My siblings and I
Episode 1
Written by Rukevwe merry
Good morning, Patrick,” said the executive. “Welcome, please sit down.”
“Thank you, sir,” Patrick replied.
“Patrick, I don’t know how to thank you for saving our company millions of dollars. I’m so grateful,” the executive said, beaming.
“I’m just doing my job, sir,” Patrick said humbly.
“No, Patrick, you’ve gone above and beyond. The company has decided to grant you a one-year leave. Please return to your country, and if we need your attention, we’ll call you.”
The executive handed Patrick a check. “This is for one million dollars.”
Patrick’s eyes widened. “Sir, this is too much.”
“It’s not too much, Patrick. You saved us almost 200 million dollars. This is a token of our appreciation.”
Overjoyed, Patrick rushed out of the office to share the news with his Nigerian colleague, Jerry.
Jerry was thrilled for Patrick. “Congratulations, man! You deserve it.”
Patrick exclaimed, “I’ll share the money among my siblings. I’ll give each of them $300,000 and keep $100,000 for myself.”
Jerry raised an eyebrow. “Are you out of your mind? You’ve been working hard for them for years, and now you’re giving them almost everything. Buy a house, invest in yourself.”
Patrick defended his decision. “My siblings mean the world to me. They’d do anything for me.”
Jerry countered, “I used to think like you, Patrick, but experience taught me otherwise. Let’s test your siblings. If they truly care, I’ll give you $50,000. But if they don’t, you owe me $100,000.”
Patrick hesitated, then agreed. “Okay, I’ll put them to the test. I’ll return to Nigeria and tell them I lost my job. Let’s see who’ll support me.”
Jerry nodded. “That’s the spirit. You might discover what you don’t know.”
Patrick left, determined to test his siblings’ loyalty.
TWO WEEKS LATER
Two weeks later, Patrick returned to Nigeria, his home country. His three siblings, Ken, Cynthia, and Emma, welcomed him grandly at the airport, beaming with excitement.
For a moment, Patrick reconsidered testing their loyalty, but his resolve returned.
At their family house, their parents eagerly awaited Patrick’s arrival. The reunion was filled with warmth and laughter.
After the celebration, Patrick gathered everyone’s attention. “I have something to share,” he said, his voice tinged with apprehension. “I lost my job. I returned empty-handed, hoping to start anew here.”
The room fell silent, but then, sympathetic words poured forth.
Ken, his immediate younger brother, spoke up, “Don’t worry, Patrick. We’ll help you. Port Harcourt city has plenty of job opportunities. I’ll take you there.”
Cynthia and Emma echoed Ken’s sentiments, offering Patrick a place to stay in their respective cities.
Patrick’s heart swelled with gratitude. “Thank you, Ken. Thank you, all. I’ll take you up on your offers. I’ll visit each of your cities to see which suits me best. For now, I’ll stay with Mom and Dad in the village.”
Tbc
