3 Cold Dishes

They advance slowly

as if they feel something is off

but it's too late.

The desert has a way of fooling people

making them think they are alone.

Always.

Idiots!

They think they're safe

because they can't see us.

Always the same mistake.

They don't know what's waiting ahead.

All this empty land, all this dust

is just a graveyard waiting to be filled.

Do you hear that?

That rumbling, means they're approaching.

Too close to escape now.

They'll be nothing but dust when we're done with them.

They won't even know what hit them.

Let's welcome our guests to hell.

Go, move!!! Go, drive!!! Straight!!!

They're behind! Oh my God!

Drive faster!

Turn, turn!!!

Pass me the rifle, pass me the rifle!

Push. Push. Push. Push. Push.

Push! Push!

-Mama! -Hmm?

-I'm scared. -Don't be, it's going to be okay.

-I don't want to lose this one too. -No, you won't.

Push. Push. Push. Push. Push. Push.

Push, push!

Push! Push!

Push, push, push, push.

Praise God.

You're gonna touch my breasts like that.

Huh, I must warn you, they're not as firm as they used to be.

It's show time. Are we ready?

Wilfred is afraid of touching my breasts.

Give it to her.

Put it here for me.

It's okay, give it to her.

The microphone!

So, why did you choose this place?

Oh, you said you wanted it

away from the prying eyes of the police

so thought I'd get this place.

It's discreet.

So, first of all

let me remind you of the rules.

You can't...

I know, I know. I know.

I can't speak of the interview

without your consent…

Because it's an exclusive.

Fine by me.

Now first

let me thank you for doing this.

Why are you thanking me?

You are paying me.

I was reading your article about them.

Rubbish!

We write what we know.

not about my girls

and certainly not about me.

Well… everybody knows they did it.

So now I'm paying you… to tell me why.

Fatouma! Fatouma!

Fatouma!

Lou, how's it going?

It's going well, pastor.

-How did the rehearsal go? -Good.

-You're a great alto singer. -Thanks, Pastor Fred.

I think you'll be amazing in this choir.

You just have to stop getting to rehearsal late.

-Well, actually... -Yes, I know, football practice.

You need to give it up.

Football is my first love.

What do you know about love?

I left Mali to come play football here.

All I know is I love it that much.

Have you ever loved a person that much?

I'm too young for that, no?

Lou, I hope you'll be at the next rehearsal.

-Yes. -All right, go on.

I've found you a taxi.

-Yes. -He hasn't stopped yet.

See you, girls.

Reports indicate an explosion

at the Ikeja Military Cantonment

Good-bye. In Lagos State on Monday.

People around the Ikeja Cantonment

and the around people,

don't panic, stay home.

It is a question of accident

not a military invasion.

The government has reported to me

I have already deliberated with them.

What we need to do

is provide relief

provide immediate attention

connect children that are dispersed

to their parents

provide food for those who…

Are scattered from their homes

because their homes are being...

Why are you struggling with that boot?

Let me help you.

Why are you crying?

Hmm? Don't you know you're fine, girl?

Fine girls don't cry, oh. Hmm?

I will miss Tobe.

You will miss Tobe.

That's normal. He's your brother.

But listen.

When you get to Lagos

you'll become a big Lagos girl,

big sugar mama, eh.

You gon' make money, eh, make plenty moola

to take care of your brother Tobe. Eh?

Okay?

That's my girl.

Uncle?

Thank you!

You no eat breakfast this morning,

eh, you thank me,

for which thing, ha?

For helping me come out of this ghetto now

so I can start a new life

to take care of Tobe.

Hopefully I'll be able to take him out of here too.

And I promise… I'll repay you.

Don't worry about that, eh.

Don't worry your pretty little head about that, eh.

You get some rest.

It's going to be a long journey

What are you doing here? Everyone's asleep.

I have good news!

Oh yeah? What?

Remember the football coach I told you about?

-Mhm. -He's leaving for Paris!

He's taking you with him!

Shh! They'll hear you if you scream!

There's not enough room for everyone.

-So, when do we leave? -Tonight.

-What? -Yes, right now!

But… we have a football match tomorrow...

We have to leave now!

-Then I need to tell Coach Musa. -No, no, no, no, no!

He won't let you go.

But he's my coach. And Lou is sleeping.

You can call Lou in Paris.

Fred. My coach.

A coach who made you come from Mali

and still hasn't enrolled you in a football camp?

Look at me.

I'm about to change your life.

Do you trust me?

Many have crossed this barren land

chasing salvation on other side

never knowing what waits.

The sun scorches their backs

but the real heat comes later

at the destination they can't yet see.

Back then, the streets were burning

Coups. Protest.

Soldiers on every corner.

The world was at war.

But here, it was chaos.

For the girls

the chaos outside was nothing

compared to the prison

they were being driven into.

Bankole.