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Remember Kojo and Sena? Well, counselling sessions have not been going so well because of his nonchalant attitude and other factors.

Zoe has been ignoring Dave’s antics, she just goes to work, takes care of the house and the children. Will Dave be able to break her?

KOJO

It has been two months since Ndi and I shared that passionate kiss at the beach house. From that sunday, we barely meet. We send instagram reels to each other though. I went to Asa bar twice hoping to surprise her, so we can dance but she was absent. I gathered courage and called to ask of her whereabouts. I thought she was avoiding me but she had just been contracted to work on a project with another artist in Portugal.

“How come you haven’t posted travel content?” I asked.

“Because of the weirdos and freaks. Safety first norvi¹” she said.

“True, do not post in real time they say” I said.

“So, what did I do to deserve a call from you? Miss me that much?”

“Ermmm…yeah I do. Just looking forward to the next activity. What is it going to be? I am looking forward to recording a song” I said.

“Hmmmm…that is all Ndi is good for. Your activity friend.”

“It’s not like that”

“I am just pulling your leg. I also enjoy engaging in these activities with you. I will be back soon” she said.

“When?”

“Why do you want to know? weirdo” she teased.

“Just making conversation” I said.

“Alright. I see” she said.

We spoke for a while before she hung up. I dressed up, about to head to the gym when Sena arrived after work. We spoke for a bit as she ate her dinner.

“I have to go to the gym. I will be gone for about an hour or less. Just a quick workout, you can wait or join me” I suggested.

“Your beloved has come to visit you and you want to go to the gym? Skip it” Sena said.

“I have skipped like two days already. I don’t want to lose momentum, I will be back soon. Just 40 minutes, watch a series, I will return in no time” I said.

“Ah, is this gym an addiction or what? Because I don’t understand why you have to go when I am here” she complained.

“You won’t get it, I don’t want to skip the days. This nice body didn’t build itself” I said.

“All is vanity and will not matter in heaven” she said.

“Says the person who does intermittent fasting in order not to get a potbelly” I teased and she smiled.

“Well, now the other parts are losing weight as well” she said.

“Just a few weight trainings and you will be good. Nothing major, I can work out with you if you want” I offered.

“Maybe some other time, but take it slow with the gym. This is okay” she said, referring to my current build.

“Then allow me to go and maintain it. I have a better idea, you drive me there and wait in the restaurant nearby” I offered and she complied.

Sena waited in the car as I worked out quickly in 45 minutes. I still had more to do but I did not want her to get too bored. When I returned, I noticed her mood had changed. She was snappy and easily irritated, probably PMS. We drove back home, I took a bath and returned to the hall in just in a pair of shorts.

“So this is what you cancelled our assignment for? two months ago” she said and showed me a video, it was a TikTok reel from the beach house party. There was a 4 second montage of me receiving a lap dance from a lady with a giant jiggly behind. In the that frame, my facial expression does not help the situation. My eyes were half-shut in bliss as I held on to her waist with a smile sprawled across my face. I was relieved there was none of Ndi and I together, the rest had the others drinking and one point, me playing cards.

“Look, it’s not as bad as it looks. It was a silly game, nothing happened. She is not into guys sef” I started explaining.

“Who are these people? It is like I don’t know you anymore… when did you start going for parties like these? Hanging out with such a crowd. See how scantily the women are dressed!” she lamented.

“Sena…look…it was a beach party. I got invited last minute, I had never been to one and was curious. Honestly, that was the only crazy part. Everything else was calm, I wanted to go with you but it was last minute and not your scene…” I explained.

“You are not even sorry…you haven’t uttered a single apology” she said in a disappointed tone.

“I am sorry Sena, I was getting there. You interrupted me”

“Is this why you have been laid back about our wedding plans? Always debating with Madam Jessica about certain things? You spend over an hour arguing with her. The last session, you had a problem with her saying the man is the head and the woman should follow?” Sena said.

“I mean, sounds cool but if the head is making silly decisions, should the woman blindly follow? The best answer Mama Jessica could give me was prayer. Come on! Look, my father died and my mother became the head. If she wasn’t smart, I will be homeless by now. Even YOU know what Mama Jessica said is wrong” I blurted.

“Yes, I know but don’t waste our counselling time debating with her. There are more subjects for us to treat! We started a week after Pastor Jordan and Shika, see! they are already engaged!” she fired back.

“Well, that would have been us if we stuck to Pastor Ewoenam” I said.

“Wow…so it is my fault now?” she was hurt.

“No…that is not what I meant. Sena, I am sorry…I apologise. I promise to do better…” I said reaching for her hands.

“That is what you always say, I promise to do better…after every argument or setback. You know something, let us just put a pause with this whole counselling and marriage plans. Your mum’s one year anniversary is in two months. Let focus on that and maybe you might be ready to decide on what you want…” she suggested.

The thought of taking pause is such a relief. This marriage train is moving too fast for me, a little break will be appreciated.

“Are you sure? I don’t think it… is necessary” I stuttered, hoping she will not change her mind.

“Your actions make me unsure” she said.

“Okay, if you say so. Let us resume this marriage counselling session after Mama’s one year. I am sure there will be some clarity by then. Everything has been planned though but anything to make you happy. When you want us to unpause, please tell me” I said and pulled her into my arms.

Sena still looked unhappy, I wonder why. She asked for the pause on plans, so why the long face?

Two months later..

We asked Mama Jessica for the pause, and everything  seems to be okay. Sena has been quieter than usual and less herself. We speak to each other every other day which is unusual, I guess she is very busy with work. She has also reduced the number of times she comes over. Her biweekly visits are now weekly.

    I was able to cross two more activities from the list with Ndi, which were learning a skill and boxing class at Jamestown. I learnt how to make beads from a bead shop owned by one of her friends. I made a bracelet for myself and waist beads for Sena. The boxing class in Jamestown really tested my fitness and cardio levels, it was good reminder to stay in the gym. Ndi was great and won the fights or I was probably too scared to hit her. Did I have fun? Yes. Will I be going again? No. So far, half of the activites have been done.

Go on a road trip with a motorcycle

Party all night and watch the sunrise at the beach

Compose a song and record it

Go surfing in Kokrobite

Paragliding in Kwahu

Learn a skill with a local artisan (braiding, beading, sewing, plumbing)

Learn to cook something new

Food crawl at Osu night market

Go for a boxing class in Jamestown

Sex with a view (with ,my woman)

These two months with Ndi have been cool, she frequently makes sexually suggestive jokes and flirt with me. I try to ignore them but a part of me likes the attention, she is so interesting and fun to hang out with. One evening, she picked me up to go dancing. After, we sat in her car parked on a beautiful dim-lit street, conversing about anything and everything. The conversation led to embarrassing stories, she narrated how one guy bluffed about his cunnilingus prowess. She gave him a chance and he kept blowing air forcefully into her lady parts making the whole situation funny. I struggled to understand the situation and she expected an embarrassing sex story in exchange.

“You haven’t eaten a girl out before?” she asked alarmed.

“I may not be so serious about going to church at the moment, but I don’t play around abstinence” I said.

“Now, that makes me want you more” she said as she turned and looked at me intently.

“Ndi, please I have a girlfriend” I said.

“I know, I don’t want to be your girlfriend” she said.

“Then what do you want?” I asked.

“Isn’t it obvious? I thought all the time I spend with you and the hints I have been dropping makes it clear. If it is not that obvious, I just wanna fuck” she said casually.

My heart skipped a beat and I gulped nervously.

“Ndi.. I am..flattered but it is not right” I said.

“I know…you are dating someone. And cheating on your partner is not right, but that doesn’t invalidate how I feel. Look, I am not forcing you to do anything, you are a grown ass man. If this makes you uncomfortable, you can always stop hanging out with me. You can block me for your own sanity and for your relationship, trust me, I will understand. I’m a big girl” she assured.

“No, I like hanging out with you… as a friend” I said.

“I do too but doesn’t change what I want to do to you” she said. I was dumbfounded for a few minutes.

“So you really are a tear-rubber virgin? Have you even received a blow job before?” she asked, breaking the silence.

“Ndi, just take me home. That is not a friendly conversation” I said and she complied.

She drove me home and later in the evening sent me two pdf files and a video. I opened them, and they were about pleasuring women in so many ways beyond penetrative sex.

“I call it the religious cheat code, try number 3 on your girl, she will love you” she texted.

I ignored her message but ended up reading the books and watching the video. I know I was not supposed to indulge but curiosity had a hold on me. I just could not stop reading till the end. After, I was divided. One part of me was now more curious and the other chastising myself for reading and watching in the first place.

Sena got promoted at work so I decided we celebrate on the Friday before Mama’s one year anniversary. I took her out for a fancy dinner to a place Ndi recommended. She loved the food and everything. After, we returned to my place. Initially, she reluctant to celebrate because tomorrow is the unveiling of my mother’s tomb. But life goes on, a promotion at work has to be celebrated.

“Thank you for dinner, I really loved the place. How did you make such a discovery?” she asked.

“A magician never reveals his secrets. I am happy you are happy because these days you have been so dull” I said.

“Don’t worry, we will talk about it later” she said.

“Look Sena, Mama is already gone, tomorrow will not bring her back. Just let me know what is on your mind. You have been too distant” I said.

“No, it’s alright. Anyway, let’s watch our movie quickly before you take me home” she said.

“It’s quite late Sena. Just sleep over and we are going to the cemetery together early in the morning. I will just stop by your place for you to change before we continue” I explained as I went into the room to bring her the waist beads I made as a gift.

“You? Kojo? Asking me to sleep over?” she asked, still frozen where I left her standing when I got back.

“It’s not that deep Sena, safety first. You can sleep in my room, I will sleep in the hall if that will make you comfortable” I suggested as I handed her the mesh bag.

“What is this?” she asked.

“I told you I have been trying out activities, just to expand my interests. I took a bead making class and made you waist beads. I think they will look good on you” I said.

“Is that why you asked for my waist size the last time?” she asked.

“Exactly”

“I am not a fan of waist beads but thank you…” she said as she took them.

“Won’t you try them?” I asked.

“Not now, maybe later”

“Okay, suit yourself. If you don’t like it, I can make you a bracelet later. But I realised you have a lot of bracelets” I said as I made the hall comfortable for a movie night. I switched off the lights, turned on the AC and brought a blanket. After, I lit some scented candles too.

Halfway through the movie, as Sena was nestled comfortably against me. I don’t know if it was the dinner, film or romantic ambience but our lips found each other in a passionate kiss. Just like that, I replicated the tongue technique Ndi did to me at the beach house, drawing a soft moan from Sena. In no time, I found myself putting to practice the materials I had consumed. Just like the book described, her legs gave her away.

I got up to bring some tissues for her. She avoided my gaze as I helped clean her up, and thank God the lights were out.

“I think I am going to bed” she said in a whisper and got up.

“Sena, is everything okay?” I asked.

“Where did you learn how to do that? Kojo, you have become a bad boy. This is not you” she accused as she picked her things and grabbed my car keys.

“Senaaaaa, but…. I am confused. Where are you going?” I stuttered.

“Home, where I should have gone earlier. I will pick you up to the cemetery tomorrow” she said and walked away.

I was confused, we both enjoyed it or? I mean, it looked and sounded like she loved it. What is this energy?

Next day

    Sena came earlier and picked me up. Logo had to stay behind and organise the caterers to set up for a little reception after. I was so grateful for his assistance. It was difficult asking for Sena’s help since she had been distant before the whole debacle last night.

A few friends came by, including Mama Zoe, Ndi too made it. Seeing my mother’s tomb just refreshed the wound in my heart. I noticed Ndi brought a bouquet of sunflowers. She remembered, from our numerous conversations. I mentioned my mother had a thing for sunflowers, she had a sunflower dress and bag she loved so much. I smiled at her when she laid the flowers on the tomb and silently mouthed ‘thank you’.

We went back to the house to eat and share a few stories. Trust Logo and Nana to lighten the mood with funny stories. Sena was in the kitchen when I walked in on her.

“I am sorry for yesterday. I shouldn’t have” I hugged from behind and whispered into her ear.

“I am also sorry for overreacting but you need to be honest with me…where did you learn or know how to do that?” she asked and Ndi appeared. Saved by the bell.

“Hello, just wanted to you to know I am leaving” she said, after greeting Sena.

“Oh yeah! You two haven’t met. Ndi, this is my girlfriend, Sena. And Sena, this is Ndi, my friend from gym…” I introduced them.

“Hi Sena, lovely meeting you. I have heard so much about you” Ndi said.

“Lovely meeting you too but I haven’t heard anything about you” Sena said.

“Nothing to be heard, my dear” Ndi said.

“okay, Ndi.. like morning?” Sena asked.

“Tutuutu²” Ndi said and the two of them switched to Ewe leaving me confused.

“Okay, there will be no selling of Kojo here. Now, Ndi, let me walk you to your car” I said pulling her away.

“Thanks for the sunflower gesture. Very thoughtful. Are you sure you don’t want to be more than friends?” I asked.

“Because of common flowers? I want to get into your pants, not commit” she teased and I laughed.

“For real, thanks for everything” I said.

“Sure, now, take it easy yeah. Remember the Kojo you were before your mother passed is not coming back. It went with her, mourn that person too and live life” she added, hugged me before leaving.

I went back indoors to hang with the rest.

“She seems like a nice person. I just remembered, I saw her in that beach party video too” Sena said.

“Yeah, we went together with some other people” I added.

“And the bead making class?” sena asked.

“How did you know that? I didn’t..” I stuttered.

“Her anklet looks like my waist beads, different colour but similar design. Is she the one who taught you…” Sena stared.

“No, hell no. Look, Ndi is really just a friend. She lost her brother some years back and understands how I feel sometimes. But trust me Sena, it is just friendship honestly. We just hang sometimes but it is platonic. You can call and ask her” I said.

“”It’s alright, I believe you” she said.

“Now about Friday night, it came up with the guys one night at the gym, and you know how Nana and Logo like to talk, they mentioned the ladies love it. I am sorry if it made you uncomfortable. You are the only person I want to do these things with, I love you. I am attracted to you, it is just natural that you come to mind when my mind starts to stray into that lane” I lied, as I reached for her hand.

“I am happy to hear that, but keep it in your pants till we marry” she said, blushing.

“I keep it in my pants but looking at your hips…thighs…” I teased, reaching for the hips.

“Stop being naughty! and keep your tongue in your mouth till the time is right” she warned softly, freeing herself, making both of us laugh.

“Thank you for today my love” I said and hugged her.

“Always welcome…” she said

Sena had to leave earlier for an airport pick up. It was just Nana and Logo now.

“Ei, so what is up with you and Ndi?” Nana asked.

“Just friends” I replied.

“I saw how she looked at you when you saw her off ooo” Logo exclaimed.

“Look, I want to be friends, she wants sex.” I said.

“So…just sex. no strings attached?” Nana asked.

“Yeah” I answered.

“God, that is why these things will never come my way because Nyame nim paaa³, I will not even think twice!” Logo exclaimed.

“Ashock! So just give her what she wants. Sena doesn’t have to know” Nana added.

“Nah, I can’t betray Sena like that. She doesn’t deserve that” I said.

They argued for sometime but I stood my ground on being faithful to Sena. Am I tempted to take Ndi up on her offer? Yes, but I am not that kind of person.

DAVE

For the past three months, Zoe has still been insistent on taking her finances a little too seriously. She pays all the bills on time and gives me pocket money, all our needs are met. But I still don’t have access to her full salary and other amounts of money she receives. I have fasted, prayed, threatened, she just apologises and repeats it.

At a point, I even tried using the children to ask her for money. She blatantly tells them she refuses my request. There is something wrong with her. We went for counselling sessions but the counsellor seems to be taking sides. She says she is not biased but don’t I have the right to my wife’s full salary?

I went to Prophet Odame to discuss everything with him.

“I told you years ago to stop her from working. Before your second born, you did not listen” he said.

“At that time, we really needed her salary” I argued.

“Hmmmmm, I mean, you have tried everything. I don’t believe in being physically abusive but you can show her. Remind her that you are the man of the house. When she cooks, let her redo the meal. Remind her of her wifely duties and during sex, declare who you are. If this doesn’t work, threaten a separation. Yes, women like ours like being called Mrs. Threaten to leave her, or start showing her she can be replaced. I am not saying commit adultery. Let me give you an example, one day Mama Odame started slacking in her duties. I quietly asked one of the women in church to bring me my dinners. Mama comes back sees this lady serving me at our dining table. After two occasions, she sat up. Try it with Zoe and trust me, she will come correct” Prophet advised.

I listened to the advice intently. Yes, I need to switch things up if she will not listen to me. Well, on the other hand, the new church branch is flourishing and doing well with the new pastors. Now, on to the second one. I declared two new branches before the year ends, we need to work faster and make it happen. If I don’t commit and do as I promised, how will my members respect me?

After the meeting with Odame, I drove back to the church to sort out some issues. There was a folder on my desk, it was the form to approve salaries of the church staff. This can wait, we need to use the money to finish the payment of the equipment for the new branch.

I got home late, the children had already eaten and Zoe was helping Zack with his math homework, David was busy with his as well.

I went to the dining table and then ordered her to serve me. I expected her to talk back, but she just got up, dished the food, reheated it and brought it back. It was a meal of banku and okro soup. I put in my mouth, it tasted good but I remembered Odame’s advice.

“The soup doesn’t taste fresh” I exclaimed.

“This is not from the weekend, I got back home early and made it today” she said.

“I don’t know, there is something off about it. I don’t like it. I will take a bowl of salad instead” I demanded.

“That will take a while and it is kind of late, can you just drink the soup? ” she asked.

“No, I am the man of the house. If I want salad, I get salad” I stated. She just nodded her head and called out to Fiona.

“No, I want you to do it” I said. She pursed her lips.

“I have to finish up the children’s homework” she pleaded. I don’t want my children to suffer too much because of their mother’s foolishness but there has to be some casualty.

“The salad will not take time. It’s not palm nut soup. I will be waiting in my office” I said and walked off.

When the food was ready, she called me back to eat. I took only three forkfuls and trashed it. I had lost my appetite. I expected Zoe to react but she didn’t utter a syllable.

Later in the night, I inched closer to her. The Zoe I know barely rejects my sexual advances. For some weeks now, I have been withholding sex. I made advances and she complied. In the middle of the act,

“You will listen to your husband okay” I said as I increased my pace. “Now, repeat, I am the wife, I will listen to my husband”. As soon as I uttered those words, she burst out laughing and I stopped.

“What is funny?” I asked.

“Oh! you are serious?” she asked, confused.

“Why will I joke about such a thing?” I asked.

“I mean, you have never asked me to do this before so I am kind of lost”

“REPEAT” I commanded and continued, but she mumbled it.

“I CAN’T HEAR YOU! SAY I WILL OBEY MY HUSBAND!

“I will obey my husband’

“He is my lord!”

“HE IS MY LORD!”

“THIS BODY IS MINE!”

“This body is mine”

“ZOE! USE YOUR HEAD. YOUR BODY IS MINE”

“Your body is mine?” she asked confused.

“I mean say your body is for me”

“OH! I got confused. My body is yours”

“AGAIN!”

“My body is yours”

“SAY IT LOUD!”

“Hallelujah!!!” she joked and I stopped again.

“AM I A JOKE TO YOU?” I shouted.

“I am sorry, I will do better” she said, noticing the angry facial expression.

This time, she did as she was told. She sounded a bit too enthusiastic, like she was mocking me but I will deal with her later.

There was something empowering about her saying those words, even though she did not sound convincing. This should teach her not to mess with me, after I asked her to prepare me a cup of tea before we continue our sleep.

ZOE

After the first month of counselling, I knew there was no way Dave will change. He is what he is. I decided to just live my life and ignore him. I will do my duties and take care of my children but one thing made me change my mind. One day after work, I was having a random chat with David, my son.

“So, any crushes?” I asked.

“Yes, but I need to make money first. She is from a rich home so she does not respect” he said.

“Let me get this clearly, is she disrespectful or you think she is disrespectful because her dad is rich?” I asked,

“Daddy said women with money don’t respect. That since you started making more money than him, you don’t listen” he said.

“Don’t listen to your dad. Wealth is no measure of character. Both rich and poor people can be disrespectful” I said.

I then went on to dismantle whatever notions his father has started building in his head. I need to take my sons away from this man before this poison festers. In order to solidify my advice, I called the next person my sons revere, Yaw.

He planned to take the boys out for a meal and have a proper man to man talk with them. I mean, Yaw is not the top choice but at least he admires powerful women and will instil some respect for women in my boys.

Now, I really need to get them away from Dave. But I have to be careful, I need a plan. First, I sold my shares in Purple Linen to Shika at a cheap price and handed the profit I made back to the business. I will buy them back later but now, I just need to have patience.

After last night, I wonder where Dave got the audacity to act like that. I got to work confused, wondering what he will do next. I was so engrossed in my thoughts I did not hear my phone ring, the receptionist had to walk to my office. She gently notified me of visitors waiting for me in the lobby. I asked her to let them in. It was the church cleaners, security guards and two administrative officers. I was surprised to see them, apparently they haven’t been paid in two months. They came to me, requesting I speak to Dave or else they will go on strike. I paid them with some of the money from my birthday fund and sent an email to Dave and the rest of the church leadership with receipts. I pledged to use the rest of the money to take care of their salaries which will be for the next four months. Dave was furious with me for that decision, but the others found my act admirable.

For the rest of the week, Dave continued to inconvenience me with the minutest details. From throwing food away to waking me up at night to prepare the same meal for him, then making our bedroom messy with his clothes. I hate to talk about the declarations he insist on during sex. One night, he just made me constantly repeat ‘King Dave’. It was annoying and exhausting. I don’t talk back or retaliate, I just continue performing my duties diligently. After all, this will not last forever.

Two days later…

I woke up feeling motivated to go to work. Joy is a decision and I will partake in it today. I wore a purple fitting dress, Dave always complained about this attire and how its accentuation of my curves was ungodly. I wore my highest heels and ordered an Uber comfort. I was not in the mood to drive to work.

I was busy working on my computer when Yaw barged in..

“You applied for a job in HOUSTON?” he bellowed.

“Good morning to you too Yaw, I am fine, thanks for asking and you?” I replied sarcastically.

“I am good. But why? You won’t move to Lagos but Houston?” he asked.

“How did you know about this? It is a different company!” I exclaimed.

“Well, your future boss is a good friend and recognised your name! Everybody knows Zoe Osei is the Robin to my Batman!” he exclaimed.

“Well, it is a free world. I can apply to wherever I want” I said.

“Is Dave okay or is it his idea for you to start a church in Houston?” Yaw asked.

“Hahahahaha. No, but thanks for the idea. I was wondering how to get him on board” I said.

“Wait…wait… Zoe is making a professional move without Dave? Obi nyane me ooo⁴!! Someone should wake me up!”

“Don’t be dramatic Yaw!”

“About a year ago, if only you had taken the promotion. You could have been in either Lagos or Cote d’Ivoire” he said.

“I will be working directly under your supervision. My dear, here you are in Accra!”

“I came back because of you”

“My friend! Please, these your lies won’t work on me. You moved back because of your children!” I retorted and he laughed.

“True!”

“How many of your babes have fallen for that lie?” I asked.

“You don’t want to know” he joked “I am happy for you by the way. Anyway, I put in a good word. Though I will miss you, I hope everything works out” he said.

“I haven’t even been called for the first interview” I said.

“Don’t worry, you got this. After the two rounds, I don’t mind helping you prep for the final interview with the CEO. I am so happy for you!” he said before leaving.

I am still not sure whether to accept the offer if I get the job. I applied for it one day after Dave’s antics out of anger. There were three jobs actually, one in Houston, another in London and the third in Zambia. Ewoenam has travelled, I cannot wait for her to get back to seek her counsel.  I already know her first reaction to all this.

“Zoe, have you prayed about this?”

I have prayed for years, I have fasted, cried, sowed huge financial seeds for things to change. Do I deserve to be sad all the time because I got married? It’s almost twenty years of Dave and his wicked drain on my finances, can I see my life continuing the same way for the next twenty? Is it a mid-life crisis? All I know is, with every decision I have taken, my spirit and heart feels lighter…

Author’s Note

Four more episodes to Season Finale, One more season to say Goodbye to Church Angels!!! Have a great weekend!! and please subscribe, interact in the comment section.

A Big shoutout to Melody Gobah!!! Congratulations on your graduation!!!!

A true friend, fan and follower of the website!!

Lexicons

1. Nɔvi (norvi) — This is Ewe for sibling / brother / sister / relative. Depending on context, it can mean a brother, sister, or close relative.
2. Tutuutu — (Also Ewe) It is an emphatic form used to stress smallness or exactly!
3. Nyame nim paa — This is Twi (Akan), meaning “God knows very well” or “Only God knows.”
4. Obi nyane me — This is also Twi (Akan) and can mean “Someone should wake me up”