Chapter Twenty-One

 'You still know your bible. Well, since you still know that portion of the holy book, I guess there is nothing wrong with eating grass like cattle.' 

 'My only sin is the sin of rigging elections and corruption. I didn't disobey GOD rather I did what everyone does. Since GOD didn't punish me for it, why should I punish myself by eating grass? Okay, let's assume that I accepted to eat grass to save the world from the climate breakdown, which I don't even know the colour of. What about the idea of rich people reducing the way we fly? How do we deal with taking a boat instead of an airplane? What about catching a bus and chatting with the poor folks? Can you deal with all that? Honestly, I would only reduce my carbon footprint if GOD tells me to and not when some crazy people who just want to get attention say it.' 

 'We can do nothing except to roll along with the new world. If my constant flying contributes to destroying the world, why should I keep destroying it? If I destroy it all, what joy would I have to rig the election and become the President?'

 'Before 2200, the world will be clean, green and lavished magnificently.' 

 'I have pulled out two hundred million naira to sponsor this project. Election is coming soon. I have to take advantage of this for more votes during the 2023 election.' 

The workers were busy planting trees and clearing out trash. Road construction companies were not left out, even oil companies helped in the movement. It seemed everyone wanted to have a share in this new world. Different species of plants were purchased and planted. From the TV, the President as well as top government officials watched the activities going on in this clean and green project. 

 On the other side, Abinla helped in the field work. Just then, Bola walked up to her and said, 'Are you hungry? I ordered food. Go and grab a bite.'

 'I just have to finish this,' Abinla said without glancing at Bola. 

 'You have worked really hard.'

 'Everyone contributed to making this a success.' Abinla wasn't the type to take credit for what she didn't do alone.

 Bola knew that Abinla would never want to take food and eat until she was done, so he turned around and walked towards the food he had ordered, took some and walked back to her.

 'I thought you went back to work?' Abinla asked, wiping sweat from her forehead. 

 'I came back for this,' Bola said, showing her the takeaway in his hand. 

Now that Bola brought the food closer to her, Abinla felt hungry. She had been busy since morning and was tired but she never wanted to rest. 

'Thanks.' Abinla accepted the takeaway after so many pleadings from Bola. She sat on the ground, opened the takeaway and took a big bite of her delicious fried rice. She finished the food in less than two minutes and immediately took the apple, Bola handed it to her, finishing it in three bites.

'You look really tired,' Bola said, picking up a bottle of Eva water from a basket, turning open the cap, and passing it to Abinla who drank the water. Bola slowly sat down beside her. 'Abinla, I know you and your classmates hate me because I was very rude.' He looked at Tariebi who was sitting with Mr. Johnson eating, and then, he turned his gaze to Abinla's classmates and finally looked back at Abinla. 'I am sorry about all that I said. Can you forgive me?'