BIRNIN SARAUNIYA

About this Novel

Indeed, change is desperately needed, especially considering the recent surge in violence. The hot wind blows down the main street as I stand there, perspiring despite the weather. I can't help but sweat, especially considering the misfortune I had earlier while tending to the Marmarin products I sell on the roadside. A sorry tree provides some shelter, but it doesn't stop the sweat from pouring out like water. Half of my merchandise has been ruined, particularly the bananas, which are now nothing more than a mushy mess. Some water splashed from the burst fruit bags, adding to my misery. This was the state of affairs since the morning, as my vendor neighbor informed me. In the morning, a powerful gust of wind had caused a large tree branch to snap and fall onto my table. Oranges were sent rolling onto the road, and the cars mercilessly trampled the bananas. I rinsed the salvageable produce and segregated the good from the damaged. What troubles me the most is that despite the day passing by, I've barely made forty naira. It's as though I'm going backwards.