Dream Count

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes sexual content.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chiamaka, or Chia, is living in Maryland alone. The country goes on lockdown and she vows to spend her time jogging, napping, and caring for her skin and body. However, in just a few days, she feels isolated and disoriented. Her only form of human contact is via Zoom calls with her friends and family.

Chia’s best friend Zikora lives in Washington, DC. One day they talk on the phone about the lockdown and grocery store shortages. Shortly thereafter, Chia Zooms with her parents (who live in Enugu) and her brothers Afam and Bunachi (who live respectively in Lagos and Bunachi). They get into an argument about COVID. Chia tries changing the subject.

Another day, Chia talks to her cousin Omelogor. She recently moved back to Abuja from the United States. Chia is surprised to hear her talking about COVID, death, and dying. During other calls, the cousins don’t talk at all, working side-by-side in silence. Other times, Chia, Omelogor, and Zikora Zoom all together; but the more calls Chia takes the more alone she feels. Sometimes Chia calls

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