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June 4
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2024-10-29 19:42:56I don't have much to say about Henry. If I were to describe him with words, I may end up filling an entire exercise book about him in one day. He is not someone I talk often about but he is important to me as much as Goodness is important to me.
There are days when I think about him and how our friendship would have grown if his parents had not migrated to a different state in Nigeria. There are days when I wish I could have done better in improving our friendship. Did I try? Yes! I did the best I could do to keep us in contact at least.
Henry may not be an important personality in this book but he is one of the few persons in my life that has changed my view of society.
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Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger June 5
"I forgot to ask you about your arrangements with that woman last month. How did it go?" Uncle Max asked this morning before leaving for work."It was good. She understood how I felt about life and she was willing to offer me her childhood experiences even though I didn't ask her for it," I replied with my elbow behind my back.Uncle Max arranged his files inside his bag and informed me that he was going to work."What about Miss Bisi?" I asked before he stepped foot outside his house."She is there," he said without facing back."Are you not planning on apologizing to her?"Uncle Max let go of the door and told me to mind my own business.
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger June 6
"God loves you, Perer," Aunty Matilda visited today with plenty words of encouragement for me."I am not sure about that," I said. "If he loves me as you have claimed, he wouldn't have let my little brother die.""Death is a mystery," Aunty Matilda continued, brushing her fingernails with her other hand."We cannot explain how it happens, it just happens.""Of course. We all know God's reputation, Aunty Matilda," I smiled. "Always making sure that everything happens perfectly for humans.""Well," Aunty Matilda shrugged nonchalantly so as not to appear flattered by my evaluation. "He knows what he is doing compared to all those who doubt his words.""I don't need God in my life," I clarified Aunty Matilda's thoughts about her efforts. "I don't need someone who only shows up after the main event. If God truly exists, he should have done something in my life a long time ago. He should have made me und
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger June 7
I spent the whole of today thinking about the summer rain and the deep blue sky. I wondered if the clouds were still watching over me or if they had lost faith in me. Due to some reasons, Aunty Matilda said we could not go to Lagos until she was sure that everything was placed in its appropriate position in Lagos. She basically postponed our trip to the next day.I thought of Henry today and how long it would take for him to send me a new message. I also thought of Delaney who I was slowly losing interest in. I wanted to know if she was holding up and not spinning around a corner stone. Maybe she was spinning around! Maybe she wasn't! How would I know?
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger June 8
Today, I realized that I have been falling off the cliff only to discover I was still alive when I hit the ground. If only I could learn to not think too much. If only I could learn to live with death.Between the man with an Arsenal jersey, using every gallop pass to mistakenly slap a man's clean-shaven head, and the fair lady with an Irish lipstick, using every moment to flash her selling point, I sat on a bus headed to Lagos, wondering if the sole of Aunty Matilda's shoe is the reason why she feel a certain discomfort.
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger June 9
The trip to Lagos was awesome! Aunty Matilda made sure I didn't miss out in any of the activities she considered as an adventure. Although we planned to use a bus from Enugu to Lagos, we had a change of plans when Aunty Matilda told me that we had to stop at a park because her friend had sent a driver to ensure that we come to Lagos without experiencing any difficulty. Because of the change of plans, a trip that was supposed to last for one day, turned to two days. It felt great to be spending some time with a woman who had devoted her life to the work of God. After some hours of non-stop driving, Aunty Matilda told the driver to stop us at a restaurant so we could get something to eat.The driver pulled the car to the curb and killed the engine. Aunty Matilda opened the door and told me to step out. I obeyed and got out through the other door that was close to me. The driver was still sitting in the driver's seat when Aunty Matilda was done adjusting her skirt. There wa
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger June 10
I was silent and did not speak again until Aunty Matilda's friend looked at me. I closed my eyes."Perer, your aunty said that you are a good boy. And if you remain a good boy, I will be a good friend to you. And any time you see me or my husband passing close to you, don't forget to greet. When a boy doesn't live up to expectations, he must be scolded. Your aunty believes in you as much as I believe in you but you must prove yourself if you want me to trust you. The job in getting people to have faith in you is making them believe in what life has turned you into, making them believe that even if people may say terrible stuffs about you, you can prove all of them wrong. Do you understand all I am saying?""Yes, ma!" I said."Good," Mrs. Udo smiled. "I have been given the responsibility to take care of you and if I must do it successfully then I must teach you some important things about life.""I understand what you have to do. If I must live in your house t
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger June 11
Perhaps I was feeling different today as I got up from bed. Perhaps I was feeling both weightless and full to the brim at the same time, and I needed someone to talk to about it. I can't describe how I was feeling this morning especially after hearing all Mrs. Udo had to say about her son yesterday."I have known many people in my life who have dreamt of becoming famous with a rock band. I know some rock bands that has not made its members rich, but at least when they travel to Moscow, Reykjavik and the USA, they get paid for playing. My son wanted to be a rock star. He loved the guitar and he used to play it for me whenever he came back home," Mrs. Udo said to me this morning."That is great to hear, ma," I replied, not smiling."He wanted to live the life that so many men and women would dream of, as a rock star. I used to tell him that the life of a rock star might not make him happy. I told him he may be led to try drinking and drugs.""Did he live
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger June 13
I was not afraid as I stood in Mrs. Uju presence to tell her about my strange dream, but my lips were trembling and my chest was heaving. I wanted to go back to the dream so I could understand more about the dream and why I was being chased by a street gang that I had nothing to do with. But I knew I couldn't do that. I knew it was safe for me to be in the real world, standing in front of Aunty Matilda's friend and telling her about my experience than running away from a group of people with desires to hurt me."I am running late for work," Mrs. Uju said impatiently. "Do you still want to tell me about your dream?"I nodded."What is stopping you from telling me?""Fear! Terror! I don't know exactly what is stopping me from telling you. Give me some time," I said.I watched as Mrs. Uju relaxed her bones as she waited for me to spill out what had made me to scream by five o'clock. I began my dream by telling her how I found myself in the midst
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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
