MY SIBLINGS AND I
EPISODE 2
WRITTEN BY RUKEVWE MERRY
Day turn into weeks and Patrick’s village life became routine. To further his test, he visited Emma, the third born. Emma welcomed Patrick with open arms, and their brotherly bond strengthened.
For three weeks, all was well until Emma’s girlfriend, Joy, arrived. Her presence altered the dynamics.
One Saturday afternoon, Joy prepared rice and stew, serving Emma. When Emma asked about Patrick’s food, Joy retorted, “Tell him to go find work and feed himself. He’s a liability.”
Patrick, watching football with Emma, overheard Joy’s hurtful words. Emma swiftly reprimanded Joy, “Get my brother’s food now, and never call him a liability!”
Joy apologized to Patrick, bringing his food. Emma invited Patrick to eat, but Patrick declined, his mind replaying Joy’s previous friendly phone calls when he was abroad, contrasting with her current attitude.
Patrick thought, “I’ve started seeing true colors. Let’s see how this unfolds.”
Patrick decided to step out to buy food, leaving Emma and Joy alone in the four-bedroom flat. As he walked back in, he overheard Joy’s raised voice.
“Emma, I need you to send your brother away. He’s been here for weeks, and it’s getting uncomfortable.”
Emma’s tone was firm, protective. “Joy, you can’t be serious. Patrick is my elder brother, the one who sacrificed everything for our family.”
Joy scoffed. “That’s in the past. Now, he’s a liability.”
Patrick’s ears perked up, his heart sinking.
Emma stood up, his voice rising. “A liability? You’re talking about the man who opened my electronics business, who gave me the money to start my life?”
Joy shrugged. “That’s not the point. The point is, we need our space.”he should have thought of that before he wasted all his money,” Joy said, her voice dripping with disdain,
Emma’s voice trembled with anger. “You call his sacrifices a waste? Patrick gave up everything for us. He’s the reason we’re graduates, successful.”
As Patrick approached the door, Joy’s words cut deeper.
“He’s us*less, Emma. Can’t even take care of himself.”
Patrick’s eyes narrowed, his fists clenched.
Just then, Joy opened the door, and her eyes locked onto Patrick.
“Ah, the liability himself is back,” Joy sneered. “Still relying on your brother’s handouts?”
Patrick’s face twisted in disgust. “You know nothing about me.”
Emma rushed to intervene, but Patrick held up a hand.
“Let her go, Emma. She’s shown her true colors.”
Joy stormed out, leaving Emma and Patrick in an uncomfortable silence.
Emma broke the silence, his voice filled with regret. “Patrick, Iβ”
Patrick’s expression softened. “No need, Emma. I understand and thank you for standing up to me”
Emma’s eyes sparkled with sincerity. “Bro, you and I are for life. No woman will ever come between us.”
Patrick’s heart swelled with gratitude.
Emma continued, “Why bother searching for a job? I’ll use my savings to start a small business for you.”
Patrick’s face lit up with a warm smile. “Thank you, Emma, but don’t worry. I’ll find a good job soon.”
The brothers shared a heartfelt hug.
Patrick thought, “I’m grateful my brother loves me unconditionally, even when I’m testing them.”
He hoped the others would pass the test as well.
“Emma, you’re a true brother,” Patrick said, his voice choked with emotion.
Emma beamed. “That’s what family is for, bro.”
As they parted to their different rooms, Patrick felt reassured. His brother’s love and support were genuine.
Tbc
