IF UNFORTUNATE...WAS A PERSON!

Last week Saturday, I was returning from a function. I boarded a tricycle at plaza.

Normally, I do feel my transport fare severally, before entering any public transport, inorder to ensure the money is intact. I did just that. 

An argument ensued...two tricycle owners were fighting over passengers. I joined the other onlookers to witness the drama. 

Some minutes later, the fight was settled. 

The driver of the tricycle I boarded was ready to move. I got inside... unknown to me that my fare had fallen off my pocket, while trying to have a glimpse of the drama. 

I got to my destination... I alighted like a big man, only to realize the money was missing.

I searched all the pockets of the trousers I wore thoroughly, but couldn't find it.

The other passengers began to fidget, the driver began to yell. All the "big manism" I exhibited earlier disappeared.

I was more humble than a dove.

I began to plead with the driver, who vowed that I must give him his money.

He turned off the ignition. He was about pulling out his belt. It was really embarrassing.

A thought immediately came to my mind...I dashed into a nearby shop, pleaded with the woman to lend me #100 naira. I was willing to pay back with any amount of interest.

She insisted I drop something valuable as a collateral. "Just for #100 naira?" I whispered.

She got my phone and gave me the money.

I paid the tricycle owner who was ready to unleash his anger on me. He heaped insults upon insults on me. The passengers weren't left out. "No be to dey do fine boy with no shishi for pocket" a lady spoke.

"Next time, if u no get money...waka with ur legs or u fit go beg person" another one added. 

I got home immediately, inorder to get the money for the woman, only to realize the gate was locked. Nobody was at home. 

I felt like crying at that moment. 

I explained this to her but she wouldn't listen.

She knew me quite okay but was just being strict. 

On my own side, I couldn't approach anyone for #100 naira because of the way I do carry myself. Like a big man yunno... nobody would have listened to my pleas. 

Two hours later, my parents got home. I took #500 and headed straight to her shop.

On getting there, the woman had closed for the day. I thought as much because she doesn't stay out, into the night hours.

I almost collapsed. I was devastated.

With the help of someone, I was able to place a call because her phone number was written on the walls of the shop. 

She told me she waited, she felt I wouldn't come again, so she left. 

Why wouldn't I come to get my phone... I said to myself. 

I asked for directions to her house, she said it's late already. She doesn't entertain late night visits. It was just 8pm, I thought.

All my pleas were to no avail. I promised to give her about #2000, instead of the initial #100 naira. 

But she insisted I get it the next day, being Sunday, after service. 

She hanged up the call. 

Hot tears ran down my cheeks. 

How does she expect me to be without my phone for almost a day! 

I use my phone mostly at night, to do some work. 

The most painful aspect was that, I had a job I was to deliver to a client before 8pm.

All because of #100 naira, my expensive phone was in the custody of someone.

To crown it all, my boss punished me by deducting some money from my weekly pay, because I couldn't get the job done. 

I walked home shattered.