Little Rot

Content Warning: The novel and this section of the guide contain references to violence, murder, drug use, rape, human trafficking, child abuse, and child sexual abuse.

At 4:24 on Saturday afternoon, Ahmed is roused from his confused stupor by footsteps and the sound of a woman calling his name. He is surprised to see Aima and Ijendu. Neither sees Seun’s body at first, but Ahmed’s distress is obvious. Ijendu wonders if he is high, but then they see Seun naked and sprawled on the sofa, his bruised neck bearing “the clear signature of Ahmed’s hands” (208). Aima screams and begins hyperventilating. Ahmed says only that he should have covered the body. He thinks of all his mistakes, acting “alone, unleashed” in his anger instead of reaching out to Ruqaiyyah for help.

Ijendu is inspecting Seun’s body and recognizes him as an actor. She tells Ahmed and Aima they “need to get [their] shit together” and “take care of this” (209). Aima balks, saying she doesn’t want to be involved, but Ijendu reminds her that she is already involved and Ahmed needs their help. She tells Ahmed that what happened was “an accident,” and Ahmed agrees, unsure if he believes it but grasping at the suggestion of manslaughter instead of murder.