Heavy rain clouds hung across the sky and thunderclaps echoed throughout the whole length and breadth of the countryside. The wind whipped against the trees and warm, dust-laden whirlwinds swirled around. Dry leaves, papers, nylons, and dirt flew in all directions as the sky darkened with each passing second. The three girls, too engrossed in their discussion, trudged on slowly. They were not bothered by the rain.  “I still can't figure out my 'Isaac’,”Maya said. Miriam scratched her hair. “Neither can I.” The rain came down, dropping like orange and mango fruits. People scattered looking for shelter. It had not rained in days, and a heavy downpour was expected. Kate brought out her handkerchief and covered her hair with it. “We need to find shelter fast or we’ll get drenched.” Maya was not interested in the rain. Her mind was still on the sermon. “I think Pastor Daniel was right about sacrificing our only ‘Isaac’,” she said as she struggled against the wind and rain. Her face was radiant and her eyes sparkled with pure bliss. At 17, she had the right curves in the right places-dark, pretty and petite with the Agbani Darego type of body. She wore a free-flowing gown that flapped in different directions with a head-tie covering her hair and ears in the ‘deeper life’ fashion. From a distance, she might appear shy or perhaps, a little fragile. She is a firebrand when you catch her discussing the word. “You can say that again,” Miriam beamed. She is small in stature and the youngest of the three girls although the mini-skirt and body-hugging top she wore made her look smaller than her age. Kate, tall, fair in complexion and beautiful, hugged her Bible closer. “Me. I’m still in awe.” Kate at 18, has the stature of a grown-up woman. The wind blew Maya’s gown up and she struggled to hold it back in place with her free hand. “I can't really say what mine is.” The drizzle had stopped, and the sky was clearing. “Ever since that message,” Kate said, “I’ve been searching myself and even as I speak to you, I can’t put my finger on the pulse.” “Too many conflicting interests?” Maya laughed. “I know mine. Unfortunately, I can't help it,” Miriam said. She is being raised by a single parent and possesses the proclivity to depend on others for an opinion of herself. Her father died two months before she was born and her mother never remarried. “Oh, so you do?” Maya’s eyes light up. “What is it?”  “Music, I love music," her eyes grew warm and bright. “In fact, soft, sentimental blues puts me in the mood. The sexier, more sensual they are, the better for me. I won’t trade it for anything.” “And that’s because you’ve not taken the time to know what good gospel music is about. When you do, you won’t have any need for thatjunk.” Miriam shook her head. “You don’t understand. I live in an environment where I wake up and go to bed with music every day, and the annoying part is that they turn the volume so high that the noise alone can cause partial deafness. No, you don’t.” “I do,”Maya said as she links her hand with hers. “And who will blame you. Imagine living with two undergraduate brothers, eager and enthusiastic about life, blasting off the latest hit even before it drops,” she paused and then asked, but… but have you tried to evangelize them?” “Evangelize them?” she cried. “Now, tell me, who hasn’t heard the gospel?” “Maybe they have, but they haven’t heard it from you. Besides, it’s possible they’re not aware it disturbs you, let alone, is dangerous to your spiritual well-being.” Hereyes narrowed. “I think you’re right, thanks. I haven’t thought of it.” “So, what about you, Kate?” “You first.” “I asked first.” “Me? Clothes,” Kate chuckled as if happy to part with the information. “I like fancy and designers’ clothes. Idon’t care how much it costs as long as it’s in vogue. I don’t care what I do to get it,” she paused and said in a conspiratorial tone. “I can even lie.” “Lie?” “Yep,” she turned to Maya. “Your turn.” “Me?” “Yes, you.” “I … I.” “Hello girls,” someone interrupted them. They turned and saw Jeff, his soccer boot and changing cloth, dangling across his shoulder. “Hello Jeff,” Miriam and Kate chorused. Maya remained silent. He adjusted his face cap. “MayI walk you girls home?” “Why not,” Miriam nodded, ignoring Maya’s unspoken protest. “Thanks. Where are you coming from?” Jeff is twenty-two, tall, handsome, an easygoing undergraduate with an athletic build. He is popular with the folks, especially the girls. “We’re coming from… the…,” Kate started, but she stopped her. “Don’t tell him.” “Go on, Kate. Don’t mind her.” “Jeff?” she cried. “Are… are you going to lie… eh?” “Okay, Okay, I… I… admit,” he cried and raised both hands in surrender. “How was it?” “How was what?” she glared at him. “You’d better not ask me or try to know because I won’t tell you.” “Why?” “You know, so stop pretending.” “Jeff, Maya,” Miriam said, stopping. They were now at the intersections that lead to her house. “Here we are. Have a nice time and remember to pray concerning your Isaac,” she turned to Jeff. “So long Jeff.” “Bye girls.” Kate took a step or two forward and stopped. “Just a sec, Maya,” she excused him and once they were out of earshot, she whispered in a conspiratorial tone. “Maya, I’ll be blunt with you. That boy there,” she nodded towards Jeff. “Is your Isaac…, beware,” without waiting for her response, and supported by Miriam’s nod, she turned and disappeared.