I opened my eyes and jumped up to reality, yelling at the top of my voice. My parents bursted into my room in haste.
“What is it, Daniel?" They chorused, their eager eyes feasting on me. I only sat grabbing my blanket tight, panting heavily. My mother hugged me and pushed me gently to her chest.
“It is well my dear. It is well." She consoled me
It was an odd day, a very sunny day.
Of course, August 27th has always been a sunny day since the day I was born, though it's always been the rainy season. My mother once told me of how she once celebrated my birthday from 4 O'clock in the evening until it was almost 2 O'clock in the night. She said such birthday parties have never happened in Uyo.
She said that people came out in numbers, friends and foes, passersby would always think it was a marriage ceremony. I was the first and only child of my parents, they loved me so much.
“Hey, Pablo, what's up?” Okon, the only friend that will always hype me no matter how much I mistreat him.
People would always say I'm self centered and arrogant. Most other people say I wear pride like clothes, (smiles). I'll only sigh at their empty threats, as their comments seemed to go my way. This was clearly the reason I kept most people at arm's length, especially the low classed people.
I am Daniel, the most handsome young man in the whole of my community and the surrounding communities. My father is wealthy, he provides me with every single thing I need. I never lack a thing. I can proudly say that I was born with a silver spoon. Infact, a golden spoon. (Smiles).
I only mingle with people in my class. Whatever anyone says to me? Who cares?
“Okon…” I replied, raising an eyebrow. "Is the venue ready? I asked in a commanding tone.
“Yes boss, but… Ah! Mama, good evening oo… the D.J has not arrived yet.”
“Okon, who did you greet while speaking to me?”
"It was Mama Ejiro, she was even waving at you.” He explained.
“That old wretched woman." I stated the obvious. “I'm still wondering how people will be born poor, grow old and still die poor."
“Ah! Daniel. Why are you speaking like that to that kind and humble woman?" He frowned.
"Shut up!” I retorted. "What's the difference between Mama Ejiro and your father? Bunch of poor fellows. Come let's go please.” I said laughing in mockery.
Okon, who is used to my manner of talking, only laughed jokingly and followed me reluctantly.
Our house was still a stone throw away when I discovered that there were multitudes of people gathered.
“Ah! Okon, people are already here?" I said in surprise.
“But none of these people were here before I left…” Okon was as surprised as I was too.
I increased my pace when I began to hear some sounds like people crying. I hurried and struggled my way to the middle, and at that moment, I felt the whole world crumbling on my head. I just wished the earth would open and drag me inside. Fear rooted me to the spot.
I looked down gently again, I couldn't stand to look at the lifeless bodies of my parents, covered in blood. I threw myself to the ground. I cried and rolled.
“Daniel, let me see where you'll keep your pride and arrogance." Okon shouted from the crowd.
“Yes, you are as poor as the rest of us now!” Another person shouted followed by eras of mischievous laughter. Soon, the crowd booed and hooted at me, calling me names…
I opened my eyes and jumped up to reality, yelling at the top of my voice. My parents bursted into my room in haste.
“What is it, Daniel?" They chorused, their eager eyes feasting on me. I only sat grabbing my blanket tight, panting heavily. My mother hugged me and pushed me gently to her chest.
“It is well my dear. It is well." She consoled me.
"I had a very scary dream mom.” I explained, with my breath in my mouth. "It was a wake up call. I will change mummy, daddy, I swear, I will change.” I cried out.
“It is well my dear, I'm happy that you've finally chosen to follow the right path. I am happy for you, my son.” My father said and hugged me lightly.
From that day onward, I indeed changed.
Everyone marveled at my sudden and genuine change. When I'm being asked what made me stop being arrogant, I'll just smile and say, “it doesn't take a second for a destiny to be destroyed."
