MY SIBLINGS AND I
EPISODE 3
WRITTEN BY RUKEVWE MERRY
Patrick’s encounter with Joy had left a sour taste, but Emma’s unwavering support strengthened their bond. Emma’s defense of him against Joy’s ha.rsh words reassured Patrick of his brother’s loyalty.
After spending a few more days with Emma, Patrick decided it was time to continue his journey. He bid farewell to his brother.
“Emma, I must leave for Lagos today,” Patrick said.
Emma’s face furrowed with concern. “Lagos? What’s there for you?”
“I need to find work,” Patrick replied. “And I want to visit Cynthia.”
Emma nodded. “Our baby sister will take care of you.”
Patrick smiled. “I appreciate your support, Emma. You’ve offered to help me start a business, but I need to do this on my own.”
Emma hugged Patrick tightly. “Be safe, bro. And don’t hesitate to call if you need anything.”
With a final goodbye, Patrick set off for Lagos, unaware of what lay ahead. His thoughts drifted to Cynthia, his younger sister.
LAGOS
Patrick arrived at Cynthia’s residence, a serene and elegant apartment in a high-end Lagos neighborhood. As he stepped out of the taxi, he felt a mix of emotions – excitement to see his sister and apprehension about his test.
Cynthia opened the door, her bright smile illuminating the evening. “Patrick! Oh, my goodness! It’s so great to see you!”
She flung her arms around him, holding him tightly. Patrick felt a surge of love and warmth.
“Come in, come in! Make yourself at home,” Cynthia said, leading him into her cozy living room.
As they sat down, Cynthia noticed Patrick’s fatigue. “You must be exhausted. Let me get you something to eat.”
Patrick gratefully accepted her offer. As they shared a delicious meal, Cynthia asked about his journey and listened intently.
Patrick was touched by her genuine interest. “Cynthia, you’re an amazing sister. I’m so grateful for you.”
Cynthia beamed. “I’m happy to have you here, Patrick. You’re family.”
Patrick’s heart swelled with joy. This was the Cynthia he remembered – kind, caring, and loving.
As they chatted, Patrick realized that Cynthia had passed the first test – welcoming him with open arms.
But he knew that the real test was yet to come. Would Cynthia stand by him through thick and thin?
Days passed, and Patrick would often leave Cynthia’s apartment, pretending to search for work. In reality, he’d call Jerry, his coworker and friend abroad, sharing stories about his family’s reception.
“Jerry, my family’s been amazing,” Patrick said during one call.
Jerry’s voice echoed through the line. “That’s great, Patrick! But don’t get too comfortable. Continue testing them.”
Patrick chuckled. “You’re right, Jerry. I’ll keep observing.”
One evening, Patrick returned home to a surprise: Cynthia’s fiancΓ©, Bright, had arrived. They had previously spoken on the phone when Patrick was overseas.
The reunion was warm, with Bright and Patrick exchanging hearty laughter and stories.
However, the joy was short-lived. Cynthia’s landlord appeared, delivering a shocking eviction notice due to impending renovations.
Bright swiftly offered his home as a temporary solution. “You can stay with me, Patrick and Cynthia. There’s plenty of space.”
Patrick hesitated, unwilling to burden others. “Thank you, Bright, but I’ll return to the village. I don’t want to trouble you.”
Bright insisted, “N*nsense, Patrick! You’re family now. Come, let’s pack and move to my place.”
Patrick reluctantly agreed.
As they settled into Bright’s spacious home, Cynthia’s attitude began to shift. She grew increasingly cold and distant toward Patrick.
“Patrick, stop eating all our food!” Cynthia snapped one morning.
Bright intervened, “Cynthia, that’s unfair. Patrick is your brother, your family.”
Cynthia rolled her eyes. “He’s just l*zy, Bright. All he knows how to do is eat.”
Patrick’s eyes stung from her h*rsh words, but he remained silent.
Bright scolded Cynthia, “Your brother took care of you when you needed him. Show some gratitude.”
Cynthia’s expression turned icy. “That was then, Bright. This is now. He’s become a burden.”
Bright countered, his voice firm. “Cynthia, why are you behaving like this? You’re not the one providing the food. You’re abusing Patrick, calling him l*zy, yet he’s the one who worked hard for you, who gave you money to support your business and my business.”
Cynthia’s expression remained icy.
Bright’s tone turned incredulous. “I never knew you were so w!.cked. I fell in love with a different person, not this he*rtl*ss woman.”
Patrick intervened, his voice calm. “It’s okay, Bright. I’ll leave today.”
Bright’s face fell. “No, Patrick, don’t go! You’re welcome here.”
But Patrick was resolute. “I appreciate your kindness, Bright, but I won’t be the reason for your fight.”
Patrick swiftly went to his room, packed his bags, and came out ready to leave.
Bright handed him some money. “Take this, Patrick. Lodge in a hotel tonight.”
Patrick accepted the money, thanking Bright.
As he exited the house, Cynthia spat venomously:
“Leave then! You’re a burden anyway. We don’t need you here.”
Patrick’s eyes locked onto Cynthia’s, his expression unreadable.
“Good riddance,” she added, turning her back.
Patrick’s gaze lingered, then he turned and walked away.
Inside the cab, Patrick reflected:
“So Cynthia can be this cr.uel to me? What if I really lost my job? I’d be suffering… All this time, I was helping her…”
Patrick’s eyes widened in realization.
BACK AT BRIGHT’S HOUSE
Meanwhile, Bright’s anger boiled over.
“Cynthia, you’re the one who’s leaving. Our relationship is over.”
Cynthia’s face fell, shock etched on her features.
“What? No, Bright! You can’t be serious!”
Bright’s voice was cold. “Dead serious. Get out!”
He threw her belongings out, slamming the door shut.
Cynthia was left stranded, tears streaming down her face.
TBC
