Thought of Sen. Madu running out of energy struck in his mind. He could imagine him squatting out of fatigue and hunger after the gym. He could sense a handsome, smart boy taking his place at the gym. In a moment of outburst he said,“I don’t like ba…” He held his breath. He wanted to call Sen. Madu baby. He meant to say I don’t like baby leaving for the gym without breakfast. He held his breath and locked eyes with Aku as the fear that captured him soured the salmon in his mouth.

“What is ba?” Aku asked, as quietness roamed around them.

“I meant to say baba. I...