The harmattan is getting severe all through the streets of Ilesa as it comes with its usual dryness that makes the lip crack and in a dusty shape. I was coming back from the market where I went to get the necessary stuff for home.
Stuff like tubers of yam, tomatoes and I will not always forget the red pepper for my mum's stew also. Getting to the street, I was welcomed by the smell of car smoke and roasted corn at the roadside. I knew I was in it for today, seeing that my sandals were filled with dust and dirt as, of course, we are in the Harmattan season.
About to open the door, I heard a slight cough in the room. Who was that? Turning around, it was my 4-year-old niece called Bola. She looked directly into my eyes and whispered to me as if she was tired, but I could still see the sense of hope written on his face. "Uncle Tope," she said with her voice so low in volume.
"Yes, my dear Bola, how are you feeling now?" I responded as I put beside the big nylon as I approached her.
"I am feeling feverish and cold", Bola said.
I have always known that Harmattan has a way of spreading cold to everyone in the street, most especially for a young girl like Bola, as she has been battling with a fever for a couple of days.
I was touched by her condition at that moment. I rose, "Bola my dear, tonight you will be as snug as a bug in a rug, I promise you".
My mum had been around in the house, and hearing what I said, she quickly responded. "Tope, you always come with your promise. How do you want to fulfil this particular promise?"
"Mom, don't worry, you will see how it will work out". I responded
Trying to search the house to find thick clothes; fortunately, I found my dad's oversized sweater. It was warm and so it will do the work I want it to do for Bola.
"Bola, you need to stay warm first. " I responded as I gave her the sweater. Of course, after she wore it, she was swallowed in it as it was an oversized sweater compared to her size.
My mum, seeing Bola, immediately said. "Bola is looking like she is wearing an old man agbada". As she laughed.
"Mum you are right 馃槀" I responded.
"Uncle Tope, I love this sweater", Bola responded as her voice sounded much better than a couple of minutes ago.
"Uncle Tope," Bola said.
"Yes, Dear Bola?"
"Thank you so much sir for helping me to stay safe and warm"
I approached her to give her a peck. "Anything for my niece"
And, of course, in the end, she feels much better, as snug as a bug in a rug. I feel fulfilled. I feel fulfilled because I was happy I promised her she will be okay and finally she is okay.
