Again, the house was filled to the brim with sympathizers and mourners. Days crawled past slowly. Aunty Amaze suspended her trip to Germant; that was what I'd prayed for. The police men came and asked a few questions. They promised my mother that they must clamp down on the perpetrator and bring them to book. I wished I could tell them not to beam their search lights very far as the enemy they sought was within an arm length.
My father's remains were taken to Benin days later. Amidst many tears he was buried in his country home. It was all like a dream. Surprisingly, I wasn't as withdrawn as I was when my younger brother died. I was strong now. What gave me the strength still defiles my reasoning.
You are a very strong child, my uncles said in appraisal of my bravery. You are indeed a son of the soil.