Chapter 5

Bayo stood at the front of the house, watching as his sister and the two girls walked down the street. As they disappeared around the corner, he let out a deep sigh. The feeling of unsettledness could be sensed. He turned and walked inside, closing the door behind him. Having closed the door, he entered the kitchen to prepare dinner before the girls returned. He rolled up his sleeves and got to work.

Bayo began by gathering the necessary ingredients from the refrigerator. He stood in front of a stove, ready to cook a delicious pot of Jollof rice. He was focused and determined, with a passion for creating a sapid and aromatic dish. He started by placing a large pot on the stove, adjusting the heat to medium-high. As the pot heated up, he poured in a generous amount of vegetable oil, allowing it to heat up and shimmer. Next, he added finely chopped onions, stirring them until they turned translucent and slightly golden. The sizzling sound filled the kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere. With precision, he added minced garlic and ginger, infusing the oil with their fragrant aroma. The tantalizing scent filled the air, making mouths water in anticipation. He poured in a can of tomato paste, stirring it into the mixture until it blended seamlessly with the onions, garlic, and ginger. The vibrant red color started to develop, promising a rich and flavorful Jollof rice. To enhance the taste, he sprinkled in a variety of spices, including thyme, curry powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat. The spices danced in the pot, creating a symphony of flavors. With a satisfied smile, he poured in the washed and drained rice, stirring it gently to coat each grain with the tomato base. The rice absorbed the flavors, eagerly awaiting the next step.

He carefully measured water, adding it to the pot, ensuring that it covered the rice by about an inch. The steam rose, carrying the tantalizing aroma throughout the kitchen. Lowering the heat to medium-low, he covered the pot with a tight-fitting lid, allowing the rice to simmer and cook slowly. After about a while, he remove the lid, revealing a pot of beautifully cooked Jollof rice.

The colors of the dish were a feast for the eyes, and Bayo couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in his cooking skills.

He glanced at the clock on the wall and figured it was getting late.

'5 minutes to 10? They should have been back by now.' said Bayo who was still staring at the wall clock. He brushed his forehead with the back of his palm, cleaning the beads of perspiration it hosted. Convinced that dinner was ready, he extinguished the fire from the stove by sprinkling water with his hands. As he was doing this, he heard the creaked sound of the door. It was as if someone was opening it.

'Who's there?' Bayo asked in a stentorian voice but got no response.

He cautiously walked towards the living room with a knife in his right hand. His heart pounded with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. As he entered the room, he scanned the area, trying to make sense of what he just witnessed. The door was wide open, gently swaying back and forth, but there was no sign of anyone or anything out of the ordinary.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts. Perhaps it was just a gust of wind that caused the door to open but he was sure It was locked. Nevertheless, a sense of unease lingered in the air, urging him to investigate further. He carefully examined the surroundings, searching for any clues or indications of someone's presence. The room appeared undisturbed, with everything in its rightful place. The silence amplified his growing uneasiness, making him question his own senses.

Deciding to trust his instincts, he proceeded to check the rest of the house, methodically moving from room to room. Each empty space he encountered only deepened the mystery, leaving him perplexed and on edge. There were no signs of forced entry or any indication that someone else had been there. The house remained empty, and the open door remains the only anomaly. He closed it firmly, making sure it is securely shut this time. With a sigh, he tried to shake off the lingering unease, attributing it to his imagination playing tricks on him.

Suddenly, he heard a crash sounds of plates in the kitchen. He made a sharp turn and there was a blackout. Darkness became the host of the house and Bayo's heart raced speedily. He wondered why power supply was interrupted at that moment when a creepy creature could have walked in. He could have sweared for PHCN but he knew there was no time for that. He had to quickly look for a way to subjugate the dark by lighting up the room.

He held the knife tightly in his right hand as he moved slowly and carefully about the room without hitting his legs against anything. He was familiar with the house and he seemed to recognize everything even in the dark.

Fortunately, he sighted what seemed to be a lamp and grabbed it. He sighed deeply and pressed the power button, making a quick turn to see if anyone was behind him. Having figured no one was there, he walked towards the kitchen. As he was about taking the next step, he could feel someone standing behind him. Slowly, he spun around, chaking in fear with the lamp held high. And there, standing before him, was a figure dressed in a red, fur-trimmed coat and pants, resembling Santa Claus' iconic suit.

Bayo's hand shook in fear like someone who had been electrocuted. His eyes widened in teror as he stared at the stranger, his mind racing with fear.

'Santa Claws?' Bayo asked in a shaky tone.

The figure raised up his head, revealing a mysterious and intriguing presence. As the head came into view, it became apparent that the figure was wearing a mask, adding an air of secrecy and intrigue. The figure locked eyes with Bayo and uttered coldly,

'Hello Bayo!'