“Jeremy, honestly, ibi like you no make serious about this. We’ve talked about it, but still, no show. Bro, the longer you wait, the stronger the bond becomes, and the more potential there is for some crazy chaos. You need to be honest with Aurelia if you want to break free from this and shun dey cut corners.”

Jeremy sighed as Lincoln ranted over the phone, the frustration evident in his voice. He couldn’t blame him; he’d probably be much more livid if he was in his shoes.

It was Tuesday, and despite the petrifying visit in his house, he still had not told Aurelia what had happened. He had actually prepared to do it the previous night, but she had been busy with some extra work from the accounting firm she was employed with and had been up all night.

After Saturday’s scary episode, she was now sleeping in the boys’ bedroom, with Marcel and Terry still petrified at what they had seen. They didn’t even want to touch the PlayStation, fearing that it might trigger that evil face to return.

As Lincoln raged at Jeremy’s lack of seriousness, however, he had made up his mind. He was going to do it.

Yes, he was still terrified at the possible explosion of rage that would surely occur. But now, what frightened him more was the possibility that this witch would harm Aurelia or the boys. Clearly she had no qualms trapping the boys in their room and giving them a scarring jump scare. It was ridiculous to think she couldn’t go further than that.

And he would never be at peace with himself if anything happened to any of them.

“I’ve said it, and I’ll say it again. The society this witch belongs to are more evil and more powerful than the average witch we pray against in church. These ones carry out their own missions, and the spirits fully back them. This is not something you joke with, Jeremy. It is not!”

Jeremy ran a hand over his head, his expression torn. “I know, Lincoln. I know. I’ve been scared, but chale, I can’t keep avoiding this. I can’t risk losing my family because of my own cowardice. I’m going to get it done. No false promises. It will be done.”

Lincoln had a glimmer of hope in his voice. “Are you serious this time, Jeremy? We can’t afford any more delays ooo.”

Jeremy nodded, determination in his tone. “I am. I’ve made up my mind, Lincoln. Today, I’m going to tell Aurelia the truth, no matter how hard it is. Forget my fears, I’ll do it.”

Lincoln sighed, a mixture of relief and skepticism in his voice as he replied. “I hope you mean it, Jeremy. Because you’ve waited long enough. And this is a matter of urgency. I don’t think you want this witch showing up at your home and terrifying your innocent sons and wife. They don’t deserve that.”

“Mm-hmm,” Jeremy murmured. He had not told Lincoln about Saturday, and truthfully, did not want to. The man was already displeased enough about his lackadaisical behaviour, and hearing that would enrage him even more.

“So please, please, and please again, make sure you do it tonight. If you don’t and anything happens, sorry, but you’ll only have yourself to blame. Let me know when you’ve told her.”

“Alright, no problem.”

Hanging up, Jeremy sighed and stared at his computer screen.

He was right. If he chickened out and kept mute, whatever this witch’s next move would be would be his fault.

“It’s time to get it done,” he declared to himself, getting back to work. “Time to get it done.”

***

“Mr. Provencal! You’re still here?”

“Yes ooo, Mr. Bonsu,” Jeremy confirmed, turning to see his boss leaving the office. It was 6:45 pm, and once he stepped out the door, Jeremy would be the only person left. “Just want to make sure I finish sending all these e-mails and take a few breathers before heading home. Try and beat the traffic too, if possible.”

Mr. Bonsu nodded, a smile on his face. “The life of a head of retail services in a confectionery.”

Jeremy shrugged and grinned. “How we go do am, sir? At least it helps me provide for my amazing wife and kids, so I’m not complaining.”

“That’s all. Well, see you tomorrow. You know where to place the key when you leave, right?”

“Oh yeah, yeah. I’ll definitely do that.”

“Good. Alright, see you.”

Once the door slammed shut, Jeremy let out a loud sigh. He did need to send those e-mails, but he also needed some time to prepare himself for the inevitable.

He got to work, typing furiously for a few minutes as he prepared the e-mails to be sent. Once he was done, he sat back and took a few minutes to breathe.

I need to let her know we need to talk.

Taking a deep breath, he pulled out his phone and dialed Aurelia’s number. As the call connected, he could hear the faint murmur of her laughter on the other end.

“Hey, you, my sexy macho hunk! What’s up?”

“Hey, Aurelia,” Jeremy replied, trying to match the enthusiasm in her tone. “I just wanted to let you know that I’ll be staying a bit late at the office tonight. There’s some last-minute work that needs to be wrapped up.”

Aurelia’s response was light-hearted, “Oh, okay, honey, that’s fine. Take your time kraa. I was actually planning something special for when you get home. You know, a little surprise.”

Jeremy winced inwardly, the contrast between her romantic mood and the serious conversation he needed to have gnawing at him. “Aurie, that sounds great, but umm… there’s something important we need to talk about when I get home. It’s pretty important.”

Her tone shifted to concern. “Is everything okay, Jeremy? You sound serious.”

He hesitated, then sighed. “It’s something I really need to talk to you about. I can’t hide it from you. Let’s talk when I get home, alright?”

Aurelia’s response was cautious. “Ummm… sure, Jeremy. We’ll talk when you get home. Just… please be honest with me, alright.”

“I will,” Jeremy promised, his voice laden with determination. “I love you, Aurelia.”

“I love you too, Jeremy,” she replied, her voice softening. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Sure. See you at home.”

As Jeremy ended the call, a heavy knot of anticipation settled in his stomach. He couldn’t escape the inevitable conversation any longer, and the weight of truth loomed over him like a shadow. He sat back in his seat, taking a few more breaths to stabilize himself. This was not something he could escape any longer; it had to be done.

Remember what happened on Saturday, he encouraged himself. She’s been tormenting me in my dreams, and now she’s moving to my children. It’s only a matter of time until she comes after Aurie. I can’t have that happening. It’s time.

Rising up from his seat, he made his way to the main reception, his flask in his hand as he headed for the water dispenser. All that typing and thinking about what was ahead had left him with a parched throat.

As he fetched the water into his flask, he spoke to himself again. “Chale, I don’t know what surprise she has for me, but… I doubt it’s gonna come on once I tell her the truth. Hmmm. Lord, please soften her heart. I know she’ll be angry, but please, let her have the heart to forgive me. I love her so much, Lord. Please, I don’t wanna lose her. Don’t let that happen. I beg you. I know I’ve been very careless with the way I’ve slacked on telling her. But please, let things work out well. Please.”

The flask filled up just the way he liked it, he straightened himself, closed his eyes for a moment and nodded.

“Yep, it’s time to get it done.”

He turned around…

… and there she was.

Standing right in front of him.

Oh my goodness!