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February 5
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2024-10-29 19:42:56I saw a lot of faces today. Faces that I thought I have not seen in a long time. There were pieces of white chalks all over the class. It was as if someone had bought a whole packet and felt it was best to litter it around the class to prove to our physics teacher that his lessons were no longer worthy to take forty minutes of our time. I am glad that my physics teacher was sick today because I would really hate it if he came to our class only to see it in an unwelcoming state.
The school bell rang when it was break-time not recess, because recess is not commonly used in Nigeria just as we call the final year before tertiary institution as the third year of senior secondary school and not the final year of high school as it is said in America and in a lot of parts in Europe.
To most of us who gets tired of listening to a man talk about Nigerian politics and its upheaval, break-time to us meant liberation. The short period of time between midday and thirty minutes past
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Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger February 7
Goodness dropped by in the evening. He brought some of his notebooks along with him. We had discussed earlier at school that we were going to spend time studying together so we could make good grades together as friends."I forgot to ask you at the beginning of school," I said to Goodness. "What was your position in our class last term.""I took the second position. Slightly behind you."I was shocked but I did not show it. "And what was your average?""Ninety-four point two percent. What was your own average?""Ninety-four point three percent," I said. "A little ahead of yours.""I agree with you.""Do you think we could make a perfect score this term?"Goodness stopped what he was doing and faced me. "No! It can't happen.""Why? Anything is possible as long as we work harder than before.""That is not what I am trying to say. This term is the second term of our final year in secondary school. That is true but un
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger February 10
Everywhere was calm. The rain was slowly coming to an end and I felt at peace with myself. It was drizzling slightly as I crossed the busy road with my school bag. It was the second day of the week and the first working day of the week. I placed my hands on my face as I thought of all the work I had to do before the end of today. I had to make sure that all my notes were complete. I had to do my assignments, copy out figures, and draw diagrams for my biology class presentation. Too much work for me!The lady who sold at the largest bookstore close to our school had a sour expression on her face when I arrived."What can I do for you, young man?" She asked."I would like to have some white cardboard paper, a 5B pencil and an eraser," I replied.The lady's child smiled at me as he watched his mother listen to all I had to say before going inside to get what I wanted."This is everything you asked for," the lady said as she dropped the items that I ha
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger February 14
Today is Valentine's day. A day set aside for lovers to express their affections towards one another. I tried looking for someone to have some fun with today but it turns out that there is no single person in this world that is single and willing to mingle that I know."I am going to take Miss Bisi to a special restaurant," Uncle Max said to me in the morning. "Do you want to come with us?""No! I am fine. Thank you for asking anyway. I will just sit at home and watch TV till it is time to sleep.""Are you sure you will be fine?""Yes I will be. Enjoy yourself."
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger February 16
Sundayy is the only day in the whole week since I resumed school that I get to go out and do whatever I wanted, be whatever I wanted and visit whoever I wanted. I looked at the sky strangely today. The horizon was a peak of clear blue and tufts of white hairs that served as clouds. Shinning gloriously was the sun and you wouldn't think the sun will shine like this, in glittering gold dust and in spears of light as it watched me miss church a third time this month.I watched the grasses. Bright in color and lined up in rows of shinning green covers. Seven years ago, Christle and I used to lie in the grasses at school behind a provision shop whenever it was newly cleared and it was midday. It was always like breathing in a perfume made from heaven, all rolled up in a drop of sunlight and in a bed of greens. Christle and i always had splotches of dark green on our uniforms after we were done but it was worth it. Moving our hands in the grasses as we tried to imitate flying angel
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger February 28
Our last period was over. School had ended. Noise overtook the hallways again, like a cloud of warm fog. Students dashed from one place to another so did adults. The place was like a small camp with soldier ants parading every nook and cranny in search of suitable spots to smuggle their goods. School prefects gathered around the entrance of the school. The gate!Anyone could feel the burning energy radiating from the school prefects bodies. Everyone could feel the energy radiating from my body. Fear and anxiety are two unfortunate brothers with two different mothers."Why are you standing there?" Charles yelled at a junior student. I hope you have not forgotten that Charles was the sports prefect."I will be late for choir practice if I don't get home early," the junior student replied."Do you want our school to be dirty?""I don't want that," the junior student replied."Please go and join them in clearing the grasses."Even if Char
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger March 1
"I know you’re afraid, honey," Mum said to Christle some years ago, “but now that you have your WAEC, you can take some university classes in the evening whenever you are ready. It doesn't matter even if you are yet to be admitted. At least, your senior secondary school certificate will be serving a useful purpose."“University classes? Mum, give me a break. You know I can't do that,” Christle snapped.“Christle, don’t talk to your mother like that! She’s just trying to encourage you to become a better person in the society," Uncle Max scolded. He was spending the holidays with us at that time. It was a day before Christmas.Christle sighed. “I know and I am sorry about everything. I just- I just saw my WAEC results yesterday and everyone is forcing me to take responsibilities I don't want to take."“I’m sorry,” Mum said softly. “I just meant, you know, it would help you meet people.&
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger March 2
I had another weird dream today about a substance called, The Garbage. It was a long dream that I can remember as if I had relieved it several years ago. I was in it. Living it and watching everything unfold in the dream. It all started in a small place where I stood with a girl who was supposedly my best friend. Her name was Leah while my name was Drake.. I am going to narrate how I felt in the dream. Once again, I am going to act differently so I can give meaning to my dream. This is how it began."What is wrong with you? " I asked my best friend Leah. I looked up to see her staring at my wristwatch with concern."What? Oh.. nothing. Just low on The Garbage is all. I will be fine" she still looked concerned but doesn't bring it up. See, The Garbage is an expensive medicine that The Breathers sell to us. The Breathers are kind of like the government. The Garbage is the only way to be happy, without it, we would live in absolute devastation. At least, that's what
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger March 3
Soccer match, homemade fried chicken, a bottle of malt and hot apple cider. I was looking forward to this all day with the hope that I would finally get to give my stomach a treat of a lifetime. I just survived one of the most exciting and stressful hours of my life, and was so relieved to know that it was finally over and it would be a long time before I would go through that amount of stress in my life again. Recently, Tuesday has been my favorite day of the week. It meant no homework, no much classwork, less amount of school periods and no Uncle Max around. Ever since Uncle Max started volunteering at a children center with Miss Bisi a week ago, I have been spending more and more time alone in the house. I had the whole house to myself and I was free to do whatever I wanted.Tuesday meant freedom. It meant the whole wide world to me. It meant jumping from a tall mountain only to realize that you didn't jump at all when you thought that you did. Tuesday was awesome. It was
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Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger About the Author
Chibuzor Victor Obih was born in the southern part of Nigeria. Delta State to be precise. His writing includes essays, poetry and short stories. He likes to play soccer, read, study and above all, write. He is currently a fourth year student of a renowned public university in Nigeria. The University of Port-Harcourt is where he is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger is his second book and his second attempt to explore the beautiful world of a novelist. To stay connected with him and his works, you can follow him on Instagram using the account name, Chibuzor Victor Obih or follow him on Facebook using the account name, Author Chibuzor Victor Obih.
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger August 31
The pathway to heaven is rough. The streets are not tarred. The bells are not ringing. Where is God?Apart from the sound of the water dripping from the tap in the bathroom, I couldn't hear anything. I couldn't even hear my heart beating inside my chest."This is going to be my last attempt," I said to myself.I tried to turn around as I felt the impact of the drug I took. I tried to move my limbs but I couldn't. I closed my eyes and saw myself dying. It was terrible. Then, suddenly, I saw Jesus Christ looking down at me. His feet, white as snow. His hair, colorful as gold. He took my arm and told me to get up."I will give you another chance, Perer," he said."Why?" I asked, confused."Because you deserve it."I didn't know what else to say. I just stood there, shocked. I stood in front of the son of God I had condemned most of my life and I couldn't say anything. All I could think about was my book. The diary I had writt
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger August 26
"The first time I have ever thought of killing myself was in Port-Harcourt. I wanted to make my death quick. Less painful! I wanted to pass any sharp thing through my body and bleed till I was dead. I didn't realize how painful it was until I grew older," I said to the therapist."Where were your parents when you were going through all of this?" The therapist asked."What can I say about my parents," I said, thinking. "Dad stayed with us until he divorced Mum some months ago. Then I was sent to live with my uncle here as if I was the cause of their divorce. Dad was always thinking about life. He constantly joked about God. For your information, Dad hates God. I don't know the exact reason why he hates God, I only know he hates God. Anytime someone mentions the name of God, he gets pissed.""Do you think your Dad's hatred for God is the reason why you hate God too?""I don't think so," I swallowed hard. "My case is different from Dad. I only want answers t
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger August 23
For days, I have been pondering about the meaning of my life and I can tell you that I haven't been gripped by the fear of it even if it is the slightest bit of it. Have you ever been scared of dying and as well feel you are not afraid of living? Only two days did I hear a preacher speak of eternal life and it resounded in my ears for as long as I could remember. It was the first time a person read a bit of my mind without knowing me. Do you think I am slowly turning to God?For so long I have dreamt of Clag and Danny. And for so long I have demanded an answer as to why I was brought to this life, but yet, there haven't been any answers. For some reasons, I reckon, I am but only a roaming lifeless mustard seed enclosed in a showcase and packaged in a nylon called life. To prove my point, think of an empty space with an empty sack lying downwards. Can you imagine that?I left home today to visit Goodness. A newness of
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger August 20
"Thank you for coming today," the therapist said. "I was afraid you wouldn't come because of the way you sounded when you left my office the other day.""Can we continue from where we stopped. As you can see, I am already getting tired of this introductions.""I understand. I understand, Perer."The therapist turned my file to the next page."I thought I would never say this about you but you are an incredibly smart person. You deserve a good life.""Almost everyone does," I replied."Some, more than others. Those who set goals, work very hard, stay out of trouble and complete their education deserve a better life.""Can we get on with this, ma? I am trying hard not to freeze to death.""Are you cold?""No! But I am freezing yo death inside of me.""Give me time."I watched as the woman looked at my file, raised it up, turned it over and placed it back on
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger August 13
"Seven children?" Miss Bisi repeated. "I am sorry, you want us to have seven children.""Yes!" Uncle Max smiled."And you mustn't apologize all the time. It is permitted for couples to share diverse opinions on children. As long as there is love, there is unity.""And you want us to have peace in a home filled with seven children?"Uncle Max didn't mind having lots of children even if it was a dozen because he had spent most of his whole life being alone. The fact that Miss Bisi wanted less than seven kids was not going to change his mind."I was thinking," I interrupted, "with the rate of inflation going on in Nigeria and with the way jobs are getting fewer, how are you guys going to raise seven children in an unstable mixed economy?""God will provide," Uncle Max smiled."Yes! God will provide," Miss Bisi added, supporting his statement. "What is on my mind is not giving birth but being referred to as a married woman. I want people to start
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger August 9
"I want to help you, Perer," the therapist said. "We agreed to meet two days ago. Why did you delay?""I can't answer that, ma. And you can't help me. I am already a lost cause who is swimming on the surface of the earth. My time will come and I will soon die.""I understand," the therapist wrote something down on a book. "Any memories of your childhood you might want to share with me? Since the conversation about the people you care about last time did not lead us anywhere, I thought it would be best if you tell me about your childhood.""There is nothing to talk about in my childhood. It was a moment that has passed. It can't come back again even if I want it to."“Are you happy with the way your life is right now, Perer?”"Happiness is a subjective question, ma. It can mean a lot to a lot of people. Some people are in a relationship not because they are happy about it but because th
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger August 1
My day started almost in a haste. It started with the early morning sun shining in a rush before the rain started falling slowly from the sky. The rain fell like fine sifted unwanted powder thrown from above. I was still in Enugu and I was still at Uncle Max's house, acting with utmost perfection as if everything was alright with me. Not for one single time did Uncle Max wonder if my silence was a new found habit or if it was a cage I had deeply fallen into. The lack of communication that started between us two weeks ago was still growing everyday as if it had an unquenchable hunger that needed to be settled. The lack of communication bothered me as I counted the number of days remaining for the year to end. One hundred and fifty two days!"Miss Bisi is coming today," Uncle Max said as he served me a plate of rice and stew. "She has been asking questions about you and I have been finding lies to tell her. What is really wrong with you, Perer?"I felt my jaw drop but I
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger July 31
I did not talk. I could not talk as I sat on the white plastic chair. The therapist repeated the question, and again, instead of a response, all she got from me was a bland dying stare."Perer, relax. I want you to relax. I hope the plastic chair is comfortable?""Relaxation is not something that I fancy these days. Say what you want to say. I will answer as much as I can answer.""Alright," the therapist wore her glasses. "Perer, it may interest you to be informed that I have read your file over and over again and I still don't understand what your problem is. You said you are not suicidal but yet you are depressed. Do you care to explain what you mean by that statement? I will give you time to think about my question while I go through your file. I have decided to not charge you because I admire your courage to seek help. It is not common for young people of your age to admit they are suicidal. They see it as a crime!"I inhaled softly as I climbed into
