The Wheelbarrow Pusher Episode Five
It was just 48 hours to Sarafina’s wedding and she was ready to miss it. She determined that she was not going to go home. Kunle, the man chosen for her by her parents can as well go to hell, she does not care. All she cared about was the fact that she was spending quality time with the wheelbarrow pusher. He was the person she loved and she was ready to swim and die with him in the village where they were staying. The wheelbarrow pusher was an orphan. But his late parents had some thatched houses in the village. He and Sarafina cleaned the houses and started living in one of them.
“This is the type of house I have always wanted to live in. I mean, all my life, I have always known wealth and prestige. At some points, wealth became so boring that I started looking for how to experience the real world. My parents never denied me of anything. I have always had money to do anything I want. As young as I’m, I have my own mansion and I have millions in my account. I have always lived in big mansions. What I’m saying is that my life became too boring because I had everything I needed.” Sarafina said.
“I just wanted to experience the other side of life. There was no fun anymore. There was no fun in waking up and having people who serve you breakfast, lunch and dinner. I was never allowed to do anything. Even when I wanted to learn how to cook, my parents rejected the idea. I wanted to learn how to do basic house chores, my parents refused. I wanted to learn how to wash my clothes, they said no. I wanted to learn how to iron my clothes by myself, but they would not allow me. I was just there like a queen and everything was done for me by servants. It became boring and disgusting. I want to try new things.” Sarafina said happily. Her head was rested on the wheelbarrow pusher’s lap.
“I was not allowed to keep ordinary people as friends. My friends were people in the same social echelon. We were living in the same bubble, protected by our parents’ wealth. We were brought up to see poor people as trash. We were told not to mix with poor people. The schools we attended were exclusively for the rich. You cannot see any poor man’s child there. It was such a boring space. I just managed to stay there and finished school because I was a child. But ever since I became an adult, I learned to try new things. I learned that poor people are good. I read good books that taught me to value everyone in the society, weather poor or rich.” Sarafina said. The wheelbarrow pusher was just listening to her with joy in his heart.
“Before I met you, I did not know how to do anything. I can’t cook, I can’t even wash plates. I was not even allowed to sweep or mop the house. My parents were just pampering me like an egg. At some points, it became so tiring that I wanted something new. I began to see that I’m a different person from what my parents wanted me to be. It was when I met you that I finally found the courage to embrace the real person I was. I found the courage to learn new things. Now, I can cook, I can clean and I can take care of the home like a woman should. I have become a much better person by dating you. I’m so grateful to you.” Sarafina said.
“Your words are powerful and they make me glad. My heart is filled with much joy ever since I started dating you. Despite the fact that poverty wants me to lose you, you have refused to leave me. I did not expect that you would stay with me this far, but you have proved me wrong. At first, I was afraid that you would leave me and get married to a rich man, but I didn’t know you have made up your mind. I didn’t know you have completely given your heart to me. I’m so glad. Look at the place you are staying with me. A rich woman like you staying in a thatched house? Even your father will not believe his eyes if he were to see you here.” The wheelbarrow pusher said.
“That is the beauty of life. Life is more fun when we experience different things. And of course, life in this village is so perfect and sweet. At least, people are still living here and surviving and they have everything they need. We also have everything we need. There is nothing we want that we cannot get.” Sarafina said.
That same day, they went to the market at a town close to the village and they bought some things that would make their stay in the village more comfortable. They bought a generator so they would be able to charge their phones. They also bought packs of bottled water because water from the village stream was dirty and was not drinkable. They bought other things and decorated the thatched house and made it so beautiful.
“This is exactly what I have always wanted.” Sarafina said when they finished the decorations.
“Me too. I always want to be by your side.” The wheelbarrow pusher said.
Meanwhile, Sarafina’s parents have lost their patience. They did not want to face the embarrassment of not having their daughter at her wedding. They have become very restless and were ready to do whatever it would take to make Sarafina come home. They made an announcement that anyone who has information about Sarafina would be given $1 million. It was a huge offer. The policemen who brought Sarafina and the wheelbarrow pusher to the village were not able to resist the offer. They went to Sarafina’s parents and told them the secret.
“We know where your daughter is. We will take you there.” The policemen said.
Watch out for episode six
