sen

_

the tingling feeling of ecstasy to never end. It felt like the world around him had tipped over, pouring out in overstimulation o

if she kept moving. He longed for her for as long as he knew her, watching her glowing, dark skin from the pulpit as she swayed i

kne

er. He’d been swimming in lust for months, fighting what was plain as day, knowing that on

kisses on his face, bringing Kuwin back to consciousness, he couldn’t even be bothered to muster up some shame. He’d been sworn to celibacy for all his

lame. She was pristine in her mannerisms and perfect in her way, always kept a safe distance, able to command respect without a single word. He’d

s what people always said about him. Even though he had a huge family and a mother who

tives before him. But he couldn’t stay. He had work to do. He roamed Usehj

, his words were met with understanding and a need to hear more. He rose in fame and with each year, Kuwin devoured the Bible more because he needed to kno

nt buildings and usually, every night, Kuwin love

ading that night ever since he was old enough to understand. Even though he’d been serious about his faith for twenty years, ther

God at his side. Whatever generational curse was something Kuwin was going to break in the name of Jesus. And yet, t

f everyone who’d ever had the key before him had died before they were forty years old, that didn’t

ibility that someth

one of two things could happen. He could go to sleep on the eve of his birthday and not w

ke a restless fool, dropping his celibate vows at the door and allowing Osa to kiss him and lead him into his bedroom. He was going to e

she asked, still crad

ght to trap every single moment of their lovemaking in his mind. If thes

ough his chest, burning against his skin

it?” sh

e. He couldn’

late and he was going to die anyway. Because if the ancestors wanted him dead, then he was going to die. Right? It

he felt the key moving. He wondered why. When his uncle ha

into his hand and leaving a key-shaped wound in his chest. Holding the

hts and blouse. Kuwin fell back against the bed in shock because

and the fact that his key was acting up. He clutched the key to

ey, Pa

tand, what do y

ess to you

ly for generations. I

r Kuwin, I’m doi

key have to do

e key away and

nted. He was willing to empty his accounts for anyone, but he c

fought

ast, he

bowed him in the stomach and rolled them both over till she was lying on top of him. While

hday is in a few seconds. Everyone in your family who touched this key died just before they turned forty. I can imagin

gh his way into a sitting position. When he looked back at the balcon

passed, and nothing happened, Kuwin collapsed on the floor again, crying in confusion. He had

at he was forty years old, and