Wild West of the Heart

wrap the blissful sunset. A little while ago as they drove from the airport, the Lagos skies were on fire, all crimson and orange. It was a blissful sunset, as i said. B

ers. He halted by his side, as if wanting to know what grasped his son's full attention. Was it Fela Kuti's song they played from the supermarket or the market seller beside? Anyways, he gave up after a second, pulling back his hands. "You need to get inside, so we can pray" He said, lowly as he walked ahead. Ola budged, trailing right behind towards the front porch. Their house wasn't alot, but it was theirs. They had the comfort of not owing anyone rent at the end of each year. And it was definitely a relief on his father's meagre income as a real estate consultant. Fancy, you'd think. Except where there weren't enough jobs to suit the influx of people like him. The infamous supply being more than the demand. Except the little shop, which he rented, Akin had nowhere else to spend his day. Thriving was one word to describe the Bankoles. And Ola was just about right, to fit in. He looked back one last time, as if finally coming to terms of where he really was. With the flashy billboard illuminating a pepsi advert. And the harmonious singing of the nearby pepper seller twins. This scenery struck a memory in his head. Him and Obi, his neighbor best friend, dancing in nothing but their pants and rolling tires by the side of the road. It was so fun then, that they'd be quick to throw off their uniforms and head out, playing in the sands but not too much, they were continually reminded that they were just inches apart from the road. And the manic vehicle owners. Those were the prime days to him, and the only good from this place which he took to Houston. But now, he was back. He shut his eyes, looking forward. And then opened it to his father by the door. "Come on, Olamide. You're home now" He grinned wide enough to reveal his set of teeth. And he nodded, a bit of his anxiety revealed as he walked through the doors to his mother with wide arms. She stopped, also with a smile. "Olamide" She walked to him, unable to contain her excitement from her airport. She had on a ridiculous style of gele, a headwear which she tied. She threw it off capriciously to the dinner table and ran to Ola. Literally. His bags fell as her hands went into his hair. His thick brown hair. "You need to get a haircut, first thing tomorrow. Clean, and smart. Before i show you off the neighbors" She squealed and he resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "And the photo" She said. "Mum" Was the first word he said. "What? Can't a mother be happy?" She threw questions at him as she looked to Ola. "The prodigal son has indeed returned" Mary smiled with her arms gestured out

contin