My very close friend's dad died in another Africa country while on official duty, the news hit us hard and I had to stick around her house with other friends during that time.
We believed our presence would help her a lot so the first two days of the incident, we only went home at night. We were still in the secondary school and it was the holiday period.
On the day of the Christian wake, we were all present with more of our classmates. It was my first time attending such an event and was shocked to see some caterers serving snacks and tea.
"Why should people eat while mourning someone very dear to them?", this question kept playing in my head as I monitor the sharing of the snack with my eyes going back and forth with the caterers.
It didn't take long before the aroma of the snacks filled the air and it got my belly rumbling. I have a weakness for snacks and don't usually stop at two depending on the size.
The servers got to my role and handed over two pieces of small doughnuts. I was disappointed and as they were about to move to another role, I asked if I could get an extra.
I actually thought I whispered but I was wrong and people turning their necks around to see who altered such a statement made me realize that I have messed up. I was given the extra I requested but couldn't take it due to the shame I felt.
My friends were pissed and some of them didn't talk to me for days. It could have been okay if I didn't repeat the same thing but I did and ended up in a situation I didn't like.
My physics teacher was getting married and we were all invited. Not going wasn't an option for me because I knew there would be lots of Jollof rice.
I went there and was surprised to lots of students turn up for the event. We occupied a part of the hall and judging by our age, you can tell that we were students.
I got bored of the event and the only thing playing on my mind was the Jollof rice I came for. We were there for hours before the food was served and while they asked the adults what they wanted, they just gave students Jollof rice with small meat and some even got fish.
I went out of the hall with dissatisfaction after eating, the rice was small and the meat was just bone. I saw where the food was coming from so I walked up to the women and told them I haven't eaten.
They said they were out of plates so I should help gather used plates. I went to the hall and started gathering plates, it was really tiring moving the plate back and forth.
I gathered enough with the hope that my hard work will give me more food. Nobody was attending to the plates so I took one to wash for myself and while doing that one of my teachers came.
She was grumbling that the women serving had a disagreement and they weren't willing to wash the plates, it was voluntary work so they can't be forced to do anything. She raised her gown and rinsed the first plate I washed.
The expression on her face was keep washing and I couldn't say no. As I handed over plates that I washed to her, she kept saying "well done George".
A few students joined in picking plates and empty drinks bottles to assist and they were all surprised to see me washing plates. I felt terrible and as the plates kept coming, I got tired.
I didn't say anything to anyone before I left and wished I didn't let my gluttonous nature push me again. I confided with someone about why I washed plates at our physics teacher's wedding and everyone in the class got to know.
They still tease about what happened back then during our yearly reunion, they do remind me of those times whenever I ask for extra food and they have become experiences to laugh about now.
I hope you enjoyed reading, you can also share your jokes at the ongoing Comedy Open Mic contest.
HERE is the link to the contest, I am looking forward to seeing your entries.
