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I wish I could see Santa so I could tell him that I would like to spend Christmas in Lagos. I’ve heard about the beautiful decorations and bright lights — and most importantly, the fireworks. Debby told me that her cousin, who visited Kebbi from Lagos, said the fireworks are bright and beautiful in the sky. I would really like to see them. That’s all I want for Christmas.

I hear Lagos is not far; it is only twelve hours by road. I don’t even care where I will sleep or what I will eat. I just want to see the decorations and lights.

I should be sleeping.

I can’t wait for Creative Arts class in second period. First period is Mathematics. I don’t like maths; I like Creative Arts. Maybe when I go to Lagos, I will be able to write about my experience for all the children in my hometown.

I wonder if people in my hometown have ever gone to Lagos. Maybe someday I will be a popular actress and travel to Lagos — and to other parts of the world.

My mother says I’m too young to have those kinds of dreams. I don’t think I’m young. I think eleven years is a good age to be whatever you want to be.

I should be sleeping.

I wonder why people are screaming outside. I hope everything is okay. Why are there men in black with guns? Why are their faces covered? Does Santa wear black?

 

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