The story describes three encounters between the protagonist, Reginald Nwankwo, and a girl at different stages of the war. In the first encounter, Reginald is turned away from enlistment centers due to the overwhelming number of people wanting to join the war effort.
In the second encounter, Reginald is stopped at a checkpoint and has to submit to a search. He recognizes the girl as someone he had given a lift to before, and she is now working with the Civil Defence. This encounter makes Reginald realize the seriousness of the revolution and the dedication of those involved.
In the third encounter, the war has taken a toll on the country, but there is still a sense of normalcy for some people. Reginald goes to a relief center to collect supplies for his family and is embarrassed by the jeers of the starving crowd. Despite the difficult circumstances, Reginald tries to help his immediate neighbors by sharing his supplies.
Nwankwo stops to give a lift to a girl named Gladys, despite having a bad tire and only being able to take one person. Nwankwo and Gladys engage in conversation during the car ride, discussing their lives and plans.
Nwankwo offers to take Gladys to his place for safety before going to her friend’s house in Owerri. They encounter a false alarm of an air raid, causing them to briefly panic before realizing it was a mistake.
Nwankwo invites Gladys to a party later in the evening, but feels guilty for his own desires and the frivolity of his friends. They arrive at Nwankwo’s place, where Gladys changes into more comfortable clothes and they have lunch.
Gladys mentions that Nwankwo’s fridge is empty and asks about meat, leading to a discussion about the scarcity and suffering caused by the war. They are interrupted by the sound of a plane, causing them to seek shelter in a bunker.
After the plane passes, they engage in intimate activities in the bunker. Nwankwo considers bringing a mat for comfort but decides against it due to the potential danger of another air raid.
Gladys’ friend is not in town because her boyfriend arranged for her to fly to Libreville for shopping. Nwankwo, while driving away, suggests that her friend will return with goods to sell and make money. Gladys disagrees with Nwankwo’s perspective and believes that men want women to engage in such activities.
Gladys recalls a time when she was more simple and natural, without the materialistic desires. The Lieutenant-Colonel’s party starts off well with food, drinks, and entertainment. Two white Red Cross people arrive with alcohol, but one of them becomes drunk and starts criticizing the place and the girls.
One of the officers slaps the drunk man and throws him out of the party. Gladys asks Nwankwo if he knows the officer, but he doesn’t respond. The officer is praised by the girls for his actions, while Nwankwo and his friend quietly agree that the drunk man’s comments about the girls were true but inappropriate coming from him.
The story describes a scene where Captain Joe asks Gladys to dance, but she hesitates and seeks permission from Nwankwo. Nwankwo refuses to dance due to the ongoing war and the loss of a pilot. He decides to investigate Gladys’s situation further, believing she is under a harmful influence.
Nwankwo shows kindness towards Gladys by giving her food and money before they encounter a disabled soldier on their way home. A sudden attack occurs, causing chaos and destruction, leading to a tragic end for Nwankwo, the driver, Gladys, and the soldier. The story highlights the impact of war on individuals and the unpredictable nature of life during such turbulent times.
