Content Warning: The novel and this section of the guide contain references to violence, murder, drug use, rape, human trafficking, child abuse, and child sexual abuse.

Little Rot opens early on Friday evening as Kalu drives Aima to the airport. The two began dating almost five years ago in Houston, where Aima had moved for a “cushy finance job” (13). However, when they returned home to Nigeria, their relationship became complicated. In New Lagos, Aima reconnected with her Christian faith and was overcome by the guilt of “living in sin” with Kalu (4). However, after months of arguments, he still refused to marry her, so she decided to leave. They are silent on the drive, but when they pull up to the departures hall, Kalu finally addresses “the true thing” (3), asking Aima one more time to reconsider. Although they still love each other, it “isn’t enough,” and Aima leaves Kalu to enter the airport.

Once inside, however, she changes her mind and calls Ijendu, her best friend, asking if she can stay with her. Ijendu is glad to receive her friend, and Aima calls an Uber to take her back to the city.