It was a very hot day. I have been jostling around the crowded market to see if anyone would need my services.
I was thirsty and hungry but I had no money on me.l remembered my two children and my Lovely wife, Ebere. I told them to give me small time and I would be back.
They were so hungry before I left my house but I couldn’t do anything since I wasn’t with any money. My wife stared at me in concern.
“Honey, please take care of yourself oooo. Don’t carry goods that are too heavy for you so that it won’t affect you”, she spoke faintly.
I knew she cared about my well being but as it stands now, I was willing to do virtually anything to take care of my family.
I checked the time and it was past 4 pm. I sat down near the road side to think about how to get money for my family at least to eat that day.
I was still thinking about it when I sighted a chubby woman coming out from a shop with cartons of noodles and provisions.
I rushed towards her with my wheel barrow.
“Fine Madam, you de go…. I go carry am go anywhere in this world”
She turned to look at me as she chuckled!!
“You’re a funny man ooo, she said”
“I want you to carry this goods to No 5 Ajibo Street near okibo area”
“Do you know that area”?
“How much”?
Before she turned to ask me if I knew the area, I had already loaded all her goods into my wheel barrow.
“Madam, make we go ooo. If we reach there, give me any amount you have”
How could I allow this opportunity of getting money today to pass me by, I thought.
She looked at me again. I guess she wanted to talk but she couldn’t. It was surprising to her.
She led the way as I followed her.
We walked for more than 45 minutes before we got to her shop.
I offloaded her goods from my wheelbarrow but she couldn’t stop staring at me. I engaged her in a friendly discussion and she was surprised how polished my English was.
I was still waiting to be paid when she entered into her big shop and handed #2000 to me.
I was awestruck!!!
“Ma, you just gave me #2000… It must be a mistake”
“No oooo, just take it and hurry back to your family…. I discovered that you’re a graduate and also a good man”
I tried to utter a word but nothing came out of my mouth. Before I could get myself to say “thank you”, she had already entered into her shop to attend to the numerous customers waiting for her.
I rushed out like a young goat as I danced on my way home….
I knew #2000 would sustain us for like one week.
I kept singing a song in my mind till I got to my house.
As I opened the door I met my wife clutching my last born who appeared lifeless with both hands.
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©️ Emeka Edozie
