Writers 
INTRODUCTION
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I end up asking a lot of questions and answers are not forth coming. I’m sure eventually I’ll get them. Everything happens for a reason, right?
My body holds much marks, each represent my pain. The road is thin, it borders are firm. I can barely make it through to the other side. Each step is treacherous and the scars tells my story. Love hurt so bad that my heart, my home my happiness is torn into pieces.
Picking each piece is more painful, for many are scattered in the wind and many are grounded to ashes. Picking each piece is impossible. The little piece I hold on to isn’t enough to make my heart, home and happiness whole again.
I can’t do this on my own. Fix me JESUS, fix me.
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ACT 3
Scene 1
February29th, 1996
A street in Lagos mainland
(Uyai’s apartment at green gate)
{Entered Uyai and Ubong}
{Ubong returns home a little tipsy, but feeling happy because of the bet he won}
UYAI
(Feeling a little tired after spending much time in the kitchen preparing her husband’s favorite) I wish I could sleep a little before my husband returns. (Sighing) God help me if I don’t hear him knocking and open immediately when he returns.
(Ubong whistling outside)
Oh, thank God he’s here already.
(She opens the door)
UBONG
Out of my way woman
UYAI
You are welcome my husband
UBONG
Hmm, welcome indeed. You are lucky I’m in a good mood. I’m hungry. Men udia mi sok
[Interpretation: bring my food to me]
UYAI
Ok, my husband. I made your favorite.
(She goes into the kitchen and returns almost immediately with his food)
Ebe mi, I made pounded yam and afang soup with enough cow leg, pumu and stock fish just as you like it
[Interpretation: my husband]
UBONG
(Opening the food)
What rubbish, who told you I want to eat this nonsense? Is this the goat meat pepper soup I requested, eh?
UYAI
My husband, I’m sorry, just that you didn’t tell me you—
UBONG
Shut up, and you are still talking (throwing the food on the floor)
UYAI
(Kneeling besides her husband, holding his right leg) Ebe mi, mbok, I forgot. I forgot you told me you wanted Goat met pepper soup. Please I will prepare it for you tomorrow. Please don’t be angry.
[Interpretation: my husband please]
UBONG
Let go of me, ndisime awan. (pushing her hard, that she hit her tummy on the floor.)
[Interpretation: foolish woman]
UYAI
Ahhhhh!!! (Letting out a loud shout)
UBONG
(He stood over her, shocked. His eyes widened along with his mouth, just as it witnessed his wife on the floor in a pool of blood)
(Neighbors knocking)
I’m finished. (Rushing to open the door) neighbors please help me
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
(Looking behind Ubong to see who is lying on the floor) ahh, shabi I talk am. That shout way I hear different from the shout way I dey always hear (facing Tony) Irú oko òsì wo ni eléyi? (Then gazing back at ubong) I talk am say one day you go kill this your wife. That day don come.
[Interpretation:I said it. That shout I heard is different from the kind I hear every other day. What kind of a useless husband is this? I said it that one day you will kill this wife of yours and that day is today]
UBONG
I know you blame me. Please, help me. Let me take her to the hospital (realizing what he has done, he breaks down in tears).
[Exit]
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ACT 3
Scene 2
A street in Lagos mainland
(ST John Clinic)
{Entered Doctor Faith and Ubong}
{The Doctor comes out from the ward}
UBONG
Doctor, please how is she? don't tell me I lost her, please Doctor, how is she?
DOCTOR FAITH
Mr. Udoh can I see you in my office please?
UBONG
Ok ma
(Both enters Mrs. Faith office)
DOCTOR FAITH
Please, sit.
UBONG
(sitting) Ma, please how is she?
DOCTOR FAITH
Well, we thank God that the damage didn't cost her her life. But it did cost her something that both of you would have loved and cherished.
UBONG
My God , Doctor what is it please tell me
DOCTOR FAITH
There is a possibility that your wife fell very hard on her stomach and her blood pressure is ridiculously high. She's only in her early 20s, how is it possible that she's suffering from BP that high? Is she thinking too much or overly stressed out?
UBONG
(sighing) I know Doctor, it's kind of my fault but tell me, what happened to my wife? What did we lose?
DOCTOR FAITH
Did you know that you wife was almost two month pregnant?
UBONG
What! Doctor! I didn't know. (His eyes overwhelmed with shock)
DOCTOR FAITH
Well, she lost it due to the fall.
UBONG
(Crying) ahh!. Doctor please can I see her?
DOCTOR FAITH
No you can't. Your wife is sleeping and she really needs the rest. You can come back in the evening to see her but; we will be admitting her tonight. Will that be ok?
UBONG
(Coming back to his senses) yes, yes it will.
DOCTOR FAITH
Ok. If you will excuse me, I need to get back to work
UBONG
Ok ma, thank you ma.
(Leaves the office and pacing the waiting room soliloquising)
Kai God, which kind wahala be this eh? Shebi I for chop that food? Ahhh! Afterall God know say I no tell am say I wan chop pepper soup oo, na trouble I just dey find and now shey I don see am? See how I use my hand pour sand sand inside my garri, pikin way I dey find I use my hand kill am. Ah God watin I go do? I gree say na punish you wan just punish me because the money wey I make na e I go use take pay for accident wey I cause. Na wa oo God. Why she no tell me say she carry belle? How I wan take face Uyai na. and that her ye ye friend, Toyin? The worst na make her sister, Ime, hear. That one no go let me drink water drop cup, even as I know say she no too like Uyai, na me she hate pass and she no go like make anything happen to Uyai. Watin I go do?
[Interpretation: My God, what kind of problem is this? I could have eaten that food, God knows I didn't tell her I wanted pepper soup I was just looking for her trouble and now I've seen it. I've use my hand to destroy the child I wanted. God what will I do? I understand you just want to punish me, because the money I earn, I use it to pay for the accident I cause. My God, why didn't she tell me she was pregnant? How will I face her now? and her stupid friend, Toyin. And the worst of them all is if Ime, Uyai's sister get to hear, I won't hear the last of it. I know she dislike Uyai, but he hate me more. She wouldn't like anything to happen to her sister]
[Exit]
{Enter Uyai, Ime and Toyin}
(The evening of the same day in the Clinic)
IME
I told you that you should leave Ubong but you are too stubborn to listen.
UYAI
Eyen eka mi, you know the circumstance surrounding my marriage.
[Interpretation: my sister]
IME
(Raising her voice in annoyance) What circumstance, ehh? Yes, daddy used you to pay off his debt but dad is dead. Or he's as good as dead.You can leave if you want too.
If I remember correctly, you are not legally married to this husband of yours the only payment he did on your head was the money dad owed him and no paper was signed. Why can't you be smart for once and use this your head. You are beautiful and you are young. Guys will crawl for you to be theirs and they will be willing to cherish you. Why can't you put yourself out of this misery and leave this good for nothing man? Now see what he has done to you, he has turned you into an old woman, that you are already having High BP. Uyai, this is one. The next is early death for you.
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Ahh, Olórun Máje
[Interpretation: God forbid]
UYAI
Ime, I hear you. Yes maybe I'm lagging but Ubong is still my husband. I Know I might not be using my head but I love him.
(Toyin shaking her head continuously)
IME
Ahh, your road is far but it's your road. I can't make that Journey for you.
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Uyai, pele. Olórun ló mo èyí tí ó dájú
[Interpretation: Uyai, sorry. God knows best]
UYAI
Thank you my friend. Thank you for being with me today. And you too Ime, my heart rejoice seeing you here. How is the family?
IME
We thank God. Sam is fine; he traveled to Ghana for business, leaving me with the four stubborn boys to care for. You should come and see them at least. Take it as a break from your husband.
UYAI
Thank you Ime. I will definitely do that.
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Uyai, this is for you. Ubong dropped this for you.
UYAI
Ubong was here?
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Yes he...
IME
Useless man, I gave him just a piece of my mind. He should better pray I don't see him again because I will give him the whole of my mind .
UYAI
Ime....
(all laughing)
It's been a while I haven't heard from Eno and Idara. How are they?
IME
Hmm (sighing) those your two stupid sisters are really something
UYAI
Why, what happened?
IME
Well, Eno is now HIV positive and as for Idara, she died in an accident on her way to Kogi state to see Austin, her secret boyfriend. If not that I saw one of the letters he sent her, I wouldn't have known who he was.
UYAI
This can't be true
IME
Oh it is. You better believe it and don't think about it. You need to eat
(collecting the food from Toyin)
UYAI
This news is...(interrupted)
{Enter Edidiong and Utibe}
TOGETHER
Good Evening aunty Ime, Mrs. Afolabi.
IME AND MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Evening.
IME
How are your parents?
TOGETHER
They are fine, thank you
EDIDIONG
Uyai, we heard what happened. I hope you are fine now?
UYAI
I'm better now thanks.
UTIBE
The lord is your strength, ok?
UYAI
Amen
[Exit]
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ACT 3
Scene 3
A street in Lagos mainland
(ST John Clinic)
{Uyai is alone in her room thinking about the sad new she heard from the nurse and her sister. While two nurses are standing in front her ward}
UYAI
(Singing sorrowfully)
♪Fix me Jesus,
Fix me
Oh, oh fix me
Oh, oh fix me
Oh, oh fix me
Fix me Jesus
Fix me.
Fix me for my home on high
Fix me Jesus, fix me
Fix me further by and by
Fix me Jesus, fix me
Fix me for my starry crown
Fix me Jesus, fix me
Fix me for a higher ground
Fix me Jesus, fix me
Oh, oh fix me
Oh, oh fix me
Oh, oh fix me
Fix me Jesus fix me
Fix me Jesus, oh, fix me.♪
Fix my home Lord
NURSE 1
(Tapping nurse 2) Hey, what are you doing here? Were you not asked to check if she’ll need anything?
NURSE 2
Hmm, my sister. I was about knocking when I heard her singing. She has the most amazing voice and the lyric says a lot. It melted my heart and I just froze. Trust me if you had listen to it, you would feel the same way. There are so much pain cuffed to that song
NURSE 1
Eyaa. She had so much visitors today. She haven’t had the time to mourn her loss. I guess now that everyone has gone, she just want some quiet time
NURSE 2
Yeah. A quiet time to talk to God. Just listen.
(they are both eavesdropping on Uyai’s door)
UYAI
(Praying loud and crying at the same time)
…Father I praise and thank you for life and comfort. You alone know why my baby had to be with you but thank you. You have kept me alive means that there is hope for me. Father my heart is heavy but because I believe in you so, I will not say that my very existence is cursed. Father I bring my pain to your feet. Take it from me. As for my husband, father, have mercy on him Lord. Forgive him. I know he didn’t mean to hurt me. Father,comfort him, for I know he is grieving.
O Lord according to your word in psalm 55 verse 1 and 2, Give hear to my prayer, o God; and hide not thyself from my supplication. Attend unto me, and hear me: I morn in my complaint and make a noise
And according to your word psalm 61 verse 1 and 2, hear my cry o God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than i.
Lord that day is today o Lord. Give hear to my prayer and attend to them Lord. Please Daddy. I can’t move without you...
(Crying almost quietly)
(Singing a hymn in tears)
♪Spirit divine, attend our prayers
And make this house thy home
Descend with all thy gracious powers;
O come, Great Spirit, come!♪
Fix my home,o Lord. My home is like a shattered glass. Only you can do what no man can do. Many have told me to give up, to leave my marriage. But I have hope and I know it is well. Lord,fix my home...
NURSE 1
Ah, I now understand what you mean. This lady is going through a lot. Listen to how hard she’s crying. I pray things work out for her.
NURSE 2
Amen oo. Let’s go. Maybe we’ll check back later
NURSE 1
Yeah.
[Exit]
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ACT 3
Scene 4
A street in Lagos mainland
(ST John Clinic)
UYAI
Toyin, why are you the one taking me home? Where is my husband?
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
He’s not here?
UYAI
What do you mean?
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Since I went home yesterday, I have not set my eyes on your husband. I assumed he ran away to avoid your sister with the hope that he will be here today. I only decided to come just in case he’s not here.
UYAI
And he’s not here. Thank you Toyin for coming.
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Ah, you are welcome Uyai, anything for you. Hope you are set?
UYAI
Yes I am
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Ok.
[Exit]
{At Ayo’s house}
(Entered Ayo and Ubong)
AYO
(Hears a knock on his door) who is it?
UBONG
Guy, na me abeg open.
[Interpretation:It’s me, please open the door]
AYO
(Opens the door)
(Surprised) O boy, how far na? You reach my house today, thank God oo. Abeg enter.
[Interpretation: My friend, how are you? You came to my house today, thank God. Please come in]
UBONG
Thank you.
AYO
Please sit. Why are you shaking? You look like someone who has not slept for days. I hope no problem?
UBONG
If I tell you there is no problem, I will be lying.
AYO
So, what is the problem?
UBONG
I did something really bad
AYO
What did you do, Ubong?
UBONG
I, (shaking his head). I landed my wife in the hospital
AYO
What!
UBONG
I know. I feel so stupid and scared at the same time.
AYO
O! what you should feel is something beyond stupid, so what those men said in the bar was true and I try so hard not to believe it
UBONG
Men? What men?
AYO
O please, you are in no position to ask question. So, what did you do to her this time, hmm? Did you just beat her as usual or beat her to death?
UBONG
Ah Ayo, do you have to put it that way?
AYO
What? You want me to be nice about it? Will you please cut the chase and answer my question?
UBONG
Emm, something like that (still shaky)
AYO
What! Uyai is dead?
UBONG
You had to go with that option
AYO
I don’t get it. Are you trying to be funny? This is a serious issue and you are trying to be funny?
UBONG
That wasn’t my intention. I’m sorry. I didn’t kill Uyai. but, (burst into tears whilst trying to be strong). But I killed our unborn baby.
AYO
Ho...w, how come?
UBONG
I didn’t know she was pregnant, she didn’t tell me. I mean how could she have? I never gave her a reason to trust me (cleaning the tears from his chin)
AYO
(Exhaling), it is a bad news indeed. Why don’t you go apologize to your wife?
UBONG
I will but not now. I don’t know how to face her yet
AYO
I don’t know why you treat her the way you do but i hope you sort that out. You can stay here for a while.
UBONG
Thank you so much
AYO
Don’t get too comfortable I will chase you out soon (laughing) come on. Make we go mama bisi canteen make we go chop confirm Amaala and better ewedu soup. Abi how you see am na?
[Interpretation: Let us go to Bisi mother's canteen so we can eat delicious Amaala with ewedu soup. What do you think?]
UBONG
Thanks bro.
[Exit]
