You may have realized that I have been in a story writing mode for the past week or so [possibly due to Jupiter in Gemini]. There is one spiritual topic I want to discuss and I will do that with a story as well. When humans speak to each other, we are spirits talking to spirits and working with spirits — it is not always easy or pleasant. Humans are spirits in flesh bodies. We can negotiate with incarnate spirits, specifically when they are wreaking havoc in our lives. Here is microfiction to bring out this point…

Summer in Miami

Naima Ngusi stepped off the plane, her heart racing with excitement. The warm Miami air wrapped around her like a soft blanket, a stark contrast to the humid heat of Lagos. She adjusted her oversized sunglasses and grinned at her cousin, Tunde, who was waiting for her at the airport.

“Naima!” Tunde shouted, waving his arms. “You made it!”

“Of course!” Naima laughed, rushing into his embrace. “I brought you something special!”

Tunde raised an eyebrow. “What? More of your Nigerian snacks?”

Naima shook her head, her expression turning serious. “No, something… different.”

As they drove through the vibrant streets of Miami, Naima felt a familiar presence beside her. It was her monitoring spirit, a small, shadowy figure that had followed her from Nigeria. She had always thought of it as a guardian, but lately, it had been restless.

“What’s wrong?” Tunde asked, glancing at her.

“Nothing!” Naima replied too quickly. “Just… excited to be here.”

…later that evening

That evening, Naima settled into her cousin’s home, a cozy apartment filled with laughter and the smell of fried plantains. Tunde’s parents welcomed her with open arms, and soon, the family gathered around the dinner table.

“So, Naima, tell us about Lagos!” Tunde’s mom, Auntie Emeka, encouraged.

“It’s bustling! The markets are alive with colors and sounds. You can find anything there!” Naima said, her eyes sparkling.

“And the food?” Tunde chimed in. “You have to make us some jollof rice!”

“Definitely!” Naima promised, but her spirit shifted uneasily, sensing a tension in the air.

…the next morning trouble begins

The next morning, Naima woke up to chaos. Tunde was frantically searching for his phone.

“Have you seen it?” he yelled, rummaging through the couch cushions.

“No, I haven’t!” Naima replied, her heart racing.

“It was right here!” Tunde exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice.

As the day progressed, more strange occurrences unfolded. Auntie Emeka’s favorite necklace went missing, and Uncle Jide’s car wouldn’t start.

“This is weird,” Tunde said, scratching his head. “It’s like something is off.”

Naima felt a pang of guilt. Her monitoring spirit was restless, and it seemed to be causing trouble.

…confrontation with the spirit

That night, Naima sat on her bed, the spirit hovering nearby, its form flickering like a candle in the wind.

“Why are you doing this?” she whispered, her voice trembling.

The spirit swirled around her, a low hum vibrating in the air.

“You brought me here, Naima. I am bound to you.”

“But I didn’t want you to cause chaos!” she pleaded.

“Chaos is my nature. You must embrace it.”

Naima sighed, feeling the weight of her responsibility. She had to find a way to control it before it destroyed her family’s summer.

The next day, Naima confided in Tunde. “I think something is wrong with me. Or rather, with my spirit.”

Tunde looked confused. “What do you mean?”

“It’s causing all this trouble!” Naima exclaimed. “I need to fix it.”

“How?” Tunde asked, concern etched on his face.

“I need to confront it. I have to show it that it can’t just wreak havoc.”

“Let’s do it together,” Tunde said, determination in his eyes.

…a night time ritual

That night, Naima and Tunde set up a small ritual in the backyard, surrounded by candles and offerings of fruit.

“Spirit of my ancestors, I call upon you!” Naima shouted, her voice steady.

The air crackled with energy as the spirit appeared, swirling in front of them.

“You dare challenge me?” it hissed, its voice echoing.

“I do!” Naima replied, her heart pounding. “You are causing pain to my family. I won’t let you!”

Tunde stepped forward. “We are stronger together. You can’t control us!”

The spirit hesitated, its form flickering.

“You think you can banish me?” it sneered.

“No, we want to understand you!” Naima shouted. “You don’t have to be a source of chaos!”

The spirit paused, its swirling form slowing.

“I am bound to you, Naima. I only wanted to protect you.”

“But you’re hurting the people I love!” she cried.

The spirit’s form dimmed, and for a moment, Naima felt a wave of sadness wash over her.

“I will stay, but I will not harm. I will watch over you, but I will not interfere.”

Naima nodded, relief flooding her. “Thank you.”

…A New Beginning

The next morning, the atmosphere in the house felt lighter. Tunde found his phone, Auntie Bisi’s necklace reappeared, and Uncle Jide’s car started without a hitch.

“What happened?” Tunde asked, grinning.

“I think I made a deal with my spirit,” Naima replied, a smile spreading across her face.

“Well, whatever you did, it worked!” Tunde laughed.

As they prepared for a summer filled with laughter and adventure, Naima felt a sense of peace. Her monitoring spirit was still with her, but now, it was a guardian, not a harbinger of chaos.