STILL WATERS
Yemisi, Iyalode's daughter was just a step above adolescence when she discovered boys. The attention tickled the nape of her neck and filled a hole in her soul that ten-ten could not. Yemisi would cock her small hips dangerously left and dangerously right as she walked on by. She would tilt her nose when strangers whistled 'fine girl', 'look here', refusing to bless the cat callers with her attention while basking in theirs. And would break into songs of laughter when boys like Alani gave her cheap bracelets they bought with money stolen from their mother's purses. It is true that she publicly rebuked Alani when news filtered that he emptied his father's pouch. But Yemisi had such harsh words coming from a mouth dressed in lipstick that Alani bought. Yemisi would lead the boys on with sweet words of endearment, teenage boys who have grown tired of their mother's affection would find shelter in her demure. Her graceful face never ran out of ...