ans arrived

ealed envelope handed over as they climbed in. No one knew the exact destination, only that they w

pass

stra

irts of Epe, where a secluded estate once a colonial gue

e, the morning sun spilling over the h

a, palm trees lining the walkway, a koi pond rippling at the center. But it

still. Too curate

g watched clung to th

frame. She wore comfortable jeans and a long-sleeved blouse, n

l bag and her mother's scarf folded carefully in the outer pocket.

exited the third van. He gave a small smile to the women, th

fol

ate caregiver from Enugu who wore bold lipsti

ier turned trauma nurse, express

ial worker with a guarded s

to care, but to teach the others how to care.

fina

s late 30s who greeted everyone warmly and sat cro

woman appeared-tall, elegant

un

courtyard with a clipb

laced in the lockers behind you. You may keep your one personal object. There is no social

One or two nodd

i con

is not a competition, but you will be chosen. Everything you do-your silence

oked direct

ent. She is a person. Treat her as suc

nged confu

eals are served communally.

stepp

to impress. You ar

ithout ano

, eyes lowered, and motion

etly near the koi pond-the one with a slight limp,

ike had

was already

unfolded slo

ked to clean their rooms and as

iced Baba Kareem struggling with the kettle and gently stepped in. Farouk, quiet

erature, called the food "retreat ration

cover actor) entered the dining room in tears, carrying a broken vase.

her to speak

o help explain

pt the glass and o

s from her pocket. "It's just a vase," sh

a wall, Adunni and Tund

" Adunni whispered. "That'

rue test

the common lounge where three of the candidates sat. She carried

e careful now. You wan

woman ap

her hands with a bow. "Let me car

a cup of water wi

rm. "Did you hurt

ke smile

Life hurt it

lau

ed, "Can't they se

ce at her over the rim of her cup

lean up after dinner. Chika and Cynt

ango tree, disguised, and

it is how they speak to each o

loud knock star

into the common area in tears. "Someone sto

led throug

ns began.

s knew th

s initiated. Each

found" in a corner

alled to

.. I didn't t

, but wounded. Hur

y both step

ht," Joy said. "He doe

lant things. I want to se

and the others. "Let's n

're not defending him because they know him. They

nni said, "we r

t means to be helpless. Let's see w

uarters, Mama Iroko remove

cause that's where the trut