Original subtitles

[peaceful piano music playing]

[girl] Ekene! If I catch you! Stop this thing now, Ekene!

Whoa! [straining]

[man] Another cat and mouse game? Wait, what is going on?

-[girl] Daddy! -[father] What is the problem?

Ebere is making noise and disturbing me.

It's big sis Ebere!

-And it's music, not noise. -OK.

It's noise when it won't let me finish my story.

When I bring home the Grammy,

I will remember to mention you in my acceptance speech.

Wait, wait, wait! OK, OK, OK!

You know what, how about you go sit down and finish up your Grammy song?

-I don't want to sit down! -Ugh. OK.

You know what? Let me scold him. Let me scold him.

Hmm?

OK. Young man, with me.

You're writing another one.

Looks nice.

So…

What is this? How do you pronounce this?

Gobbling…

[Ebere playing piano exercise]

-Baby. -Yeah.

You're not ready?

Isn't our reservation for…

Says the person in flip-flops.

[phone chimes]

Work?

Yeah.

I'm sorry, does this happen to everybody in your workplace?

Hmm… I don't know.

[laughs softly] They do know you have a family, right?

Baby.

This is impromptu.

A junior colleague just made a costly mistake on a proposal.

We…

I have to clean up after him.

Right.

And what about our date?

Baby, let's reschedule, please.

Reschedule?

[sighs] It won't happen again.

-I will make it up to you. -You will…

You're kidding me, right?

[piano exercise continues]

Sorry.

[sighs]

Daddy, come look at this, I got it!

OK.

[playing piano loudly]

[father] Nice.

But of course I can even do better.

-[Ebere clears throat, coughs] -[father] What?

You don't believe me?

Unlike you, I'm going to need a record for future purposes.

Ekene, please make a video of me.

[Ebere] Yes.

[father] Yes. May I, madam?

[Ebere] Hmm… you may.

[father] Hmm.

OK.

Sorry.

-I have this. I can do this. -[children laughing]

-You have it? -I do, I have it.

-You have it. Let's go. -I do have it.

-[children chuckling] -[playing awkwardly]

Oh my God.

What? You don't believe that I can do it?

Well, it's not that difficult, guys. C'mon, what's funny?

[playing wrong notes]

-[Ebere] Mm-hmm. -There! There you go!

[crickets chirping]

[father] Psst.

Where's everybody?

[father] Well…

We waited for you.

They got tired, so they went to bed.

I'm sorry for messing up our plans today, honey.

It's OK.

The kids and I, we had a great time.

We even made videos. Let me show you.

-Really? -Mm-hmm.

So, look at this one. Look at it.

No way!

That is Ekene pretending to be…

I don't know, Ray Charles or Stevie Wonder or Cobhams or something.

What was he thinking?

-That's the thing, he wasn't thinking. -[both laughing]

God! These kids.

-Look at Ebere. -I know, she had a great time.

[horn honks]

[relaxing synthesized music playing]

-Good afternoon, sir. -Hello. Good afternoon.

Good afternoon, madam. Children, you are welcome.

-I believe this is the Ezeji's family. -Yes.

I hope I got the name right.

You are welcome. Welcome to Lufasi Nature Park.

Thank you.

My name is Usman. I shall be your tour guide for today.

-Nice to meet you. -Shall we begin?

-Yes. -Yes, let the nature experience begin!

-[father chuckles] -[mother] Hey, easy, birthday girl!

-[father] Easy. -Let's go this way.

-This way? - All right.

[relaxing music playing]

[music continuing]

[music continuing]

It is surprising to see that Lagos has such an interesting space.

Who would have known?

Well, I am not surprised, sir.

Because most visitors do say the same thing.

It's so tranquil that someone might forget they're still in Lagos.

That is very very correct.

You see, several people will come here

to cool off and sometimes clear their minds.

-Right. -I see why.

-So, sir, sir. -Yes.

I think this is where my work stops. I have to leave you now.

-Aw. -Ebere.

-Cool? Um… -[family speaking Hausa]

All right, sir. It's been a great pleasure.

-Bye. -Thank you.

-Thank you. -I hope you guys had fun.

Yes, best birthday ever!

OK. [laughs]

Ekene, is everything OK?

-Ekene! Ekene! Ekene! -Ekene!

-Ekene! -[family speaking Yoruba]

Go start the car. Go start the car, please!

OK! OK! OK!

-[mother shouting] -Ekene! Ekene!

[contemplative music playing]

[father] So-so-so… Ekene is a sickler?

No! We don't call them sicklers.

However, he has the Sickle Cell Disease

as suspected by the doctor who referred you to us.

That's impossible. Right?

Doctor. Only one of us has the sickle cell trait.

I'm AS and my husband is AA.

Hmm, that's interesting. Was this confirmed by a blood test?

Yes, when I was in secondary school.

And for me, just before we got married.

Well, for a child to have the sickle cell disease,

both parents should have one S gene.

I highly recommend that you both take another test.

OK, let's… let's… say for the sake of argument…

you are right.

So…

But these things are usually discovered at infancy.

They are usually detected early. Ekene is six?

Six, he is six years old.

Detection at his age is not unusual.

However, he would be showing some recurrent symptoms before now.

What symptoms?

[doctor] Well, for one, he would have episodes of extreme weakness.

Why isn't he in bed?

Well, he wanted me to carry him to his room.

That's strange.

Does he have a temperature?

No, he doesn't.

He's normal.

He probably just exerted himself at school.

Ah, I think he's just exercising his last born rights.

In that case, he should take all his time. Because he has forever to go.

[father chuckles]

-[sighs] I'm going to bed, honey. -OK.

It's easy to miss, especially when we make assumptions using logic.

[mother sobbing]

Another commonly misunderstood symptom is severe headache.

Where's Ekene? Isn't he ready for school?

Uh, no, he complained about a very bad headache this morning.

-Again? -Mm.

Baby, just give him Ibuprofen after breakfast. OK?

[doctor] And most parents will just administer medication without a test.

[sighs]

Another symptom…

I get the picture, Doctor.

So what now?

Well… Ekene will be placed on daily medication.

As in every day?

Yes.

Everyday.

For the rest of his life?

I understand that this is a challenging time

and that things will change a lot for your family,

especially for Ekene.

I… recommend that you both sign up with a genetic counsellor,

to help your family ease into this new way of life.

For the rest of his life?

My son…

It's OK.

Ekene.

Going forward, you will immediately let us and your teachers know

anytime you feel unwell. OK?

And no more rough play, especially in school.

Yes, Mummy.

And you, Ebere…

moving forward you're going to have to watch your brother

with the eyes of a hawk, hmm?

And report to us immediately if you see anything amiss.

All right?

This affects all of us.

Yes, Daddy.

We will beat this. OK?

OK?

[sighs]

Isn't this where we hug?

[upbeat music playing]

[father sighs]

[mother] Young man… comb your hair.

-Good morning, Daddy. -Good morning, Dad.

Good morning, guys.

[sighs]

Dad! I just combed that.

[laughs] If that was combed,

then what I did was an improvement on it.

[phone chimes]

OK, guys, we are running late.

OK? Have a great day at school and take care of yourselves.

-Hmm? -OK.

Ekene. Remember to put an extra bottle of water in your bag.

Uh… how about your medicine?

Dissolved in my blood by now.

Great, all right.

Forgetting something?

Thank you, son.

[phone buzzing]

Hello.

Yes, BW Gallery?

Yes, it's him. Yes, yes.

Thank you very much.

I think it's a masterpiece, if I may say so myself.

OK.

Um…

I'm confused, I thought you just said that you liked it.

No, no. No, it's OK.

It's OK.

Thank you very much. Thank you.

[sighs] All right, bye.

[sighs]

Go wait in the car. Hmm?

Here…

Baby.

Who was that?

BW Gallery.

I could have sworn that they liked my painting

and were going to put it up for display.

I'm sorry, baby.

It's OK.

Anyway, let me go do the one thing I'm great at doing.

Don't say that.

Don't say what? The truth?

Thanks, honey.

Après vous, madame.

-[students chatting] -[birds trilling]

[father] All right, guys, have a nice day, OK?

-Somto! -Did you print it?

Of course I printed it.

[man] Good morning, students.

[students, weakly] Good morning, sir.

I'm sure we all had a beautiful weekend.

You can all be seated.

All right, um…

Students of year nine…

I want you to inform your parents

you'll be starting your extra classes within the next two weeks.

Uh, can we put our hands together for our music team?

Let's put our hands together for them. Let's be excited.

We are certain that

the students will do very well at the Maestro Music Meet this year.

Let's put our hands together again to encourage them.

Good. Um…

Very quickly before we go back to our classes,

the members of the Communications Club have a broadcast for us.

Let's put our hands together for Ekene and Somto.

Climate Change.

"Climate Change is gradually becoming a major threat to the planet."

"We have recently been experiencing a lot of flooding

and excessive heat from the sun in recent years because of this."

"To save our world, we need to take a stand against environmental practices

that are harmful to our ecosystem."

"Greta Thunberg, a Swedish teenage activist,

has successfully instituted the 'Friday for Future' strike,

which she started by skipping her Friday classes

to go sit in front of the Swedish parliament

to protest for the enforcement of stricter climate actions."

"We do not necessarily have to do the same thing,

but what are we doing within our sphere of influence,

as individuals and collectively to protect our environment?"

[applause]

[girl] The way that movie ended…

I'm sure they're all coming back in the next one.

[students laugh]

[students giggling]

Ebere!

-Ebere! -Hmm?

The way you are looking at him.

-Me… look at him? -[girls] Hmmm!

I wasn't. I was just…

Stop, just stop it.

Well, you know he's coming for my birthday party, right?

-No way. -Yes way.

Then I must come.

[girls giggling]

-Ebere… -Go and say hi now. Go.

Go! He's looking at you.

Ebere, please.

Oh my God, Ebere…

[woman] Hello, don't crowd him, don't crowd him.

He needs air, don't crowd him.

-Hello? Hello? -Ekene?

Nurse Esther, please come to the courtyard now! Now!

-[woman] Ekene! Ekene! -[Ekene coughing]

Ekene! Can you hear me? Can you hear me?

Can you hear me? Don't worry, you'll be fine, OK?

Just calm down.

[solemn music playing]

[Ebere] Will he be OK?

Of course he will be fine.

Ekene is a fighter.

Is Mom not coming?

-[mother] Hello. -There she is.

I was so scared! I've never seen him like that before.

It's OK. He'll be fine.

Hmm? It's OK.

Come here, sit down.

Baby, how is he?

He's asleep.

Oh! Ekene, my baby.

Ekene?

My baby.

It's Mummy.

How are you feeling?

Dull pain.

Where?

[mother sighs]

Should I get you a warm drink?

I don't feel like taking anything.

When can I go home?

I'm tired of all their needles.

When the doctor gives you an all-clear, OK?

He says your vitals are stable, but your…

you may be a bit stressed out.

Or excited.

You know you need to take things easy.

[sighing] Yeah.

I didn't do anything stressful or exciting.

No sports, no adventures.

Next thing, you people will be telling me not to breathe.

Just take it easy, Ekene, OK, and it won't get to that.

-I need to go see the doctor. -I'll come with you.

We'll be back, OK?

Nothing exciting?

Don't tell them about the broadcast on the assembly.

It's not what caused this.

And how do you know this, Doctor Ekene?

I just do… Don't tell. Please!

I won't.

But you have to be careful.

[sighs]

[phone buzzing]

[door closes]

Your phone was ringing.

Baby.

Come on, stop this.

Stop what?

Stop acting up.

-Really? -Yes.

I didn't know that caring for my son was the same thing as acting up.

It took you hours to get to the hospital,

even though the school called you first and not me.

Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait!

Is this about me getting to the school later than you?

Or about the school calling me and not you?

They always call you first!

Even though you never abandon whatever you're doing to attend to the situation.

Almost as though they don't have my number anymore or something.

And what does it matter? What if they call me and not you?

-As long as-- -[knock on door]

Yes?

[door opens, closes]

[clears throat]

Mummy. Daddy.

You know Uwa, right?

[father] Mm-hmm.

Well…

She's having her birthday party in a few weeks.

Can I go, please?

-Of course you can go, sweetie. -Thank you so much, Daddy!

Thank you, Mummy!

[father chuckles]

[door closes]

Couldn't you have just told her that we'll discuss about it

and give her our response in the morning?

You know what? Suit yourself.

Daddy, please, it will be so boring… just the two of us.

They can drop me off.

No, Ekene. You saw Somto all through the week at school.

Besides if you go, you'll start running up and down with him.

We'll only play video games, I promise!

[mother] Save it!

Saturday is for resting. You'll see Somto in school on Monday.

Or will you take him there briefly?

Well, I have a painting to finish.

If I round that up on time, then perhaps.

That's another way of saying no. You'll never be done in time.

Ebere, is the new hair conditioner in the bag?

Mm. Yeah.

-OK. See you guys later. -All rightie. Yeah.

-[mother] Bye. -[father] Bye.

[door closes]

[contemplative music playing]

[Ekene groaning]

[door slams]

[groaning]

-[glass shatters] -[father] Ekene!

We're starting rehearsals for the Maestro Meet today.

-[father] Hmm. -What's that?

Mom… really?

Ekene, are you OK? What's wrong with you?

Honey, are you all right?

You've barely touched your food.

My chest is paining me.

Oh, my baby.

Drink some water…

Sorry.

…while I go and get your medicine.

Dad will get your drugs for you, OK? You'll be fine OK?

[door opens]

Let me quickly send this mail.

OK.

Your hand.

All right, guys. Time for school, eh?

Let's go, let's go, let's go.

[father] Ebere. You're going to have to look after your brother today at school.

OK?

Ebere, are you listening to me?

Yes, Dad.

I won't let him out of my sight for a second,

in a school where we take different classes and enjoy different activities.

That is not what…

-[students chatting] -[ball bouncing]

Take care, buddy, OK?

Osas, my man!

Hey… my nigga from another mother that I respect like no other.

[chuckles] Guy, calm down.

Listen, it's only good news I want to hear.

I can give you the news, I gon' talk whether or not good or not.

[in pidgin] See, the client has renegotiated.

[in English] They still intend to commission us though.

However, some bigwigs are trying to get them

to buy existing paintings from some Italian artists.

And our client is…

well, they want us to have a mashup of some sort.

[in pidgin] What do you mean by mashup?

They want us to come over and do our paintings out of station.

But an artist is best in his natural habitat now

[in pidgin] I wanted to make that point, but, buddy…

[in English] …for the sort of amount these goons

are offering… [chuckles]

…I'll work in a freaking toilet for all I care.

I want to start processing our travel documents.

So what do you say, partner?

Look, I know this is a big hook to swallow.

But, you see, this is a deal to clinch all deals!

Hello?

Bro, are you there?

Yes. Yes, I am. It's just…

I need a drink.

[Osas] Look, man. I know how you feel.

But, brother…

this… this is what we've been waiting for.

[in pidgin] What date are they proposing we travel?

Eh, they're considering mid-year.

[in English] Duration?

Um…

Two to three months. [in pidgin] It may be extended.

[sighs]

Osas, please, can I process this and get back at you?

[in pidgin] No problem, brother.

[in English] Take your time. But don't take too much.

Remember, once we score this gig, we are made men!

Thank you. Thank you very much.

[student singing softly]

Who is that singing? You are not meant to sing.

-[singing stops] -This is a test.

Well done.

Are you OK?

You are really sweating. You need to go to the sickbay now.

OK? So let's go.

Gently.

Somtochukwu!

Please go and get the school nurse now!

Rest your head. Rest your head.

Sorry.

Sorry, dear. You will be OK.

So we are having a joint class today.

I don't want any two classmates sitting together.

So, everyone, shuffle around and look for a new partner.

Quickly!

Take a good look at your seatmate.

Because your seatmate is going to be your new chemistry partner, henceforth.

So for practicals and assignments,

you will do together except otherwise specified.

So learn each other's names right now. Go ahead.

[students chatting softly]

What's your name?

Hi, my name is…

[teacher] Ebere Ezeji!

Ebere Ezeji!

You have an emergency, come out.

The class I was in was very important.

Very very important.

-How then would you have come home? -I can find my way!

Well, not today, missy. Besides, your brother needs us.

There.

Children.

Easy.

Very nice, I like it.

Is it standing well that way, it won't flip over?

-Yes, ma. It's OK. -OK, nice, it's actually very nice.

Can I see the other one, please?

OK.

This is also very nice, I like the two.

You know what, let's use this one.

OK. Take this one.

Uh… Just take it, I'll call you. I need to make a call now.

[door closes]

[sighs]

-It's OK. -[phone buzzing]

How is he doing?

He's sleeping.

He's… he's fine.

Thank God.

It's almost… painful to watch.

[scoffs] I can't even imagine the amount of agony he's going through.

Even Doctor Hassan is concerned.

Yeah. You spoke with him?

Yes, I did.

He's worried about the frequency and severity of the crisis.

Yeah, we should discuss that at the next genetic counselling session.

When is it, again?

Baby…

Wait, we forgot? We missed it?

No.

[sighs] It's actually next week.

[sighs] I have a presentation to do that day.

[chuckles]

And…?

I have to do the presentation for…

No, no, Yemi, no.

You don't have to do anything, OK?

We do this as a family.

Now you can have your presentation after we're done with our counselling session.

You tell your boss that that's what your husband said.

Nnamdi.

Let's be reasonable.

Oh! So I'm not making any sense right now?

I'm sorry, but let's conclude this when we get home.

No.

Yemi.

We've concluded this already.

Fine, no problem.

Fine. It's OK.

[knock on door]

I like what you've done with the room.

I did tell you that your creativity, you got it from me, right?

It's been like this for ages, Daddy.

How come I haven't noticed it before now?

I guess not noticing precious things is part of being human and living.

Ebere.

I know that sometimes you must feel that…

our affection for you is scarce.

But I want to assure you that your mother and I love you very much. OK?

But love isn't enough.

Is it?

What does that mean?

You love me.

You love Ekene.

Yet, I'm like a favorite visiting niece in my own house.

You understand that this is a temporary situation

and will soon be over, right?

When?

When will that be, Daddy?

When will all of this be over?

When will we get our lives back?

When, Daddy? When?

Look. We just have to be strong, OK, and just…

[sighs] …just keep putting one foot in front of the next.

It will soon be over.

OK?

Let me go and check your brother.

[door opens]

[door closes]

[crickets chirping]

You OK?

Yeah. Could be better, though.

[coughs]

We'll be fine. Hmm?

I'm sure of it.

Will we?

[scoffs] I mean, I don't know anymore, babe.

I couldn't even reassure our daughter today that everything would be OK.

We all feel this way.

We just have to keep hoping.

Hmm?

Do you?

Do I what?

Feel this way?

I mean… you're hardly ever around.

Whenever Ekene is in his crisis, you're never there.

It's always only me.

You make it sound like I'm dodging my responsibilities or something.

I'm just stating facts, babe.

Facts?

Do these facts include my working like a horse to make ends meet for this family?

Taking on extra hours?

Yeah right, go ahead. No! Don't stop, rub it in my face.

Go ahead.

What is it with you, Nnamdi?

I can't seem to say anything right these days.

Of course, you can.

After all, you're the one providing for all of us in this house.

Providing what? [in Yoruba] What do you want, Nnamdi?

[in English] What do you want from me? Please, just tell me.

Babe, I'm…

I'm sorry.

OK? I'm under a lot of pressure. You know…

The guys that Osas is talking to, they want us to come to Italy.

How is that putting you under pressure?

Because we'll be gone for a while, say, I don't know, two, three months.

-That long? -Yes.

-Why? -I don't know. OK?

Some internal politics. I don't know, I'm not quite sure.

Anyway, Osas is waiting for a response.

Oh, baby…

What do you want to do?

That's the thing.

I'm conflicted.

What do youthink I should do?

I don't know.

This is your decision to make. I mean…

I don't want to sound selfish.

But we need you.

[sighs]

Fingers crossed.

We'll figure out how to handle Osas's offer.

And you never know.

Some other big gig that's not as complicated might come along.

But till then, we have enough to keep us going.

Youdo.

Sorry?

You're the one who has things doing. I don't have anything.

Stop saying this, baby.

But it's the truth now, come on. The only thing I have comes with a clause.

Huh?

You know, if this is really about earning a steady income,

you know you can get a well paying job in this city.

All you have to do is call--

Don't! Don't say it, Yemi!

Jesus Christ.

OK. Fine.

I won't.

But know this, Nnamdi.

You have issues that go way beyond my work hours.

And you're the only one who can handle them.

Yemi, I just…

[woman] So tell me.

How do you really feel about this whole situation?

Awful.

Ekene's condition seems to be worsening.

My… business isn't doing so well.

My wife and I are always arguing.

Let's assume there is a magic wand, and you get one wish.

What would you change in this whole situation?

[Yemi] That my husband reconciled with his parents…

so he can either have a stable job

or high net worth individuals to pay for his paintings.

Oh, that are within the country.

You would not use the wish to change the fact

that your son has the sickle cell disease?

I thought the wish was supposed to be realistic.

So… tell me, how has Ekene's condition impacted your work?

It has definitely affected my school work, I mean…

How can I concentrate on anything when every minute

I have to watch out for my brother?

That sounds hard.

Tell me more.

Oh, where do I begin?

Do you believe that your condition can be used to serve a greater purpose?

No!

No? That's a definite answer.

Why do you say that?

My mom and dad are fighting all the time now because of me.

Ebere constantly gets angry at me now.

[sighs]

There is so much tension in my family and…

it's all because of me.

No, no, no, no.

It's not you.

It's your condition.

But I will tell you the truth. OK?

All families have tensions.

We're human beings. We react to different things.

I won't lie that your family is not tensed about this, but not about you.

They want you to get better.

It's important that you show love and care to your family.

You're the backbone of the family.

I know things are hard financially, but eventually things will bounce back.

I don't want you to lose hope.

If you lose hope, your family will lose hope.

Now… it's important that you hear me.

OK?

Your family loves you.

Nothing can change that.

Nothing.

Maybe.

But is love enough?

[Nnamdi] Mm-hmm. Really.

[family chatting indistinctly, laughing]

Hang on.

-[Ebere] Isn't that…? -[Ekene] Grandma!

-[Ebere shrieks, laughs] -[Nnamdi chuckles]

-[kids shrieking] -[grandmother] My grandchildren!

I have missed you both!

Oh! Oh, look at you.

I've missed you. [chuckles]

[sighs] Oh, yeah.

-OK. -We'll share it.

[grandmother laughs]

[laughing]

Before you know it, they will be ready to get married.

-They grow up so fast these days. -Ah! [chuckles]

[sighs] Nnamdi.

Why is it that we cannot eat from the same plate?

Ma?

You have refused to pick my calls.

-You have refused to come and visit us. -[Nnamdi sighs]

You have refused to accept anything from us.

What have I done to deserve such treatment?

Eh?

I would not give up.

[in Igbo] You can't throw away a child and also throw away his bath water.

But Daddy can throw away the baby, the bath water, the bucket, everything.

Nnamdi.

[in English] Your father has decided to let bygones be bygones.

[chuckles]

[in Igbo] He misses you.

He has agreed, right?

Mummy, I should be the one letting bygones be bygones, eh? Not him.

[in Igbo] I am not done.

[in English] You two are the most…

irrationally stubborn people I have ever known.

Are you the first to have a misunderstanding?

Misunderstanding?

Mummy, he literally disowned me!

He did no such thing!

Words were merely said that shouldn't have been said.

[in Igbo] But words are like eggs. [English] Isn't that was our people say?

Hey. Nnamdi.

Your father and I aren't getting any younger.

Must we quarrel to the grave

just because you refuse to be part of the family business?

Please, accept his hand of fellowship.

Eh?

See, he has secured a job for you in a friend's art gallery.

And the pay is good.

[chuckles]

-Mummy, no. -No that?

If Daddy wants to apologize, he should look me in the face and do it personally

and stop sending me or trying to buy me gifts.

I'm a grown man. These things don't appeal to me anymore.

They offend me.

-[in Igbo] Nnamdi, please. -[door opens]

-Ah! -[grandmother chuckles]

Grandma!

-My dear. -Oooh!

Grandma…

Grandma, it's so good to see you.

Same here, welcome. How are you?

You are looking good too.

Thank you. How are you?

I'm OK.

I didn't know you were coming. Nnamdi didn't tell me.

This one, how can he?

When he refused to pick my calls, how would he know?

Eh? As if running the family business is all there is to family.

Eh?

I'm sorry, Grandma. I didn't know.

It's well. [chuckles]

Did you at least entertain her?

My dear, I'm fine.

At least I have seen my grandchildren.

That's all that matters.

So, how is work?

Work is fine, Grandma.

Work is OK.

I hope you have not been overworking yourself.

See, life is too short to spend it all in the office. OK?

I won't, Ma.

You people should come and visit us soon. Hmm?

That day you come…

I will prepare fine onugbo soup. That's the one you like, isn't it?

Oh, Grandma, you don't ever forget anything.

[all laughing]

Look at him, sweet mouth.

-Isi ewulover. -Yes, ooh!

Let me be going before your father starts looking for me.

-Ahh. -Ekene, Ebere, Grandma is leaving.

[laughing]

See them big children.

It was nice seeing you all again.

Oh. Nnamdi.

Hmm, mummy.

[in Igbo] You're so stubborn. You see yourself.

[both laughing]

Mummy, I'd agree if you say I'm stubborn. I agree. I agree.

-Very stubborn. -I agree.

See.

Your father has swallowed his pride

and agreed to your career choice.

All you have to do is meet him halfway.

Huh? Think about it.

Hmm?

-I trust you. -Mum, no problem.

Thank you.

[sighs]

-Ahh… -[Nnamdi] Easy.

[mother] Thank you, boo.

[straining]

All these big vehicles your father likes.

Ugh! OK, thank you.

[Nnamdi] All right, thank you.

-[mother sighs] -[engine starts]

[mother] Take care of yourself, huh?

Will do. Bye, Mum.

[mother] Bye.

How do I look?

[Nnamdi] Like a cute little princess. OK, pose for a photo.

Hmm. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

-Mm-hmm. -I'm a big princess, Dad.

[Ekene] Meh. You look the same.

[chuckles] Anyway, I'm coming to get you at 7 p.m.

No, Dad, please pick me at nine.

Please, please, please!

Seven, Ebere.

Looking fine the way you look so they steal you away from me, right?

Let's go.

-[Ekene] Byeeeeee! -[Nnamdi] Take care, buddy.

[door closes]

[Yemi] Where's my phone? Oh!

[footsteps on stairs]

Where's my phone?

Ebere was using it for homework. It should be on that chair.

Does she not have a phone?

[Ekene] Yours does not hang and always has data.

[Yemi] Fair points.

[sighs]

Huh. No missed call, no messages.

Hallelujah!

There is a God and he loves me.

Hmm?

[sighs]

So…

are you just going to sit here all day?

Ahh… I think so.

We can't just sit here while your sister goes out and have all the fun.

Let's have our own party.

Hmm?

I can invite Somto.

No, no, no, there's no need for that.

Why not?

I can just call his mum.

-Really, Mummy, really. -Yes.

I can make popcorn and sandwiches.

And we'll check for something on Box Office.

-Hmm? -We haven't subscribed for months, Mummy.

Yeah, I know.

Well, we can renew just this once.

[groaning]

Come on.

I'll be right back.

[Ekene] No way!

[line ringing]

Hello, Ify!

Hello! Yemi. Long time! Good to hear from you.

Yes, oh.

You know I was just telling Ekene that we need to have a small get-together.

Uh, is Somto free to come over for a visit?

Um…

He's actually busy now.

He is actually busy now, yeah.

Oh. Will it take long?

Um…

[sighs]

Um…

Sis, um…

I don't know how best to say this.

I really don't think I want Somto hanging around Ekene anymore.

I'm so sorry.

What?

Why?

Did they have a fight?

No, they didn't have a fight.

You see, my son witnessed your son's crisis in school

and since then he's been having serious nightmares.

We had to take him to our pastor for counselling.

Mrs. Ezeji, please understand.

Every day Somto worries that his best friend will die!

And that is not the right situation for a child.

So, I had to take the decision to end this friendship.

So…

what happens to my son is not your concern?

All that matters is that he's not friends with Somto?

[sighs]

If Ekene was your child…

I would be hurt.

But he's not my child.

That's why my husband and I had to take this decision,

which we think is best for him at this time.

Thank you, Mrs. Chukwuka.

Thank you for your honest opinion.

We pray that… that…

[sobbing]

-Welcome, Daddy. -Welcome, Daddy.

Are you all right?

I'm tired, and I hurt all over.

[sighs]

Ekene, I have told you before to stop exposing your body like this.

Eh?

Ebere.

Ebere.

Can you please go and get a shirt and a…

and a sweater for your brother?

Sorry.

Um… would you like some tea or something?

Get up, get up. Get up.

Get up.

So, Ebere, I, uh…

I have a painting I need to go and conclude upstairs, so please…

uh, can you make him some tea and then keep an eye out for him. OK?

If anything comes up, please let me know.

Dad! I'm supposed to go out with my friends.

Young woman, your brother's health is top priority. OK?

I can't be two places at the same time.

I'm sorry.

Hello.

Ayomide.

I'm sorry, I can't make it.

I have to watch my brother… again.

Bye.

[crickets chirping]

-Baby. -[Nnamdi] Mm-hmm.

You still haven't told me why your mum came visiting the other day. Hmm?

[Nnamdi] That's because there's nothing to tell.

Baby.

You and I know that your mother isn't popular with random visits.

And I've been patient long enough.

Yeah, so tell me, why was she here?

[Nnamdi] Well, she was here to offer me…

forgiveness and a job.

What job?

Yemi, you really don't want to know about the forgiveness part.

OK, tell me, tell me everything.

It turns out my father has had a change of heart

and he has decided that he forgives me and he wants me to forgive him also.

That's nice. And?

That's the thing, babe, I don't know.

[sighs] I mean, the man hurt me, badly.

I…

I can't believe he just cut me off just like that.

I practically lived for the man.

[sighs]

I did everything he asked me to do, including study civil engineering,

which is the course I despised, by the way.

And excelled at it, hmm? You excelled at it.

It would be nice for you to have something professional to fall back on

when you get tired of painting.

Why can't he just accept me, accept what I want to do and support me?

And then now… he wants to forgive me.

How magnanimous of him. As if I'm the one who's in the wrong.

He should be asking me for my forgiveness.

-Nnamdi. -Mm-hmm.

He's still your father.

And his forgiveness comes with a job offer.

Exactly! He is trying to buy my forgiveness with a job.

And I'm not having it.

I'm not taking it, Yemi.

You must be joking.

Ah.

Why are you angry?

No, why are you upset?

Do you think I like to work as much as I do? Eh?

Even on some Saturdays?

That I like to be the one, the only one earning a steady income for this family?

Babe, listen…

Don't "babe" me, please!

Don't "babe" me, Nnamdi!

You always complain about our financial state,

about your inability to earn a steady income.

And now your father brings a job… a job on a platter of gold and…

I do not want a job from my father!

I don't want it.

At least not until he learns how to apologize properly.

And I refuse to be manipulated by that man.

[both sigh]

Is this pride I perceive? Hmm?

Is this pride?

Wake up, Nnamdi.

Wake up and smell the coffee.

We need this money!

I am strained to the limits!

Yemi, I can always make another painting--

And what? Eh?

And what, Nnamdi?

Sell it?

To who? Nobody is buying your painting.

You are not making any money.

Nnamdi.

We need this money, we have a lot of bills to pay.

Bills, bills, bills! Bills everywhere, Nnamdi.

Perhaps you can add a caregiver's salary to those bills,

seeing as I have a full-time job taking care of our son.

[Yemi] Ooh! That's it, Nnamdi.

I've had it with you throwing Ekene in my face.

[in Yoruba] You are the cause of all this, Nnamdi.

[in English] This is all your fault, Nnamdi.

Own up to the mess that you made. That's how to become a man.

And didn't you tell me that your genotype is AA when we met?

-Are you blaming me for this? -Yes, Nnamdi. I'm blaming you.

I'm blaming you, Nnamdi.

If you had gone to a proper laboratory or hospital…

and not some quack shop…

or even agreed to do a test when we got serious

instead of holding on to some result from only God knows where…

neither of us would be in this messy situation.

[tsks]

You think I've not been miserable about all of this, Yemi?

Seriously?

Thinking if I'd known I was AS, I would not have married you

and we would not have had Ekene?

-And how has that helped us? -Jesus Christ, Yemi.

Why are you saying this? All I've done…

for Ekene, doesn't that show you that I'm sorry?

Isn't that apology enough?

Why are you talking as if I deceived you into marrying me?

[Yemi] It is not enough!

How can you call your duty a statement of apology?

Eh?

So now what?

You deserve some accolades?

Eh? For doing your fatherly duties?

Oh. I should have a house full of accolades by now

considering the many diaper changes and sleepless nights I've had.

[Nnamdi] I have not asked for applause for the things I do for Ekene.

I don't berate you for not being grateful for the many things I do in this house.

Like what?

Many things, like what? [in Yoruba] Tell me.

[in English] Is taking care of your sick child the many things?

Is that why you won't get a paying job?

Because you're already doing "many things"?

You're an ingrate, Yemi. That's what you are.

-Oh, please. -[in Igbo] I don't blame you.

[in English] I blame you? I don't blame you now.

Everything I have done is out of consideration for you.

I turned down Osas and a lifetime opportunity

because of you and you turn around and disrespect me in return?

That was your decision, Nnamdi. So you bloody well own it.

God's sake, you are the worst.

No, no, no, woman, you bring out the worst in me.

So now, it's back on my head again.

Hmm?

Oh yeah, ignore.

It is what you do best.

For God's sake, you're pathetic!

This is all your fault.

How?

Mum and dad didn't fight like this until you became a sickly child.

You think I like the attention when I'm in pain?

Yes.

Ekene.

[shrieking] Mummy! Daddy!

-What? Ekene? -[Yemi shrieks]

-[Ebere] Ekene! -Ekene!

-Ekene! -Ekene!

[shouting, shrieking]

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

Yemi! Get Doctor Hassan on the phone now!

Ebere, what happened? What happened to him?

I… I… I was at the door to my room and then I heard…

I heard a sound.

Find his painkillers, find his painkillers.

Doctor Hassan.

Everybody keep quiet, please. Please, please!

-[Yemi shrieking] -Please, please. No!

No.

If it's what I suspect,

medication would be a bad idea. Tell him to smile.

Smile?

Yes. To smile.

I'm dispatching an ambulance. They will be there soon.

Thank you. Thank you so much, Doctor.

Buddy? Ekene, can you smile?

[Yemi] Smile, smile. Ekene.

Let me speak to him directly.

OK.

Ekene, you're doing good.

Uh, now, I want you to smile.

Um, at the count of three.

One… two… three.

Good, good.

Finally, tell me how you're feeling.

I… I…

I am not…

feeling good.

You've done excellently well.

You're a brave young man.

Now, try and stay awake until the ambulance arrives.

Mr. Ezeji, ensure he stays awake until the ambulance comes.

Doctor, will he be fine?

Mr. Ezeji, let's just get him to the hospital first.

[Ebere] Ekene, I'm so sorry. [sobbing]

Ekene, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean what I said to you.

-Ekene, open your eyes! -Ekene.

[siren wailing]

Fortunately, it was a minor stroke.

Uh, we have administered clot-busting drugs.

He's stable right now and recovering.

Uh, at this rate, he should be ready to go home before the end of the week.

Doctor, how?

But how did this happen?

We gave him all the drugs when you said we should give them to him,

and we kept him away from strenuous activities, so how?

I understand, Mr. Ezeji, but the likelihood of a stroke occurring

in extreme cases of the sickle cell disease is not unusual.

Ekene has been having repeated crises lately and that doesn't portend well.

So, Doctor, now what?

[sighs] My fear is that…

a stroke will most likely reoccur.

It happens with patients with sickle cell.

However, there are steps we can take to mitigate

and even completely eliminate this condition.

I would suggest a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

I'm sorry. Hemato… what now?

It's what you know as a bone marrow transplant.

[laughs]

Surgery?

Oh no, not surgery, Mrs. Ezeji.

We simply take cells…

bone marrow cells in this case, from a donor to a recipient,

in this case which is Ekene.

And over time, Ekene's bone marrow starts to produce healthy cells

which will phase out the sickle cells.

However, it's not the first option.

We would only recommend it in cases where you are having repeated crises

that are becoming more frequent and even severe,

especially when a stroke has occurred.

OK, Doctor. Um…

How do we…

I don't know how do we get this donor?

[sighs] It is important that the donor and the recipient's tissues match.

You can get this from blood relatives.

Best if they are siblings.

This is to prevent the occurrence of complications.

Complications again?

Oh yes.

The recipient's body could reject the new bone marrow.

However, the risk is low if their tissues are identical.

And for this donor, this sibling…

there's no risk?

There will be a reaction to the drugs

and pain from where the bone marrow is harvested from.

This happens and should be expected.

Doctor, this is… this is a lot…

it's a lot to take in.

I understand, Mr. Ezeji.

Just like I said earlier,

a bone marrow transplant is not the first option,

but in this case I think it's the best one.

And this donor has to be Ebere?

Not necessarily, but seeing as they are both siblings and blood relatives,

their tissues will be identical, so best if it is.

Doctor, let me…

let me summarize everything that has been said

so I will see if I understand you properly.

By all means, go ahead, Mr. Ezeji.

OK.

So, the silver bullet for this bone marrow…

sorry, this sickle cell disease, is a bone marrow transplant.

And, uh…

my two children might be involved in this

and chances are there will be complications.

[Hassan] Correct, Mr. Ezeji.

[Nnamdi] How long will it take? I mean, like a time frame for recovery…

The bone marrow transplant is an expensive procedure

and it's not something we rush into.

The time frame is usually between three to six months

and that's dependent on the patient's response to treatment.

However for now, I would say let's focus on his current recovery.

You meet your genetic counsellor for support,

especially as we're reconsidering this new phase of Ekene's treatment.

I still don't understand why you are being so adamant.

Yemi, please just let this go. OK?

I don't have the time or the energy for this.

I need all the strength I can muster to think of a viable solution. OK?

[sighs]

I don't even know why I am seeking your permission.

I'm not going to sit here and watch you ruin our lives.

I'm calling her right away.

You will do no such thing, Yemi.

Did you hear me? I said you will do no such thing!

[in pidgin] If you want to show how much you care, why don't you call your mother?

Don't you have a mother? Or is your mother dead?

What nonsense!

[in English] It's so difficult for you to understand what I'm talking about.

You of all people! [clicks tongue]

So, how are you feeling?

I'm fine, sir.

Um, I was informed that you are withdrawing from the Communications Club.

Any reasons why?

There should be a reason.

Because I know you love the club.

Good afternoon. How are you?

You said?

I don't want favors because I'm SS.

Why do you say that?

Nothing at all, sir.

Good afternoon.

Ekene.

You're good at public speaking.

It's a gift.

And we have a mandate in this school

to activate innate talents in our students.

You are practically the best we have at oratory…

given that you're still in year seven.

[sighs]

Thank you, sir, for the very encouraging words.

But I have been very sickly lately.

Yes, but we have protocol in place to take care of that.

-Good afternoon, sir. -Good afternoon.

I don't want to scare any more people.

I'm worried I might have an episode in front of the assembly.

Ha.

Yemi.

[Yemi] Hmm?

Nnamdi.

[in Yoruba] What is this?

Nnamdi, what is this?

My phone was with Ekene for the better part of today.

I just collected it back from him to do some research

and that's what I found on the browser history.

My God!

Nnamdi, we can't just fold our hands.

-No, no, we won't. -What is this, Nnamdi?

-We won't fold our hands. -Huh?

-It's OK. -[sobbing]

-Nnamdi. -It's OK, it's OK.

-[in Yoruba] What is this, Nnamdi? -It's OK, it's OK.

[Yemi sobbing]

Good day, sir. Welcome to First Equatorial Properties.

Good day, my name is Nnamdi Ezeji, and I'm here to see the Chairman.

Oh. You are welcome, Mr. Ezeji. Your father is expecting you.

Please come with me.

[Nnamdi sighs]

[door opens]

Nnamdi. [chuckles]

[Nnamdi] Thank you.

Daddy, thank you so much for agreeing to see me.

-I made a mistake. I am sorry. -It's OK, son.

It's OK. [chuckles]

It's OK. Let the past go. Please sit down.

Uh…

I am glad we can finally put our differences behind us.

Nothing else matters.

-[door opens] -Now…

how are Yemi and my grandchildren?

My God!

You know something?

I am disappointed.

Highly disappointed in you and Yemi.

How could you two have kept this whole thing from us all these years?

So, if you hadn't stumbled on his suicide research,

that means you would have continued to shut your mother and myself out?

Daddy, I'm sorry.

Anyway…

how soon can you get him scheduled for the procedure?

[tranquil piano music playing]

[Nnamdi] Um…

Ekene. Ebere.

I know that this has been a very difficult period,

for all of us as a family.

But, uh…

I think we are getting to the end of the tunnel.

Hmm?

Doctor Hassan came to us with a potential solution to our problems.

Bone marrow transplant.

-Bone marrow… -Transplant?

Yes. You heard of it before?

Yeah. Someone donates his bone marrow for another person.

All his bone marrow?

Doesn't the other person need it too?

[chuckles]

No. he donates just a little bit… like blood.

Oh. So, if we can do this bone marrow thing,

I will be free from this disease?

Yes, darling.

[sighs]

So… have we got anybody to donate the bone marrow to him?

Um, technically, yes.

Siblings are the usual…

Siblings.

Me? I'm the donor?

-Ebere. -Wait.

Was I going to be asked?

Or is this one of those duty things where I don't have a say?

Ebere! Comport yourself.

When is the transplant?

As soon as it can be arranged.

And where are you going?

My room. I've lost my appetite.

You will sit down and discuss with this family.

[scoffs] What is there to discuss? All decisions have been made already.

After all, Ebere is the sacrificial lamb.

Young woman… if you don't watch your tongue this minute,

you will be in serious trouble.

Your brother had a stroke.

For God's sakes, a stroke!

Is that why you want to rob Peter to pay Paul?

[in Yoruba] Eh? What did you say?

All I'm saying is that you should have asked me first,

before concluding that I am the donor.

Ebi.

Ebi.

[clears throat]

Your brother had a stroke.

He could have died.

Or ended up a vegetable.

But… thank God he bounced back.

Remember the conversation you and I had when you asked me

when all of this would end?

This is it.

Ebere, this is it, this is…

our ticket out of this misery.

Yes.

Thank God there's a solution to this problem.

But eh-eh, not me.

Does anyone even remember that I have a competition coming up?

Of course not.

Nobody is thinking about me, only the golden boy is important.

[Nnamdi] Aah!

[Yemi in Yoruba] What is wrong with you?

Ebere!

Ebere!

-Come back here. - Yemi!

-What? -You shouldn't have done that!

I shouldn't have done what? Nnamdi! I shouldn't have done what?

Someone needs to help that girl restructure her value system.

Uh-uh!

[in Yoruba] What nonsense.

[in English] You give her too much freedom.

Oh wow, so this is my fault somehow?

What do you think?

[clicks tongue]

Son. None of this is your fault. OK?

[easy-listening music playing]

[knock on door]

[door opens]

[sighs]

How's it going?

Your rehearsal?

Fine.

And… you?

Are you getting ready… mentally?

Mentally?

I'm fine.

[Yemi sighs]

OK.

I'm sorry.

[phone buzzing]

Yes.

Daddy, good afternoon.

How is everybody doing?

We are fine. Thank you. How are you and Mum?

Very well.

Look…

I hope you have booked Ekene's procedure?

Not yet… we're just… we're basically tying up some loose ends.

How can I help?

Not at all. It's nothing we can't handle.

As a matter of fact, Daddy, you've done so much already.

Look, don't worry, I'll keep you posted on everything

as we get along.

Well…

OK, son.

And, Daddy…

[in Igbo] …thank you.

[ignition cranking]

[engine won't start]

[ignition cranking]

[engine won't start]

[laughing]

Welcome, Daddy.

Yes… [sighs]

Thank you. Um…

Where's your brother?

He's inside.

He's sleeping?

I don't know. He went in not too long ago.

I even want to show him this video.

[groans]

[Ebere] Ekene!

Bathroom.

Ekene, come out, I want to show you something.

Ekene!

Who is playing hide-and-seek with this one?

Come out! I want to show you something.

Ekene.

Are you OK?

I'm coming in.

[Ebere shrieking]

[sobbing] Ekene.

What if Ebere had not found him in time?

God!

I don't want to lose my son!

[in Yoruba] Nnamdi, are you looking at me?

Yemi, what do you want me to say?

I even went to the doctor and offered to be the donor,

but he said it's too risky because of my age.

I'm sure we'll find…

We'll figure it out somehow.

Buddy.

Why? Why?

See us running all over the place, trying to get a donor for you,

and you go and do something like this.

Can't you see how worried we are?

My existence is…

causing everyone, including me, pain.

What's the point?

My name is Ekene, but instead of praises, I get blamed for everything.

Son! No one, no one is blaming you for anything.

Look. We're all so… so proud of you.

OK?

Ekene. Your decision was brash.

If you had succeeded, it would have caused us more pain.

Buddy. Promise me.

Promise me you will never do a thing like this again.

Ever!

I promise.

Ekene.

You are a champion!

You're not a quitter!

I'm very sure…

we'll find a donor soon

and all this will be over.

[in Yoruba] Do you hear me?

[Ebere] I will do it.

What?

I will do it.

[Yemi sobbing]

So the nurse will give you the required forms to sign.

And then we will commence conditioning, which is the first part of the procedure.

[sighs] Doctor, I can't believe this is finally happening.

-[Hassan] It is. It is. -Thank you again.

[Hassan] You are welcome.

[upbeat music playing]

♪ Oh-oh… ♪

♪ Sometimes the strain Comes with the pain ♪

♪ But there is hope after the rain ♪

♪ Sometimes the strain Comes with the pain ♪

♪ But there is hope ♪

♪ After the rain ♪

♪ Nothing can bring you down ♪

♪ You're a champion ♪

♪ Battle's fought, victory's won ♪

♪ The strain won't break you down ♪

♪ Yeah, whoa-oh… ♪

♪ The strain won't break you down ♪

♪ Oh-oh-oh ♪

♪ The strain won't break you down ♪

♪ Through the fire under the radar ♪

♪ The strain won't break you down ♪

♪ Tough decisions To life's position there ♪

♪ The strain won't break you down ♪

♪ Nothing can bring you down ♪

♪ You're a champion ♪

♪ Battle's fought ♪

♪ Victory's won, yeah ♪

♪ The strain won't break you down ♪

♪ Nothing can bring you down ♪

♪ You're a champion ♪

♪ Battle's fought, victory's won ♪

♪ The strain won't break you down ♪

♪ Yeah, whoa-oh-oh… ♪

[piano playing on speakers]

I think you ladies need to take off now, if you don't want to be late.

I still think we should all go in one car. What if your car breaks down again?

Then you come pick me up wherever we stopped. Hmm?

And how is my superstar patient doing today?

I'm great.

Can't wait to get a break from this place and see my sister on that stage!

[chuckles] Remember not to overexert yourself. OK?

And please try and bring him back as soon as possible.

Of course, and thank you, Doctor, again for this concession.

[chuckles] I have no idea how you talked me into doing this.

I would have preferred you taking him away from the busyness of the city

to a green haven.

Yeah, we have plans to do that every weekend once he's back at home.

That's a good idea.

Doctor, I think he's about to overexert himself.

[laughing]

All right, you guys should go.

I'll see you soon, dear. Take care of yourself.

So I will be with you in an hour.

Doctor, thanks again.

My pleasure.

[man] Musical Maestro Meet 2020!

[cheering and applause]

First things first, we will be starting with our first contestant

who is a young girl.

She plays the guitar and does it so well.

Ladies and gentlemen give it up for Naisha!

Ladies and gentlemen, the next person performing is a young boy.

He plays the saxophone and plays it so well.

Give it up for

Pelumi Gbubemi!

Right now, we move to our third contestant.

She is going to play the violin for us.

Her name is Ngozi Owazi.

[phone buzzing]

Hello.

Sorry, I slept off.

Oh, now? OK, OK.

Just switch to plan B.

[audience applauding]

Ladies and gentlemen, we've got three so far.

Amazing kids, doing so well for themselves.

Right now we have our fourth…

Buddy.

It's time.

-Give it up for Ebere! -[audience applauding]

Hello, Osas.

Wait.

Wait wait. Calm down. Calm down.

Calm down, now.

[in pidgin] So, they have agreed I work from my studio?

[piano recital continuing]

-[recital continuing] -[Ekene coughing]

[piano recital continuing]

[recital continuing]

[Hassan] We're losing him!

[recital applause continuing]

[piano playing]

[Nnamdi] Work?

Yes.

I'm ready when you are.

[Nnamdi] I was born ready.

You, my dear, look…

exquisite.

Thank you.

[Ekene] Awkward!

[couple chuckles]

[Ebere] Ekene, stop!

-[Ekene playing keyboard] -Stop!

[Ekene singing nonsense lyrics]

[Ebere laughing]

♪ Oh-oh-oh ♪

♪ Oh-oh-oh ♪

♪ Oh-oh ♪

♪ Sometimes the strain Comes with the pain ♪

♪ But there is hope after the rain ♪

♪ Sometimes the strain Comes with the pain ♪

♪ But there is hope ♪

♪ After the rain ♪

♪ Nothing can bring you down ♪

♪ You're a champion ♪

♪ Battle's fought, victory's won ♪

♪ The strain won't break you down ♪

♪ Yeah, whoa-oh… ♪

♪ The strain won't break you down ♪

♪ Oh-oh-oh ♪

♪ The strain won't break you down ♪

♪ Through the fire under the radar ♪

♪ The strain won't break you down ♪

♪ Tough decisions To life's position there ♪

♪ The strain won't break you down ♪

♪ Nothing can bring you down ♪

♪ You're a champion ♪

♪ Battle's fought ♪

♪ Victory's won, yeah ♪

♪ The strain won't break you down ♪

♪ Nothing can bring you down ♪

♪ You're a champion ♪

♪ Battle's fought, victory's won ♪

♪ The strain won't break you down ♪

♪ Yeah, whoa-oh-oh ♪

♪ The strain won't break you down ♪

♪ Whoa-oh-oh ♪

♪ The strain won't break you down… ♪