Story of a Survivor - Season 1 - Episode 7

5 years ago

Story of a Survivor - Season 1 - Episode 7

We lived on charity from friends and well wishers for another three months. Caroline had planned on opening a provision shop when she receives Mummy’s benefit. She planned to send the three of us back to school. Tochi and Amara were already at the Orphanage. We go to visit them every last Saturday of the month.

Mr. Chinedu and his wife Madam Joana came
visiting on a Saturday Morning, we had not seen them visit us together since the death of
Mummy.

Lest I forget, Mummy was later buried
at the military Cemetery because the protocols
Mr. Chinedu encountered when he went to my
Mother’s Village was so much that he vowed not to go back there.

Their visit that morning made my heart skip. I
wondered if the money that would liberate us
was ready or has anything evil happened to our sisters at the orphanage. Immediately after exchanging pleasantries I asked: How is Amara and Tochi Sir? Oh they are doing just great! He said. I learnt you Girls went visiting last week?

He asked. Relieved by his answer I said: yes sir we did. Caroline came in with two Bottles of soft drink to entertain them, Mrs. Joana declined but the husband collected both Bottles, he opened one with his teeth and placed the other on the floor.

You don’t want to drink? He asked her: I am
okay honey, she replied. Well, I am thirsty, he
said as he gulped down the drink he opened, he dropped the bottle and opened the second.
The Wife stared at him with disapproval but he
ignored her. He drained the second bottle, gave out a large belch and cleared his throat.

Now all of you come together! He said. It is time to talk! We all sat on the Mattress facing him as he stood up to address us. We had gotten used to receiving bad news. Do you know why my wife did not drink the Coke Caroline gave her? He asked.

No sir! We chorused. Because she feels
you cannot afford it, she feels you need the
Money because of your helpless situation so why waste it on us! She pities you! I am telling you this because I know she is thirsty, she
complained of thirst on our way here so I wonder why she would refuse a cold drink. I drank the drinks because I am very thirsty and you offered to quench my thirst so why should I refuse a helping hand?

Now let me come plain with you
Girls! I will talk to you the way I will talk to my
Children because your late Father was my very
good friend.

This is reality time! The Money we are expecting as your Mother’s entitlement might not materialize in a hurry, it could take months or years, too many paper works are involved but I assure you that you shall be paid the money.

From next week, Caroline will take charge of
pursuing that money because she has come of
age. I shall hand over all the details to you
Carol! Caroline was evidently scared as she
stared at Mrs. Joana for intervention but Madamvbowed her head to conceal the emerging tears from her eyes. Caroline begins to sob.

For your information! He continued, I am not
moved by tears! You can ask my Wife here.
Secondly, you need to wake up from your
slumber and face the facts before you, you do
not have any means of survival than relying on
charity, and for how long will you continue like
this? Three years ago Caroline graduated from
secondary school, by then you all had flat
Chests! But look at yourselves now! Look at your. Chests! You have all grown into womanhood without realizing it! At this juncture we actually looked at our b0s0ms and realized he spoke the truth, Madam Joana could not take it any longer as she left the room crying.

You think you are still little Kids? For your information the world does not pity anyone who does not help his or herself! There is a lot the world offers for you to grab but it will not come to you by lazing about in a wretched Batcher waiting on Charity!

Someone out there is enjoying your father’s
sweat all in the name of one barbaric culture!
This same person caused the death of your
mother. Today he lives in your house with his
family, he runs your father’s Company, he drives your father’s Cars, he spends your father’s Money while you sit here like cowards, drinking Garri, wearing outdated Clothes, and looking so ugly and unkempt!

Your only Brother is now a slave in his father’s house, I drove by the housevyesterday and I saw junior sweating and cutting grass under the sun while Amaechi’s children were inside the House probably drinking Juice from your refrigerator!