What do you mean you can't find it Zara said with a teary voice, her voice already cracking. Did you tie it well she asked her younger brother Ike who was just staring at the space where it was last seen. "This is the crime scene where it occurred", " Chibu said as he came out from the house with a sellotape to stamp on the walls.

Can you both just stop this Zara said trying not to break. What are we going to do she asked looking at Ike who in turn looked at Chibu who now had stopped measuring the crime scene and beautifying the walls with a sellotape. You know she said pointing at Ike if you had checked on it when we asked you to do it, this wouldn't have happened. Do you know how much it costs in this economy? How do we explain to our parents that both of them disappeared without a trace when we have a gate or tell her that we didn't kill it yesterday because we were tired? Why didn't they disappear yesterday but chose to disappear today the 25th, Zara continued to lament.

We flouted their order and now see!!! Chibu cried out, placing both hands on top of his head, shaking his head from left to right. "What now"?, the youngest among the trio, asked.

We have to go in search of them, this is still 10 am, I don't think they can walk that far. Mom and Dad are expected to come back by 3 pm. Chibu, stay at home and call us when you see them.

Ike let us go, you know what they look like? Zara asked Ike

"One looks like a boy, another a girl".

"Ehhhh" Zara said this time she didn't say anything else as they both exited the gate.

They started by checking around the neighbourhood and asking around. Christmas songs were playing from the different churches they passed that had gathered to host a Christmas service. Children were seen holding the hands of their parents in their red and white outfits, adorned with their rubber wristwatches and double-lens glasses. Some were coming back and others going. Couples were seen with their matching outfits. Zara and Ike passed their main streets and still no sign of the Chickens. 

Dear Lord Zara said as they passed the church at the end of their street we searched everywhere but we still couldn't find them. I know this is on short notice but can you provide another for us by the time we get home? Zara prayed, Ike staring at her, he nodded his head in disbelief. What kind of prayer is this? For God to provide 2(two) chickens for us like now!! God answers serious prayers not this. By the way, I am tired. I am going home to kneel and await my punishment. Are you coming? He beckoned to her as he walked away sluggishly ...

"Everything is now expensive if it's before we can afford this but now…see the cost of one chicken. And if we buy old layers they would know. Those species can break a person's teeth".

"Hmmm," Ike muttered under his breath as he walked back home looking back to see if his sister was following him.

Getting back home they noticed a new car parked in front of their compound and they both stared at each other in confusion. Locking the gate they saw Chibu who rushed out of the house telling them that their eldest brother Obiaku was back, he was expected to come home a few days after but he said he wanted to spend Christmas with them so he came home earlier and guess what he bought not just a turkey but four chickens plus his new car. Ike left his sister and ran inside with Chibu. Zara looked above and gave a big smile. Her heart was so full of gratitude. Sniffing her nose

"HE HEARD ME, EVEN ON SHORT NOTICE HE HEARD ME," She said as she ran inside to welcome her big brother home.

Thanks, big bro you just saved this Christmas for us, Zara said as she gave her brother a big hug. Miracle no dey tire Jesus Obiaku said, giving them a wink as he entered his room to change while his siblings got ready to prepare the chickens.