MY SIBLINGS AND I
EPISODE 4
WRITTEN BY RUKEVWE MERRY
Later that night, Bright’s door creaked open to Cynthia’s persistent knocking. He found her sitting outside, her eyes brimming with tears.
“Cynthia, why are you still here?” Bright asked, incredulous.
“I have nowhere to go tonight,” she replied, her voice laced with desperation. “And these mosquitoes are devouring me alive! Can’t I just stay until morning?”
Bright’s expression hardened. “If you can treat your brother like this, who is family, I wonder how you’ll treat me if I become bankrupt, God forbid. You might frustrate me to dæth.”
Cynthia’s eyes widened, realizing too late the depth of Bright’s disillusionment.
“Please, Bright, forgive me,” she pleaded, swatting at the mosquitoes.
But Bright’s resolve remained unwavering. “Get out of here, or I’ll ask the security guard to throw you out.”
He slammed the door shut, leaving Cynthia alone in the darkness, vulnerable to the mosquitoes’ relentless bites.
Cynthia’s thoughts reeled as she slumped against the wall, tears streaming down her face.
“How could Bright do this to me?” she thought.
But deep down, she knew she had only herself to blame.
Meanwhile, Patrick settled into his hotel room, reflecting on the day’s events.
“Cynthia’s true colors finally showed,” he thought.
Jerry’s words echoed in his mind: “Family can be crúé! sometimes, Patrick. Be cautious.”
Patrick’s phone buzzed, breaking his reverie. It was Emma.
“Hey, bro! How’s Lagos?” Emma asked.
Patrick hesitated before responding.
“It’s been…enlightening, Emma. Cynthia’s not what I expected.”
Emma’s tone turned serious. “What happened?”
Patrick shared the entire ordeal, from Cynthia’s coldness to Bright’s intervention.
Emma listened attentively. “You’re better off without her, Patrick. Come back home.”
Patrick smiled, grateful for his brother’s unwavering support.
“I’ll be fine, Emma. I need to take care of myself.”
The brothers exchanged reassuring words before ending the call.
As Patrick drifted off to sleep.
Patrick thought of Ken and decided to call him.
“Bro, I’m coming to see you in Warri,” Patrick said.
“Please, can I?” Patrick asked, his voice laced with desperation. “Things are getting too rough for me. I heard there are opportunities in Warri.”
Ken’s warm response came through the line.
“Yes, bro, you’re free to come! There are many opportunities in Delta State, Warri City. I’ll be expecting you soon.”
Patrick’s relief was evident.
“I’ll come in five days. Thank you, my darling brother.”
The brothers exchanged warm goodbyes before Patrick hung up and drifted off to sleep.
#####WARRI CITY###
Patrick arrived in Warri, and Ken welcomed him with open arms.
“Great to see you, bro!” Ken said, as they hugged.
Over a delicious meal, they caught up on lost time.
Patrick felt at home in Warri, thanks to Ken’s warmth.
Two months had passed since Patrick arrived in Warri, and everything was going well until Ken got married to his girlfriend, Lucy. Lucy was down-to-earth and respected Patrick greatly.
One evening, Ken called Lucy to come meet him in the room. She replied that she was washing dishes. Ken went to the kitchen and told her to stop.
“Baby, I’m coming, just let me finish washing the dishes,” Lucy said.
But Ken insisted, “Go tell Patrick to wash the plates.”
Lucy shouted, “Are you out of your mind? He’s your elder brother!” Ken retorted, “So what? Since he can’t get a paying job and lives off me, the least he could do is wash plates.”
Lucy scolded, “Don’t ever say such things! Never disrespect someone when things go south, because they can stand again.” Unknown to them, Patrick was listening to their conversation and smiled.
The next day, Patrick woke up early, washed the plates, and cleaned the house. When Lucy saw him, she told him not to do that again, reminding him he’s her elder. Patrick replied, “I’m just helping out; it’s the least I can do.” Lucy smiled and said, “Okay, bro, but don’t do it next time.”
One evening, Patrick went to sit in a quiet park that’s when he met Perry, a beautiful young girl crying uncontrollably. He consoled her after she shared her heartbreaking story of catching her boyfriend cheating. From that day on, they became friends.
One day, Patrick went to inform Ken that his girlfriend would visit and return in the evening. However, when Patrick knocked on the door, Lucy answered, saying Ken had left since morning. Patrick asked Lucy for permission for his girlfriend to visit, and she smiled, “You didn’t need permission,she can come.”
That afternoon, Perry arrived, and they sat outside while Lucy brought refreshments. When Ken returned, he saw Lucy smiling with Patrick and Perry and erupted in anger.
“How dare you bring a girl to my compound? You’re giving out my drink!” Ken shouted. Patrick intervened, explaining he had sought permission from Lucy, but Ken wouldn’t listen.
Ken took the drink from Perry and ordered her to leave. Lucy intervened, “Ken, what’s gotten over you?” But Ken ignored her and dragged Perry out. Patrick stopped him, slapping Ken to bring him back to his senses.
“How dare you slap me?” Ken shouted, his face reddening. “I take care of you, and you bring a girl to my place without permission?” Patrick stood firm, “I’m your elder brother; I have the right to correct you.”
Ken’s face twisted in anger. “Elder brother my foot!” he spat. “Pack your things and leave my house. Take your miserable life elsewhere.”
Patrick’s eyes widened, hurt by Ken’s harsh words.
Lucy attempted to intervene, “Ken, please—”
But Ken cut her off, his voice cold. “Go inside, Lucy. This doesn’t concern you.”
Lucy hesitated, then obeyed.
Patrick’s voice remained calm, but his heart ached. “Fine, I’ll leave.”
He turned to leave without taking his bag of clothes.
Ken’s expression didn’t soften. “From now on, consider yourself disowned.”
Ken shouted after Patrick, “And don’t come back begging!”
Patrick replied, “I won’t.”
Ken added, “Come back for your belongings!”
Patrick replied coldly, “Burn them. I don’t need them.”
Patrick rushed after Perry, his heart p******g with concern.
“Perry, wait!” he called out, catching up to her.
She slowed down, tears streaming down her face.
“Perry, I’m so sorry,” Patrick apologized, his voice filled with remorse. “My brother’s behavior was unacceptable.”
Perry’s eyes welled up with tears. “It’s not your fault, Patrick. I’m just sorry I caused trouble.”
Patrick’s expression softened. “You didn’t cause trouble. Ken’s just…lost.”
Perry smiled weakly. “Thanks for standing up for me.”
Patrick’s eyes locked onto hers. “I’ll always stand up for you, Perry.”
Together, they walked away from Ken’s compound, leaving behind the toxic atmosphere.
As they walked, Perry turned to Patrick. “You can’t just leave without a plan. Come stay at my place until you get a job.”
Patrick smiled gratefully. “No need, Perry. I’ll lodge in a hotel for now, then return home to my village.”
Perry’s eyes sparkled with concern. “Are you sure? You’re welcome to stay with me.”
Patrick’s expression softened. “I appreciate it, but I’ll be fine.”
Perry nodded understandingly. “Alright, if you say so.”
They walked in comfortable silence, enjoying each other’s company.
After a while, Patrick spoke up. “Perry, thank you for everything. You’ve been an angel to me.”
Perry’s cheeks flushed. “You’re welcome, Patrick. We’ll stay in touch, okay?”
Patrick smiled. “Definitely. I’ll check in regularly.”
As they approached Perry’s stop, she turned to him.
“Take care of yourself, Patrick. You deserve happiness.”
Patrick’s eyes locked onto hers. “You too, Perry. You deserve so much better.”
They shared a warm smile before parting ways.
TBC
Rukevwe Merry
