muscles from the labor, but in no time, I was washed and at my desk. I gave the girl some money and told her to go back home. I was too cool. At first, I hoped it was shock. But I stayed cool. Even now, I feel the same way. And because I know I can do that . . .
—Sometimes that is what it is like.
—I don’t think so.
—But we still want you back.
—We?
—Yes, the church.
—Oh, Pastor, I believe I have backslidden too far.
—It is never too late.
—Ma, it is late, we should go now.
—Yes, Kwaku, get the baskets.
—I can give you a lift down to the junction.
—You see that boy? That is why I have not tried to go back. The problem with the woman officer is that unless she can find a wife, her family will suffer. I do not have a wife. You have a wife, I know. You look satisfied. That night, while I sat there waiting for morning, I started to wonder where my boy was. He was sleeping, I thought. But I did not know for sure. We make these connections. I knew I could not continue. I did not want another officer to be slicing off another young man’s penis and wondering where his mother is. I did not even bother to wake him up . . .
—Ah! There it is again. Look!
—Yes, yes. Oh. It is very big tonight.
—Look how the place is shining. My goodness.
—It is beautiful.
—It is.
After “Advantage” by Colin Channer, from Providential (Akashic Books, 2015)
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