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ACT 5

Scene 3

A street in Lagos mainland
Wednesday, March 1st 2000

(Uyai’s apartment at green gate)

{Entered Uyai and Ubong}

(A rainy night. Michael is asleep. Uyai and Ubong are discussing in the living room)

UYAI

Ebe mi.

[Interpretation: my husband]

UBONG

Hmm?

UYAI

I want to ask for your opinion on something.

UBONG

What is it?

UYAI

You know, Michael is growing and soon we will be looking forward to enrolling him in a school.

UBONG

Yes, I’m aware

UYAI

Ok. So, I was thinking about joining you to support the home. You see, my groundnut business is not doing much and I don’t want to just sit around idle.

UBONG

Why? I’m doing just fine. I’m a mechanic now and I earn just enough to take care of you and our son

UYAI

I know dear, I’m trying not to put all our eggs in one basket.

UBONG

Ok, so what do you want to do?

UYAI

Hmm, since I can’t get a professional job because I have no educational background, I was thinking of going into trade

UBONG

(Laughing) interesting

UYAI

Don’t laugh. I can start selling okrika.

[Interpretation: secondhand clothes]

UBONG

Ha ha ha (laughing harder)

UYAI

Not fair. Is it a bad idea?

UBONG

No honey, it is a terrific idea. I’m sorry. But, how will you sell them?

UYAI

Well, that’s not an issue. Toyin says she has a free space she can give to me in the market till I can afford my own space. You know how busy the market is on Fridays and Saturdays? I’m certain it will work out fine

UBONG

Wow, you have thought this through already. Well, if that will make you happy, make your estimation. By God’s grace tomorrow, I will give you the money. Or better still, I’ll help you go to Cotonou to buy them since I know the place very well and I’m use to the border stress. Or, what do you think?

UYAI

Oh that will be great. God bless you my husband. I will make my list and give you tomorrow. When will you like to go?

UBONG

I’ll go on Saturday morning. So I will come back on Sunday. You know Lagos; the road is always free on Sundays

UYAI

That's true. Thank you so much. Thank you for giving me your consent. (Genuflecting)

UBONG

Stand up dear, I believe one day you won’t have stress yourself or even work at all. For the Lord has said it himself. I know the thought I have for you, the thought of good and not of evil to have an expected end. I don’t know the verse but I heard it from the pastor and I held on to that ever since till forever.
I believe that our tomorrow will be greater than today. And I know what I feel; recently I’ve been having this feeling

UYAI

What feeling?

UBONG

The feeling that something big is about to happen

UYAI

I believe it too. And I’m proud of you. (Smiling) who would have known that you……..

UBONG

Shhhh! I just thank the Lord that I didn’t lose you. I wonder how my live would have been

UYAI

God never makes mistakes.

UBONG

Yes he never. Honey, let’s go to bed. Tomorrow is a good day. 

UYAI

It is indeed. Let me go cover Michael properly so he won’t catch a cold

UBONG

Ok

[Exit]

Who would have known that he would suddenly turn out to be this supportive?

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