It was evening time, Chidi and his mother were in their kitchen trying to make dinner. Their small kerosene lantern gave light to the kitchen environment and the pale crescent moon from the sky shone on the outside.
He hasn't been happy ever since his mother told him he was going to drop out of school.
Chidi was the only child of his mother. They have been struggling to survive since Chidi's father died.
His mother was a peasant farmer and also worked as a labourer at people's farms. That's how she manages to pay Chidi's school fees and also take care of their other needs.
Chidi was in SS1 then and his mother couldn't cope with paying his fees and providing their needs, so she pleaded with him to drop out and suggested that he learn a trade.
Chidi wasn't happy about his mother's decision but he got no choice.
Chidi brought the vegetables he cut from their garden and they started preparing the dinner.
"Your uncle told me that Chief Okoro will come home this weekend. We will go and see him."
Chidi still looking unhappy.
"It's for our good my son, Chief Okoro is a good man and I know he will take good care of you. He will not disappoint us."
She was trying so hard to persuade him to go.
"Remember, Chief Okoro lives in the city. You will enter his fine car and even live in a beautiful house with him."
Chidi grinned as his mother mentioned a fine car and a beautiful house.
His mother felt fulfilled and they continued preparing their meal.
When the food was done, his mother dished it out and both of them ate.
A few days later, Chief Okoro came back as they expected.
Later that day, Chidi and his mother went to see him.
Chief Okoro was a businessman based in Onitsha. He had earlier trained three boys from their village and they are all doing well.
He's always a point of reference for business success and excellence in their village.
They met him sitting outside, in front of his house. They greeted him and he offered them seats.
He gave them soft drinks, and afterwards, they told him the purpose of their coming.
"It's a nice idea, your brother-in-law has already informed me over the phone. If he's obedient and respectful, I can take him," Chief said.
"My son is very respectful and obedient. He's also hardworking. He can do any kind of job." she assured Chief Okoro.
"Okay. I'll be leaving tomorrow morning, endeavour to bring him on time."
"Okay sir, I will do just that."
She thanked Chief Okoro for accepting his son and they left.
The following day, they prepared early and left for Chief's place.
They got there early and waited for Chief to be ready.
Afterwards, Chidi's mother gave him words of advice and encouragement before he left with Chief for the city.
TO BE CONTINUED...
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