⚪
〰♣♣〰♣♣〰
⚪

ACT 5

Scene 2

A street in Lagos mainland

(ST John Clinic)

PASTOR MRS ATANG

You need to eat, I made catfish pepper soup for you. I hope you’ll like it

UYAI

I like it already. Thank you so much, all of you. For ‘staying with me.

UBONG

Save your strength. We will be outside. So you can rest. Let me go see the doctor.

UYAI

Alright dear.

(As they were about to leave)

{Entered Nsikan Itim}

(Raising tension in the room and a shocker to Ubong and Uyai)

UYAI

Ime, What is he doing here? How did he know to come here? I thought he was dead.

IME

Me too.

UBONG

I thought the same too.

IME

I told him to come.

UBONG

What!!

UYAI

Why?

MRS. AFOLABI

I guess we will all wait outside and leave all four of you alone.

EDIDIONG

(Holding Ime’s children) I’ll take the kids

UYAI

Thanks.

[Exit all except Uyai, Ubong, Ime and Nsikan]

Ime, I’m listening.

IME

Well, I was surprise too when he showed up at my threshold, looking so beat up. He said he wanted to make things right. I told him it was too late for that. He has lost two daughters to death and one to a beating husband and….

UYAI

Wait a minute, I thought only Idara died in an accident and Eno had……

IME

Yes. But Eno committed suicide. A friend of hers who knew me came to tell me. She said Eno couldn’t bear living with the stigma.

UYAI

My God!

IME

So dad said he wanted to apologize to you and your husband in person.

NSIKAN ITIM

My child i…….

UYAI

No, you lost the right to call me that, a long time ago.

NSIKAN ITIM

I know. And I’m sorry. I know I’ve not been a good father. I was wrong in many things including giving you to Ubong.
I truly am sorry. I am not proud of what I did. I should have taken care of you girls when I had the chance and strength, instead I squandered those years and I engaged in more devious act.
I didn’t even know when and how to stop until I heard the news of Eno and Idare. Then did I realize what a shame I’ve become.
I’m also sorry Ubong for collecting that money in your name. I know the BOSS, and I know what he might have made you do just to collect that money from you.

UYAI

So if I understand you right, you are the reason my husband owes that man?
(Looking at her husband) baby, you didn’t tell me this.

UBONG

That’s because I didn’t want to worry you with the whole story.

NSIKAN ITIM

I’m happy you two have grown to love each other. I’m not here to make excuses for the action I took.
Please (going on his kneels) my children forgive me.

UYAI

(Trying to come stop her father from kneeling but couldn’t, her feet were still very weak) we forgive you. I forgive you. Please don’t kneel pa, but you will do more than begging to make things right.

NSIKAN ITIM

I’m aware of that. That’s why I brought the money I collected from BOSS in your name. I was thinking I could go with you tomorrow to pay him back.

UBONG

I’m sure he will be happy to see you.

NSIKAN ITIM

Maybe. I’m sorry for doing this to you.

UBONG

Its fine.as far as Uyai can forgive you then trust me, I can’t be angry. Money can’t be compared to what Uyai has gone through.

NSIKAN ITIM

Thank you, all of you thank you so much. (Sobbing softly) Please can I see him.

UYAI

Yes dad, you can.

NSIKAN ITIM

(Looking down at the baby, playing with his little hand) you are the true son of your father and a blessing. For your birth has brought unity and peace. Unity and peace will not depart from you. Amen. Have chosen a name yet?

UBONG

Yes.

UYAI

I will say it when all my family are in this room.

UBONG

Let me call them

{Exit Ubong and rushing in with everyone}

PASTOR ATANG

I bless the name of the lord for this great testimony. And we will call him (waiting for Uyia to pronounce his name)

UYAI

EMEM MICHAEL UDOH.

{EMEM means PEACE}

UTIBE

Don’t tell me we all have forgotten what today is.

TONY

Oh, yes.  The Lord has given to us the best NEW YEAR present.

UYAI

(Smiling) This is the best New Year ever.

PASTOR ATANG

He is indeed an angel of peace. To GOD BE THE GLORY for this great thing he has done.
Michael may the peace of God which passeth all understanding keep your heart and mind through Jesus Christ our lord.
You are a blessing. He who bless you are blessed he who curse you are cursed.
The Lord will guide and guard you. And you shall be the standard among your pair and in you society.
Amen

ALL

Amen

UYAI

Please honey,  take me home.

UBONG

OK.

[Exit]

Is it that easy to forgive?

If u were in Uyai's shoes,  what would u have done?

______________________________________

〰♣♣〰♣♣〰

Words (871)