There was a Christmas tree at the Second gate. It was placed on a high concrete stand and was high enough to be seen even from the outside of the compound.

Kamsi and Mark travelled to the village on the same day that was the Christmas day. Mark did not make movements like they were going to embark on the trip but Kamsi knew they never celebrated any of the end of the year festivals outside home. She was ready; she packed a box before that day and waited.

It was the night before Christmas when she thought that they would celebrate Christmas in Okigwe that Mark shifted closer to...