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January 17
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2024-10-29 19:42:56To be honest, I had no idea that today was going to end up the way it did. I just had no idea why Goodness preferred staying at home when he could go out there, do something crazy, get caught and run away until he could no longer run again. Though Goodness never complained, I understood perfectly well that he was a loner like Uncle Max.
Today, I watched as Goodness loosened his tie and unbuttoned his shirt absent-mindedly as if he was preparing for a big party outside of town. I cleared my throat to get his attention. He acted as if he didn't hear me.
"You are going to a special party?" I asked aloud. I watched as he flinched and moaned like a woman facing her heat period. His eyes refused to meet my eyes. He didn't want to answer me when he was struggling to fix his tie properly. "Look at me, Goodness. Tell me where you are going this evening. I would like to know," I said.
After some time, he muttered. "I am going somewhere."
"I am sorry, Goodness
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Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger January 26
Today was another Sunday that Uncle Max persuaded me to follow him to church. Of course, I agreed to go with him, hoping that I would find solace in the midst of godly people.The church service was the usual boring long talk of a vicar with the selfish interest to extort money from the congregation by using enchanting words that played bitterly with the heart. I wasn't touched by the vicar's words at all.Offering time came. Godly people formed two to three straight lines and marched in uniform as they walked towards the vicar. I was far behind them, sitting alone in the back seat with folded hands. I was sitting on a pew.Having spent more time talking to Uncle Max who was trying to convince me to ignore all the things I have heard about God, I felt exhausted.In silence, I and Uncle Max sat. For seconds that slowly turned to minutes, I stole glances at a godly woman who passed our pew. She was not adorable in her black skirt and brown shirt
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger January 28
Thinking about two days ago is like opening a pathway to a place that you don't want to be discovered. The approach to the threshold of the imagined building is like plucking nests from trees without a reasonable purpose.For most of the times when I have placed Uncle Max in a difficult situation where he can't do anything but succumb to my will, I feel like I am to be blamed for all of it. Uncle Max can be authoritative sometimes but he respects my decision on a lot of issues. I appreciate him for doing that. I know that I have to do something to make him know that I am grateful for everything he has done for me. But what can I do? Tell me! I am listening!
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger February 1
The first day of the month always brings a special kind of relief. The relief that comes with knowing that you are starting a new month again. February is known for a lot of wonderful things. It has Valentine's day on the fourteenth day. It also debates on whether to extend its days to twenty-nine days or stay twenty-eight days for a while longer. I am going to do something awesome today. I am going to tell you a childhood dream that I had when I was young and played happily in the rain. It is about a flower. A special flower. It is about a Rose flower. A Rose is a red flower with the joy of two or three playful babies. It has a simple birth and a simple death. You plant it and watch it grow; and when your greed is matured enough, you pluck it. Rose was my first love. It happened when I was thirteen, when i sang Christmas songs and kicked every weed that came on my way. Her lovely charm lifted my first year of teenage hood and turned it into an unforgettable fun. Her body was an irre
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger February 3
When Mark Twain said that kindness is the language the dead can hear and the blind can see, I guess he was thinking about something so deep in his mind that he had to express the importance of being human. The necessity of being kind.Today I visited Katy. I choose to miss school because I was sick. I wasn't really sick to the extent where I couldn't move my legs from one place to another. I was just sick to the extent that I was unable to drive my whole body to school.Katy's room was lovely. She had her cylindrical music box turned up to its highest volume as she blasted some trending songs. She smiled as I reminded her of the night we spent together with Delaney. I know she wasn't really happy with Delaney joining us even though she didn't say it.There is something I have been noticing these days and I think it may be true about me. Whenever I am around Katy, I think better because her voice soothes my eardrums and makes me feel alive. But today, even when s
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger February 5
I 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
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."
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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
