Roving Heights

“I have not been to Landmark for over five years. Time flies, huh?!” E.J. said, straining her neck to see what Landmark looks like now. She was heading to the Roving Heights bookstore to ask if she could stock her novel, What If Sasha Storm Lost Her Voice? A novel that explores the tumultuous relationship between fame and faith within the context of identity issues. Her mum’s driver, Mr. Obed parked the car whilst E.J. was getting ready to descend from the wheelchair accessible van. He let out the ramp for E.J to dismount.  

When E.J. was firmly on the ground, she enquired, “Where is the entrance to the mall? I am all turned around.” She and Feranmi, her carer, saw a door in the distance. They proceeded towards the entrance. “Oopsies, we need the large ramp.” Mr. Obed opened the boot and brought out the big ramp and placed it on the two large steps. E.J. glided smoothly and made her way inside the shopping centre. “Excuse me, Sir, how do I get to Roving Heights?” E.J. asked the security guard, meandering near the entrance. “Follow me, Ma,” he said, walking towards the lift. “It is on the second floor and a few yards away from the elevator.”

E.J. and Feranmi entered the lift and made their way to the second floor. The elevator doors opened and the security guard was standing in front of them. “This way, Madam,” he gestured so they could follow him to Roving Heights. Feranmi walked ahead and opened the door to the bookstore. “Good evening. Could I please speak to the manager?”

            “Yes, Madam. I am the manager. Welcome to Roving Heights!” she said, with a massive grin on her face. “My name is Tomi Wright, I am an author and I wrote a book, What If Sasha Storm Lost Her Voice?”

“Tomi Wight. Tomi…Wright. I know that name. Your sister wrote Nigerian Gods, right? I came to your book launch last year,” the manager said. “Wow! Great memory. I was hoping that Roving Heights would be interested in stocking my novel. Sasha Storm, the biggest musician in the world loses her singing voice and she must now navigate her life with an altered identity…”

The manager listened intently and nodded enthusiastically. “This sounds really interesting. Do you have a copy of the book?” she asked. “This is for you,” E.J. said, whilst handing the book to her. The manager explained the process of getting it into the bookstore. “Why don’t I sign your copy?” E.J. asked. “Really? That would be amazing,” the manager replied. She signed the book. “It was very nice meeting you. I will be in touch soon,” E.J. said, waving goodbye. Feranmi opened the door and they went down the corridor. As they waited for the lift, Feranmi asked, “So, what do you think?”

“Roving Heights is a 4 out of 5 stars for me. Those two steps at the entrance were a little bit of a hindrance but otherwise it’s smooth sailing. I will definitely come here again.”