It was a strange feeling to clap without ceasing to a story that brought chills and tears; its very hard for me to read this. Being married to a Nigerian, having been raised by Trinidadians who grew up being beaten in school and their parents -- too often it's shared with laughs and in passing. This article with such powerful imagery from the point of view of a child -- is a bit agonizing to me. I hope thousands read your work and continue to Uwem as you create ripples of effect to make the world kinder, empathetic and better listeners. Thanks for sharing such an intimate moment of your life...you are courageous and oozing of talent. I think I'll say it one more time -- tis not fair you're not getting paid!!!!!!!!!!!!! (this might become my signature in every comment) 😑