DARKEST DAWN 1

DARKEST DAWN

A story written by Oche Jeremiah.

EPISODE 1

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...That morning, Ajike woke the entire compound up with her very ferocious knocks on my door as well as her ranting noise. Her knocks and livid comments could pull down the whole building if it were a bulldozer.

"Kpam kpam kpam" she knocked. I knew I was in serious trouble. I had promise to pay her for the beans and garri I bought on credit two days ago. I was actually expecting some money so I thought it'll come as I have promised but till now it has not come. The more I thought in my room, the louder her knocks and "open this door you shameless man" became. Neighbours were already getting so used to my buying on credit attitude that made the foodstuff sellers come to the compound to request for their money amidst shouts and outrageous outbursts.

I summoned up courage to go get the door. As I opened the door, the slap that greeted me turned my face the other direction and kept my eyes rolling for about 30 seconds.

“Ahhhh what have I done to be slapped and treated like this?” I asked. "Oh, you Still have the mouth to talk ba, wait till I'm done with you and you will never come to my shop again" came Ajike’s reply.  

“It has not come to that na Ajike. Have I ever done what I did to you before? I will pay back naw. Just that the money I was expecting didn’t come through”. I managed to say after I regained my composure.

I tried calming Ajike but she was vicious. Her eyes were red. I mean, I've never seen a woman this angry you know. I just went on my knees and begged her. "Please give me till the week end, I'm sure I will get the money and pay you". She just looked at me with such looks that sent shivers down my spine. It was like I was talking to a ceiling fan that was on high speed hoping it'll reduce its speed as I pleased but no. Instead of pacifying her anger, it made it stronger. She held my shirt and cursed "you are stupid, you are foolish, you are shameless, you are an ingrate, and you are good for nothing". There was practically nothing I didn't hear from her that morning. Eventually, it was my landlord who was a Christian in our church and who had assisted me with the room I was living in that came to my rescue. He paid Ajike the 900 naira I owed her. I was ashamed, flabbergasted and overwhelmed. “Lord, why I'm I like this???”

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That morning, I decided to go to Anthony's house to get my money. He had previously gotten some food stuffs from my shop and promised he will pay back in two days. I waited after the agreed two days and nothing came. I tried so hard to think, "How will I restock my goods if those owing me don't pay back?" I just had to go and collect my money since he is not coming to pay or even passing my street again. I rained insults on him that day. How can someone just be indoors all through? He's not working yet he claims he is a graduate. He just goes to shops, borrows and dodges the shop eventually. Eventually I got my money. The landlord (his landlord) came to settle me after I had disturbed the entire compound. I didn't care how rash I was. At least it brought my money back.

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After Ajike left, the landlord summoned me. He sent his little girl to come call me to see him immediately. I was weak already from crying. My life was just not making progress the way I wanted it to go. The suffering, humiliation and penury plus the poverty were factors that crippled me every time. I wish I was not the one going through all this troubles. I had to muster some strength to go and see him. When I got there, he was sitting with his elder brother. I was asked to sit down which I did very slowly, knowing fully well the bomb that is about to hit me. These two men were principled. How will I explain to them that I’ve tried to make ends meet? How will I convince them that doors were not just opening up for me? Hmmmmm that was my thought.

He asked me. Bro Anthony. What is wrong??

What is wrong with you????

Why will you borrow or rather buy food stuff on credit from someone who you know is surviving from her little business when you know that she has a family and children to take care of?

I just sighed and tried to explain myself but my courage failed me.

"Daddy, I..." And the tears began. It flowed so fast and so hot that the two brothers were taken aback. Somehow they knew that for a man to cry, it means he wasn't doing such a thing intentionally. The landlord’s brother came close and put his hand around me and said "my brother, don't cry. I know there are battles around your life. Don't worry, their expiry date is near". I just nodded since I didn’t know what to say in that situation again. My breaking down in tears just weakened the landlord and his brother. He didn’t have the boldness to scold me again. He just kept mute and watched on. I knew he was pained but he knew I had tried everything possible, just that it seems my heaven was just closed. Landlord had to tell me to go because I was emotionally destabilized already.

Was there truly any battle in Tony’s life?

What battle is it then?

Can we see traces of battles in his life???

FIND OUT IN EPISODE 2 of “DARKEST DAWN

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