Act three, scene one

Later in the evening, Patrick and other corpers retired to the hotel room. They paid advances, the only factor that warrants their stay. In the room, Patrick thought of putting a call through to his mother. Mama Patrick chatted cheerfully on the phone. To an extent, one can conclude that she is really happy to hear him.

PATRICK: Hello, Nnem.

MAMA PATRICK: (Agitated) How're you, my son?

PATRICK: I am fine, Mama. Hope all is well in Asaba?

MAMA PATRICK: (Sighs) Yes, Patrick. But when will you be back? Or is it service for a lifetime?

PATRICK: No, Ma. Errm.... In six months, the whole flame would be put out.

MAMA PATRICK: I'll be waiting on you. Make sure you take good pictures and take care of yourself, okay?

PATRICK: Mama, so you haven't stopped this picture thing?

MAMA PATRICK: Why will I have to? It is the only receipt that one could show to the world. I will hang them outside in our facade. The whole of Oshimili will congratulate me.

PATRICK: (Jerks) All good, Mama. I will do so through the Lord that strengthens me.

MAMA PATRICK: Better and don't forget to pray regularly ehn? Good night, boy.

[Phone conversation ends]

A call to Abdullah and Joy would do, he thought. Operational errors occurred in the process - on the trot with the bad network coverage in some parts of Nigeria. Well, the call went through in record time.

PATRICK: Hello, Abdullah. How do you do, my Aboki?

ABDULLAH: (In Hausa's accent) Hey, Patrick. I'm good as always. What about you?

PATRICK: I'm good too. Wanna talk to Bolatito?

ABDULLAH: Yes. Hand the phone over, please.

PATRICK: (battles with Bola before handing it over) Have it, troublemaker!

BOLATITO: Hey Abdullah! How's the line with you?

ABDULLAH: I'm fine, you know. Do you hear from Abisola or is she somewhere around?

BOLATITO: We're together but she rushed out to get something. Mama is on her time.

JOY: (Rumbles underneath)

ABDULLAH: Let me pretend like I understand what you've said. Anyway, Joy is saying hi.

BOLATITO: Joy, what's up now?

JOY: Nothing much, dearie. Things are going on well enough. We are.........

BOLATITO: (cuts in) See ehn. Teaching is fun here, coupled with all sort of poor intellects.

JOY: Umueze is developing plus we are kind of pleased with the state of things here. Working in the public service can be more fun, you know.

BOLATITO: We will talk later. (Hands over the phone to Patrick)

PATRICK: No qualms, babe. Extend my greetings to Abdullah.

[The cricket wouldn't stop rubbing its wing casing against combs on its hinds legs. Abisola stood for a while at the window, appreciating nature]