The day had finally arrived for my holiday lesson, and my mom had ensured that my brother was prepared and ready to join me as nursery lessons were also conducted.
I was bubbling with joy, eagerly anticipating the chance to form meaningful friendships and engage with peers hailing from diverse schools.
"Take care of your brother, okay? Make sure you drop him off in his class before you go to yours," my mother instructed.
"Yes, mom!" I happily responded, lovingly holding his hands, and cherishing the bond we share as we walked hand in hand.
Arriving at the venue for the holiday lesson, I simply asked around to know where the nursery lessons were conducted. Upon being directed, I walked him to his class, and in perfect accordance with my mother's instructions, I ensured he settled in and felt comfortable before heading back to my class.
Walking back to my designated class, the classroom was populated by numerous unfamiliar faces, with only a few from my school. The sheer delight of meeting them was palpable.
Realizing I was late, I immediately occupied a seat at the back of the classroom, getting myself ready for the lessons of the day.
After a few hours, the lesson came to an end and I decided to linger and connect with my peers. We got engrossed in conversations about our various schools, and I couldn't tell how much time had passed.
"Vera, Blessing, and Jemima, I would be heading home now. I want to go to my mom's shop and assist her with the sales," Mary said as she waved us goodbye. We'd just formed four interconnected circles of friendship, and I was glad that I had friends to engage with during the remaining weeks of the lesson and beyond.
Instantly, a swift reminder jolted my thoughts. "Oh no, my brother!" I exclaimed in a loud-pitched scream. I became aware, all at once that I was supposed to pick him up in his class an hour ago.
I'd hoped to find him in his class, but when I got there, he was nowhere to be found. My heart sank as I combed through every corner, calling out his name, but my voice echoed back and I was washed in panic as I couldn't find a trace of him.
The sky grew dark and heavy, almost on the brink of a downpour. I was enveloped in fear as I fixed my gaze on the sky, it was going to rain and I still couldn't find my brother.
Where could he be? Did he decide to walk home by himself after an hour of waiting anxiously for me? What if he doesn't know his way home? What if he gets badly drenched by the rain that's about to pour? Would he be able to withstand the storm when the rain gets so heavy?
My mind got filled with thoughts of worst-case scenarios, and every passing moment deepened the ache in my heart, fueling a mix of dread and helplessness.
A gentle drizzle began, gradually intensifying to a steady rainfall. The rain poured relentlessly, drenching me from head to toe, and leaving me completely soaked and dripping. I wasn't even bothered.
I began to cry as I walked, frantically searching every corner, but couldn't still find him. The sky rumbled with whispers of thunder, accompanied by a fury storm. Fear gripped me, heightening my anxiety with every strike.
Each thunderous rumble deepened my worry about my brother's well-being. I was cold, and the storm was unbearable, but I couldn't find myself getting out of its grip.
"Hey, girl! Are you okay? Can't you see this rain is very heavy?" a voice called out from a distance.
I stopped, intensifying my wails as I hastened my steps toward her. I needed help, I needed hope that my mother's only son, my only brother was fine. He was just six.
"Why are you crying, and why are you willingly exposing yourself to this relentless downpour?" she asked.
"I can't find my brother, Ma! I was supposed to pick him up in his class so we could walk home together, I arrived at his class an hour late and I couldn't find him there," I replied, intensely sobbing.
"Go home, you might find him there. Stop wandering about, this cold isn't good for your health," she added.
"My mother is going to beat me, and I can't go home without my brother."
"You'd see your brother at home, I'm sure of that. Look at yourself, you're badly drenched by the rain. Just go home," she finally urged.
The fear of my mother being stormed in rage engulfed me. But what if he was actually at home? Then I realized I couldn't do anything anymore, so I decided to just walk home.
Getting to the house, I saw my brother savoring his meal, and immediately, a sense of warmth and happiness washed over me. I was so elated that he was home, sound, and safe. But I dreaded that my mother was going to beat me regardless.
"I'm sorry Mom. I won't do it again," I apologized, as my feet trembled and my heart raced.
"I had prepared myself to deal with you today, but seeing the way you look right now, I will spare you. Now go in there and change your clothes to something more suitable for warmth and come have your lunch," she instructed.
Instantly, a sense of relief enveloped me, and at that moment, I promised never to be that careless with my brother anymore.
Thanks for reading.
