Chief Gabriel bent slightly, not too much, because age had made bending painful.
— What is your name, young man?
— Timi Adewale, sir.
— Timi, you saw my bag tearing before I did?
Timi nodded.
— Yes, sir.
— And you still helped after 2 days without food?
Timi’s face changed before he could hide it. Chief Gabriel noticed. So did the crowd.
A black SUV stopped across the street. A tall driver stepped out. At the same moment, a familiar voice shouted from behind the crowd.
— Timi! So this is where you are hiding?
Aunty Bisi pushed through the people, wrapper tied tightly around her waist, eyes sharp with greed and anger. Uncle Dele followed behind her, holding Timi’s old schoolbag like evidence in a police case.
— Chief, don’t mind this boy, Aunty Bisi cried. — He is my sister’s son. He ran away after stealing from our house!
Timi’s mouth fell open.
— I did not steal anything.
Uncle Dele grabbed his arm.
— Shut up! You think we have been searching for you because we love stress? Come home now before I disgrace you here.
Chief Gabriel’s eyes narrowed.
— Remove your hand from the boy.
Aunty Bisi smiled suddenly, recognizing the old man’s face.
— Ah! Chief Okonkwo? My God! Sir, forgive this family matter. The boy is stubborn, but he belongs to us.
Timi looked between them, trembling. Then Uncle Dele lifted the schoolbag and pulled out an envelope.
— Ask him about this. His mother’s documents. He stole them and ran.
Chief Gabriel took one look at the envelope, and the old man’s hand tightened around his walking stick.
On the front, written in fading ink, was a name he had not heard in 10 years: Amaka Okonkwo…
This is only part of the story; the full story and the exciting ending are in the link below the comment ![]()
![]()
![]()
Leave a Comment