Praise asked me to go and steal from a nearby shop as punishment for eating his food and that of my fellow classmates.

I was learning the hard way.

I told myself that I can’t do such. I can’t steal! I have never publicly stolen from a person’s shop, much more that it’s a public big shop. I am a teacher, a whole role model! I can’t afford to be beaten by a mob or shamed in my own street. If I am caught, they will tie me up and call me a thief.

I didn’t go to school that day. I stayed under my blanket, shivering. I decided within myself that whatever be the outcome, I’ll take it like that. I thought, “Maybe it was just a dream. Maybe Praise is just a small boy and he has no real power over me.”

That night, nothing happened at first. I didn’t see myself in that strange red place. I was so happy. “Yes!” I whispered to the dark room. “I have defeated them. The 24 hours have reached and I didn’t achieve the task. I dared them and I won.”

I fell into a very deep sleep, feeling like I was finally free.

But the next morning, I woke up with a scream that shook the windows. I looked at my hands and almost fainted. My hands were swollen like big loaves of bread! They were tight, red, and shining. I tried to lift them to touch my face, but I couldn’t move my hands at all. It was as if they were made of heavy lead.

“Help! Somebody help me!” I screamed.

The neighbors heard my voice and rushed into my room. Mama Chichi and Mr. Kola were the first to enter.

“Hannah! What is wrong with you?” Mama Chichi asked, her eyes wide with fear.
“Look at her hands! They are so big!” Mr. Kola shouted. “Did something bite you in the night? Is it a snake?”

I tried to answer them. I wanted to tell them about Praise, about the food, and about the task I refused to do. But to talk was so difficult. My tongue felt heavy and dry in my mouth. I tried to say “Praise,” but it only came out as a groan.

“She can’t even talk!” Mama Chichi cried, rubbing her own hands in worry. “Hannah, speak to us! Should we call a doctor or a pastor?”

I couldn’t say anything. I was just crying. Tears were flowing down my cheeks, but I couldn’t even wipe them away because my hands were useless. I knew this was the “lesson” Praise promised me. I dared a wizard, and now I was paying with my body.

Do you think the neighbors can help Hannah, or is this beyond a doctor’s help?

If Praise can make her hands swell, what else do you think he can do to her?

My Love, as we start this New Story, let’s Iike the Story, please, please , I don’t coIIect anything from anyone, it’s just the Éngagement and Iikes that encourages me.

Deariest, You know what to do right?, I’m talking about those that are just meeting this Facebook page for first time!, you can tap on the foIIow button, so that Facebook Will notify You immediately I drop the Next one, I’m just Saying for those who’ll like to read the Journey of Praise.