We had just concluded rehearsal on a Saturday and I was walking home alone. The time was about 9:30PM. There was power outage so most part of the street was dark. Then, two boys accosted me.

“Hello,” they greeted me. I could discern an overtone of unfriendliness in their voice but I chose to ignore that.

“Hello. How may I help you?” I asked scanning their faces.

“This is the way you will help us,” one of the boys answered.

Almost immediately, two hot slaps landed on my chick simultaneously and I staggered. The other boy quickly carried a heavy stone which I suspected was used to wedge a car, landed it on my head and I blanked out.

Later, I saw myself in strange environment. Few of our church members were around. Lawson was sitting on a bed holding my hand. As soon as I opened my eyes, Lawson signaled someone to call the doctor. The doctor came in few minutes later to examine to me. Afterwards, he instructed that I should not be disturbed and left.

Vera was at a corner sobbing. Then she began to lay curses on Justine.

“Justine it will never be well with you. You are heartless. God will reward you.”

Paul, our church member was casting glances at Vera. I could guess that he was not comfortable with the way she was openly accusing Justine.

“Are we really sure that Justine is responsible for this act? You need to be careful how you accuse him. At least he is presumed to be innocent until it is proven otherwise,” Paul cautioned Vera.

“Who else could coordinate this kind of attack if not Justine? Is it you?” Vera asked Paul.

“God forbid that I should think of such thing not to talk of executing it,” Paul responded.

“Please permit me to ask you a question and I want you to answer me sincerely. Since Kingsley joined our church, who has been persecuting him?”

“It is Justine,” Paul answered.

“Oh oo. So you know? Anyway, my consolation is that he will reap what he sowed. Is there any normal person, who would see Kingsley and not like him? Kingsley is God fearing, easy going, talented and yet humble. But Justine has vowed that my brother will not drink water and drop the cup in peace. A child that says his mother would not sleep; let’s see how that child would sleep.”

As she said that, murmur of suppressed anger filled the hospital ward.

Since I regained consciousness, Lawson has been watching me with sadness written on his face. I felt I should do something to lighten up the atmosphere.

“It is well with me,” I said with smiles.

“Easy bros, the doctor said that you should not stress yourself,” Lawson cautioned.

“The doctor never said that I should turn to a deaf and dumb,” I replied and that attracted some rounds of laughter.

“I know. Just take it easy,” Lawson insisted.

“I am taking it easy. The only stress I have is that frown on your face.”

As I said that, he let out a dry smile.

All the while I and Lawson were talking, Paul focused his attention on us. It appeared he was itching to say something.

“Paul you’ve been studying me, what is on your mind?”

“I’ve been wondering what could make someone to attack you,” He answered me.

On hearing that, I laughed bitterly. Then, I told Paul that all children of God have a common enemy, which is the devil. He can move anybody against a child of God, even when offence has not occurred.