A writer's haven

It is not for kings, oh Lemuel! It is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, so that they do not drink and forget what has been decreed and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.  - The Proverbs of Solomon, Son of David, King of Israel **** "How's everyone back home?" Pelumi asked Itoro who had just gotten back from her trip to Akwa Ibom to see her family. " Mum and dad are fine. Everyone is doing very well." Pelumi lifted her hands above her head. "Wonderful. Thank God." "So how did it go at Ivan's place the other day? What did you think about his family?" "Hmmm...Itoro. One question at a time." Pelumi articulated, chuckling. She glanced at her friend who was taking off her shoes. Itoro always claimed she was not that good looking. Pelumi shook her head, wondering why and how on earth Itoro believed that. She was slim with the right curves in the right places. She

"Bless you!" Itoro said to Pelumi who had just sneezed on walking into the flat they shared. Pelumi carried the plastic bags she had on her into the kitchen. She sneezed again. Itoro yawned loudly. "What bug have you caught? You barely catch a cold." She questioned Pelumi. "I know. That's why I went scouting for pepper soup ingredients." Pelumi replied, removing the pieces of goat meat from the plastic bag and dumping them in a pot. "You plan on making this tonight?" Itoro asked, pointing at the bags on the kitchen counter. "Yeah…" Pelumi replied. "But I feel really tired. My bones and muscles are aching too." "Hmmm, maybe you're coming down with flu?" Itoro remarked. "I hope not," Pelumi said quietly. "Are you okay?" Itoro asked her. "You look like something's bothering you." "No, I'm fine. I'd like to go rest. At the