The Wheelbarrow Pusher, Episode Ten
When Sarafina and the wheelbarrow pusher went to the US Embassy in Nairobi to apply for a visa, it was seamless process. They submitted the application and they were asked to return in a few days. They came back to the house and started having a good time. They were carefree because there was no one disturbing them. They started planning how their future would be in USA. They even talked about the name they would give the baby when it would be born. They agreed that the wheelbarrow pusher would start school once they arrive in US.
“You know, education is very important. It gives you the best shot at life. Even if you are from a poor background, you have great chance of succeeding if you are educated. If you are educated, you could become highly successful in USA. I want you to be a successful man. I want you to take charge of your destiny. Immediately we arrive in the US, arrangements would be made for you to become a student immediately. I will be working. Even though I have enough money in my account to take care of us, I’m still going to work. I’m not a lazy person.” Sarafina said.
“I like the idea. When I was a child, I wanted to be a medical doctor. That was what I wanted to be, but I did not even finish primary school because my parents died when I was still a child. I stopped schooling in primary five. I would like to ask, is it still possible for me to go to school at this age? How are we going to do it? So many years have passed. It is my heart desire to go back to school, but how is it going to be?” The wheelbarrow pusher asked.
“Don’t worry. There is what is called home school. The US is a well-developed country. Education there is much easier. We will be able to get someone to offer you home schooling until you will write all the basic examinations you missed as a child. Once you get the basic certifications, you will be able to proceed to college. Don’t worry, I have everything planned out. If you say you want to be a medical doctor, I will support you.” Sarafina said to her husband.
“I will be so happy if I’m able to become a medical doctor. It has always being my dream. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to accomplish my dream. I love you so much my darling wife. What would I have done in this life without you? I depend on you for everything, and yet, you have never for once insulted me. You have never mocked me. You are an epitome of what a good and loving wife should be. Even though you are spending your money on me, you still accord me all my respect. You are a great woman of virtue.” He said. He was almost crying out of joy.
A few days later, they were called and told to come to the US Embassy in Nairobi to pick the visa. They were overjoyed. They quickly ordered an Uber ride and they were at the Embassy within a few minutes. They picked up the visa and went back to the hotel.
“So, does it mean I’m going to travel to USA? I mean, am I dreaming or what? Is this real? Does it mean I’m travelling to USA or what? Somebody should tell me the truth. Is this visa mine?” The wheelbarrow pusher asked. He never expected that he would ever leave the shores of Nigeria.
“Now I believe that with love, everything is possible. You have made so many things possible for me. Dating you has opened so many doors for me. Without you, I would never have left Nigeria, not to talk of travelling to the US. Thank you so much darling.” The wheelbarrow pusher said with tears in his eyes. Even Sarafina joined him to cry out of joy.
“Our dreams are coming true before our eyes. We are going to have a baby and we are moving to USA. This is a dream come true for me.” Sarafina said as they hugged each other. That same night, they bought their flight tickets and the next day, they were on their way flying to the US.
The flight was long but they finally arrived at the JFK Airport. When the American air blew across the wheelbarrow pusher’s face, it down on him that he was in another coutinent. It was not a dream, it was reality.
‘It is now a reality.” He said in his heart. Soon, an Uber taxi drove them out of the airport and took them to Sarafina’s house.
“Welcome to my house. My father bought this house for me when I was still a child. It is now our house. Please, take the place as your house. You are the man of the house. I’m just here to help you.” Sarafina said to her husband. That same week, the wheelbarrow pusher started homeschooling. The training was difficult but he was determined to do it. He was ready to go through the long journey.
In the course of the week, Sarafina picked up her phone and sent a voice note to her father..
“Hello daddy. I know you have been looking for me. I want to tell you that I’m fine. I’m no longer in Nigeria. I ran away because I did not want to marry Kunle. I have chosen the man I want to marry and he is here with me in USA. If you ever want to find me, you know where I’m in US. Please, don’t worry yourself, I’m perfectly fine. I’m also pregnant and I’m expecting my first child. Don’t worry, I did not get pregnant out of wedlock. I’m married. Please, stay well and be fine for me. I love you daddy.” Sarfina said.
That was how two young people who love each other so much stood up and fought for their love. And they won the battle.
THE END.
© Nabih Aben
Nice story