One Sunday Evening

It was a Sunday evening. I was alone in the room. The lights were off, and I lay on the floor, half asleep.

Then came a knock on the door.

Wasn’t expecting anyone, so I wasn’t particularly bothered about waking to see who it was. Besides, my roommates had gone out.

But the knocker was persistent and didn’t sound like was going to give up any time soon.

I readied an answer on my lips as I trudged to the door, hoping that my facial expression might be enough to ward off the intruder.

I was sure it was one of those youth roaming looking for a room to rent. A university was close by, and it was natural for its students to come around asking about rooms.

Or perhaps it was one of those expert beggars who know how to squeeze sympathy out of naive listeners. My heart was bulletproof against all of those gimmicks.

I opened the door, slowly.

There stood a teenager, perhaps a new convert into teen years.

He spoke hurriedly, punctuating his message with gasps, worry on his looks and in his voice.

He said his mom and dad had divorced recently, he was living with his mom and it had been days now he hadn’t seen his father.

So, he run away from home to meet his dad. His dad worked in the university nearby, though he didn’t mention which post he occupied.

The little boy didn’t know his dad didn’t work on Sundays and was disappointed to not find him. Unfortunately, he didn’t carry enough money on him and was now stranded. He wanted someone to help with his transport home.

I wasn’t used to giving out money to strangers. But this was one offer I couldn’t turn down.

To assure me he wasn’t lying, he had proposed that I come with him to pay for the transport while he boarded the bus.

No need. I know an honest person when I see one.

I handed him more than he asked for, watching as he thanked me profusely and hurried away.

I stood there for a long time, pondering how certain decisions that may be taken legitimately affect others we never wish to harm.

By Benjamin Nambu

From: Ghana

Website: https://www.greatbenji.business.blog

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