September Shortlist

The dead enjoy so much honour in my town, especially on the day of interment of their bodies. Undertakers carry the caskets housing their corpses and take captivating dance steps that defy the solemnity of funerals. Family members wear uniform…

Papa sold the Sony TV, then his Yamaha motorcycle. Papa and Mama talked about things they could sell during dinner. Mama left for work the next day with her box of trinkets and lace materials in a shopping bag. Uncle…

We crossed the river on the 5th November. We ran and ran. We hid in the trees. We hid in the rocks. We hid in the water. We hid in the oil. Soon all we were, were slivers of black…

I pick up shards of mama's beautiful vase—each covered in warm blood. My ribs still burn from how hard Uncle kicked me. Mama will wash the shards and sell each piece to the local blacksmith. With the money, we will…

“Allah we thank you for this food, bless my husband continually… amen.” The rest of the family responded, “Amen.” Aisha always enjoyed times when her husband would request for her to make his food, it was a luxury, not all…