his own thoughts and resisted any further reasoning. He tried to talk again, but he found himself held in place by some unseen force. Not the kind of spiritual force that most Nigerian televangelists will be eager to attribute but the solemn voice of his heart reminding him that he had made a decision that he couldn't change. 

"Do I have another chance to reject what I have said," Goodness said to his father as they sat under a mango tree close to their house. He felt himself grow faint and imagined falling forward, catching himself on the table in front of him and then vanishing with no trace.

"I can't go the northern part of Nigeria," Goodness continued. "It is too hot and I have no word to describe the terrorism."

"No one wants this as much as you do, Goodness. Breathe peacefully and let those evil thoughts end right along