To be accused, wrongfully is one of the most painful and annoying things anybody can face. Especially when you've done well to develop a character and the quality of integrity. It's much painful in this sense due to the fact that the character you've upheld by all hard measures seems not to be seen and eventually it's treaded upon with no consideration. Of course, the persons might not really be conversant with you—the person you are. But then, what if they knew you and still don't care to consider? That's the most painful part of it.
In a case like that, the pains of developing such a quality which seemed to be overlooked is the major issue with the situation, rather than the false or wrong accusation. This is so for the time and effort it took to cultivate such values that failed to be considered. I've heard people make statements of despair in vexation and anger because they failed to be considered or given a trust at least, for their character, before what is said about them is believed or not. In such statements, they make utterances that suggests a regret for trying hard to become "noble" and "honourable" persons which was eventually swept under the carpet.
Through these experiences, these persons grew to sweep under the carpet as well those qualities they've developed since it wasn't recognised and appreciated. It's painful I can tell. And yes, I'll say I can relate even. I've had my share of experience with wrongful accusations. I'll tell you that it's never an easy situation—well, maybe for me. Trying hard to develop a positive and trustworthy attribute, coupled with the stern home training, I could almost shed a tear when I'm wrongfully accused. In the most horrible case, to be accused of stealing.
This particular experience I wish to share was one that was with the subject of stealing. Maybe it's why I could still catch a glimpse of it even though I was still a little child at the moment—not a perfect glimpse per say. Even at the tender age I was then, I was far away from stealing and would never want to be associated with it in any way.
Being in the early classes of primary education—primary one or two I’ll say; I was accused of stealing something by a classmate. I guess it was a pencil or so. It came from a girl; she reported to the class teacher then and the teacher would go on to confront me. Like I said earlier, I could shed a tear then if you dare link me directly with a thing as stealing in accusation. I was almost doing that for the tender age I was. Some consider that when one cries like that in a confrontation, they were guilty. Not so in my case, rather my innocence and the failure to see that truly I am, can move me to such then.
Well, I think it was eventually discovered I was wrongfully accused and I can't really tell what went on after that. I was just glad I didn't break this virtue inculcated in me from home or even counted with it by someone. Later in life I've been accused a very few times. Though I found people vouching for me even before making my defense, I've gone on to develop a system whereby I could remain calm and cool in the face of such accusations, knowing I'm not guilty.
This is my entry for the #marchinleo prompt, day 10 in collaboration with Hive Naija. You can participate here.
