SUICIDAL
FUGITIVE
“What kind of trade is this?”
Afam thought sadly. “Every day, same story.” He added while seated on the main
chair situated in his shop.
Afam, a thirty-five year old young man who was of Anambra State origin
just rounded off his apprenticeship on sales of building materials six months
back. Since his boss settled him immediately after his seven-year old
apprenticeship, things hadn’t been going smoothly as anticipated; there had
been slow pace of sales as well as constant nightmares experienced by him.
“I pray God will deliver me from this bondage.” he continued.
To worsen it all, a lot of responsibilities awaited him being the first
born of his vulnerable parents who could boast of eight children including
himself.
“Afam, how far nah?” Ugo exclaimed amidst the lamentation the moment he
walked into the shop.
The supposed recipient of the
greeting was obviously outside minded.
“Afam…!” He repeated in a loud
voice while still standing.
He was standing directly opposite him. Their positions were demarcated
by a wooden table.
Afam quickly became conscious
owing to the gravity of the last call. “Hey Ugo,” he eventually responded in a
very low tone. “How nah?”
Ugo hurriedly sat on one of the single seats sited adjacent to Afam’s. “Guy,
what is eating you up?” He enquired.
“My brother,” Afam said. “Just tiredness
ooh.”
“Tiredness?” Ugo chipped in. “Did you go to night vigil?”
“No,” quoth Afam. “I have been
very busy since morning.”
It was about some minutes past two in the afternoon on Tuesday June 21,
2011.
Ugo was Afam’s closest friend and neighbor. They lived very close to
each other at their place of residence in Onitsha, the commercial hub of
Anambra State, and their shops were also located closely. He was also a trader
but he majored in motorcycle spare parts. Both of them were of the same age,
though Ugo appeared older.
“Afam,”
Ugo called tenderly. “When did you start hiding things from me?”
“How?”
“You and I know that you are not happy.” he
observed. “Even a blind man can see it.”
Afam became mute and calm, didn’t
know what next to utter.
“If you don’t share your burdens with me,”
continued Ugo. “Who would you?”
Afam immediately took a very deep and noisy breath. “My brother,” he
said. “You already know all my worries.”
Ugo became attentive as he looked into his eyes.
“What else do I need to tell
you?” Afam added.
“Is it about sales?”
“What else, my brother?” replied the frustrated dude. “Since morning,
only one customer has walked into this shop.”
“Is that why you want to kill
yourself?” scolded Ugo. “You can’t continue like this, my man.”
“So what would I do?” he uttered
inquisitively, seemed confused and pale.
“My dear,” Ugo proceeded. “I have
been into this before you.” He said, referring to trade.
Ugo
was almost a year old in trading, and he was doing well. He commenced six
months before Afam joined the trend.
Afam became attentive and curious.
“You see,” said Ugo. “I was like you when I
started mine.”
Afam seemed intrigued, filled with mixed feelings.
“I was almost frustrated just as you are.”
“Bros,” Afam broke his
silence. “I don’t think you can compare yours with mine, even though I was not
there when you started.”
“Since you were not there,”
Ugo argued. “How would you know how serious was mine?”
“Because mine appears totally
different and strange.” Afam responded. “How can one not experience even a
patronage for a whole day?”
Ugo abruptly became silent and submissive. The last statement apparently
struck his lips, thus he threw in the towel.
“Honestly, I think there is
something wrong somewhere.” Afam finally insinuated.
“So, what’s your plan?”
“I want to go and see my boss
before the week runs out.” Afam thought aloud. “He might have something useful
to contribute.”
His boss, Chief Okeke was
equally a resident of the city, Onitsha and the headquarters of his trading
empire was situated there. It was at the main branch (headquarters) that Afam
did his apprenticeship.
Ugo nodded. “I think you are right.” he encouraged. “But you must not
let this thing weigh you down.” He added.
“Thank you bros.” Afam appreciated.
* * * * * *
“Good morning, sir.” Afam greeted lowering his
head as soon as he stepped into his boss’ sitting room at about some minutes to
eleven on Saturday 25th June, 2011.
The entrance to the room was let open by Chief
Okeke’s female house help having received an alert via the doorbell.
Afam had earlier informed him
that he would be at his place on that very day during the morning hours and
Chief Okeke welcomed the notice wholeheartedly.
Chief Okeke who was in his middle fifties was
married with four female children. His last child was about ten years old. On
that very day when Afam visited the family as scheduled, he alongside his wife
Ujunwa was watching television at the sitting room.
“Good morning, ma.” He added instantly,
focusing on Ujunwa.
“Good morning Afam.” The couple responded
concurrently, smiling. “How are you?” Chief Okeke added in a jiffy.
“I’m fine, sir.” replied the guest, stood
still.
“You are welcome.” Ujunwa exclaimed. “Please
make yourself comfortable.” She cheerfully urged.
“Thank you, ma.” Afam
appreciated, majestically walked to one of the single upholstery chairs in the
parlour and got seated.
To be continued, please.
Comrade Fred Nwaozor
Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri
_____________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com+2348028608056
witter: @mediambassador
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