“The rod cannot touch the Earth except through my flesh,” Orobosa’s  Nigerian voice was deep and heavy.

“That explains the whole barefoot thing,” June said.

“Hush,” Marry replied.

Orobosa was thin but strong from the weight of the mat black staff. He took a moment to break off a bit from the end, and the pieces scattered like soot.

June huffed her disapproval, patting down her fancy dress and adding a cough for effect.

The remaining two feet crumbled in his grip but held together.

“How long have you been carrying that Orobosa?,” Mary asked.

“Too long,” his exhaustion showed.

“You mean you can’t put it down. Even for a second? What would happen?”

“In my lifetime, it touch the ground twice. The wounds will bleed, long after I am dead.” he sat and rested the staff across his knees.

“Can’t you just break it up till it’s tiny, and put it in your pocket?”

“It grows. Even now. And the shorter it is, the heavier it becomes.”

“Well you can stay here tonight,” Marry said. “It’s the least we can do. The couch pulls out to a bed and I’ll make you something to eat.”

“Mary!” June’s eyes narrowed.

“June, I know you have a date. Go or you’ll be late.”

“I’m not gonna leave you here, with-”

“I’m fine.”

“Forget it. I’m calling Tom right now.” June said swiping through her contacts.

“Orobosa, make yourself comfortable. June let’s talk.” Mary steered June into her bedroom.

“Mary-”

“June, he saved our lives. We can’t just toss him out.”

“So, what? Are we gonna let him live here? Is he gonna pay rent? I don’t think he’s got a job. Jez Mary, he’s a freekin’ homeless guy. Probably crazy… dirty.”

“He’s a holy man.”

“Holy? You’re an Atheist.”

“I never said that.”

“Well you sure talk down a lot, about-”

“Just because I don’t like religion doesn’t mean I don’t believe in…”

“In what?”

“I don’t know. Something.”

“Fine. Do what you want. You’re crazy too.”

“Just go-”

“I said I’m not leaving.” June removed her earrings and sat on the bed, Her arms crossed. “and I’m sleepin in here tonight.”

Mary gave her a hug, “You know I love you.”

“Shut up, I’m calling Tom.” June got up and began to dial Tom.