Nigeria, May 18 -- I am Unoka-yes, that Unoka. Okonkwo's father. The most misunderstood and maligned character in Things Fall Apart.

Since I embraced this identity, I've known true peace. The kind that comes from dropping anxiety like a hot akara and breathing in the fresh air of authenticity, like when Unoka played his flute, even if nobody danced or clapped.

I cannot come and kill myself, abeg.

Like my spiritual predecessor, I'm perfectly okay with my swollen belly. Rich people have potbellies too, and call it "wealth." Mine just came despite the pangs of hunger.

And let's face it: no matter your accolades, the ultimate affliction-death-will still carry all of us like an angry flood.

The clan dumped me in the evil forest to die lik...