Just another Monday Afternoon - By David Obasi

Written By: David Obasi

Category: Short, comedy

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

David Obasi presents a lively short story titled "Just another Monday Afternoon" in the Short Story category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Set in the bustling streets of Oti-nkpu avenue, this comedic tale unfolds on a hot Monday afternoon, where a roadside church disrupts the norm with its unconventional activities. Obasi's work is part of a prestigious gathering of literary talents, showcasing diverse themes and narratives in this global competition.

About the Work

"Just another Monday Afternoon" by David Obasi masterfully blends humor and chaos as it narrates the events surrounding a fervent church service. With vivid imagery and a touch of the surreal, Obasi paints a picture of an afternoon filled with fervent prayers, unexpected incidents, and a mysterious fire. The story's witty tone and unpredictable twists keep readers engaged, while exploring themes of faith, community, and unexpected consequences.

Just another Monday Afternoon

Original Submission by David Obasi

It was a hot Monday afternoon as people walked the bustling streets of Oti-nkpu avenue. For an avenue, one would wonder why such activity is brewing up, even for a residential area. Sweat dripped down the faces of the patrons found on each side of the street as they either walked or stood waiting for someone or something, even the trees leaked sap as they furiously fanned themselves from the heat. Everything seemed normal, except for the loud blaring from the PA system on the premises of a roadside church, "The Roadside Church."

They seemed to be causing quite a ruckus this very day as they were popularly known for, especially on Mondays. I guess that was the main reason why their congregation grew in numbers. Apart from the noise that kept many abreast of their activities, whether they were interested or not from the accursed PA system. It begs little to why no one dared to file a noise complaint against them, well not anymore. Since the last person that did that, mysteriously became a member after having a "strange" visit from something that whipped him all night. Heck, he even had the scars to show for it, and not until the church Pastor intervened that his case was remedied...

Anyways, today were such days as the members screamed their loudest… fervently praying, casting and binding spirits, demons and the EOP, or as they would call them, the 'Enemies of Progress.' Cries of all sorts were heard and people collapsed around the area, all wrapped up in chains and shackles as they were either caught in the prayer radius or were too inquisitive to care. The demons had the worst case as they were the brunt of the whole prayer, whips and canes of all sorts were brandished and struck on the floor which made it seem like they were testing out the strength of the items as they whipped away... which somehow, such actions affected them all.

Nevertheless, it was not until it happened that everything and everyone scattered in all directions. You see, that day was a special prayer session and as always they were out there giving out their sermons which always ended with their mass chaining or flogging of the demons and EOP around the area. The Pastor, a short, dark man to people outside and a fair, tall man to the ones on the inside now decided to add a new feature to the prayer point as the prayer session heated up. The crowd, as full as ever, waited as he gave his sermons with so much vigor and anger that even the devil and his homies cruising by in his Cadillac had his car totaled as the car blew the engine leaving them all covered in smoke with fits of coughing emanating from within the smoke. As the prayer time neared, he waited to raise up the tension as he surveyed the interiors and his members before uttering those new words... "Whoever that's stealing from you spiritually... should die by fire..." To which the congregation started chanting with frenzy; ‘FIRE!! FIRE!!! FIRE!!!!"

The heat was on and it began, the chanting, the dancing and screaming as they chanted the new word. Then it happened, there was a scream, a scream of pain as it came in lighting up the room, it was a man... on fire... literally on fire, as he ran down the aisle towards the pastor screaming...

"WHAT DID I DO?! WHAT DID I DO...!?!"

The words resonated on deaf ears as they couldn't help, but rather prayed harder as they thought he was burning for his sins. The fire got hotter as they prayed harder, until the Pastor screamed, for he recognized the man... his brother. The people rushing to aid him in turn got burned, even the ones that tried using the tapestry to smolder the flames were not spared, tapestry and all. Confusion was in the air as everyone ran helter-skelter in all directions, chairs, tapestry and all burned in the "holy" fire as the Pastor went on his knees in tears. No one came to his aid as everyone ran to save themselves. Thick, black smoke rose from the burning building as people gathered to watch the scene as people ran out scared; bruised, burned or worse... What could be more worse than death? As some got out only to dissipate into ash as the wind blew the remains away... It wasn't too long before the whole place was razed to the ground... Well, almost is more like it as the church still stood tall, even after being baptized by holy fire. The members seemed relieved for a moment, until a bird perched on the roof, causing the structure to crumble into a pile of ash. Within its black, choking, smoking embrace, was the Pastor, blackened and sad, on his knees crying over the still burning corpse of his brother.

"Hurts, doesn't it?" came a voice, sarcastic and cold behind him. It was the devil, wearing a devilish grin on his face. 'And after all that energy, you still got burned'. The Pastor, not sure how to respond, watches as the Devil skips back to his homies, high-fiving each and every one of them....

The End…

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of literary excellence, inviting participants from around the world to share their unique voices and stories. The competition spans various categories, including poetry, short stories, and essays, providing a platform for both emerging and established writers to showcase their talents on a global stage.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to David Obasi for his engaging contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. "Just another Monday Afternoon" is a delightful addition, capturing the essence of humor and unpredictability. We look forward to more of David's creative expressions in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.