Summary

This story is told from 39-year-old Ben's point of view, reflecting back 30 years to an important time in his life. In Chapter 1, nine-year-old Ben introduced himself and his family -- his mom, dad, three older brothers, and a younger brother and baby sister -- and gave insight into his Nigerian family. At the beginning of the chapter, Ben's parents were keeping a secret, one that he and his brothers dared not question. They kept the secret from Friday night to Monday morning, when Father announced to them that he was moving from Akure to Yola that day. His employer, the Central Bank of Nigeria, transferred him there. The family would not make the move with him because of intense fighting and civil unrest. Ben's mother was not happy about the move because she was left to care for six children alone while operating...