They Mocked him not knowing he is the Richest man in Town
Do not let what happened today destroy you. You have a good future ahead of you. Chidima touched me where it hurts most. Mama, maybe she was right after all. My son, listen to your mother. You must not allow her action to defeat your soul. After all, she’s not the only woman in the world. Congratulations, my brother. Thank you.
You finally did it. Geology. You actually survived it. There were times I wanted to give up, but you did not. I wish my father were alive to see this. Who are you looking for? Chidimma. Chidima. Chidima, what’s going on? here. Why not? Today is supposed to be our happy day. It is for some people.
What does that mean? Ekenna, we need to talk about ourselves. Yes. We have been together for almost 5 years. I know. So why are you talking like this? Because 5 years is a long time to keep waiting. Waiting for what? For you to become something. Become something. Don’t misunderstand me. Then explain it.
Look at you, Ekenna. You have just graduated. But what happens tomorrow? I will find a job. You have been saying that for 2 years because I was still in school. And now you have finished. What do you have? I have my degree. A degree does not automatically give you a future. You knew I was not rich when you started dating me.
You’re correct. You knew my mother was struggling. Yes, I knew. And because they have not changed fast enough, you are leaving me. I am tired of you, Ekenna. I am tired of struggling with you. Is this why? Because of him. Daniel has a stable life. So, he has a company and I have nothing.
I did not say that. You don’t have to. And honestly, I have changed too. What’s changed? I no longer want the kind of man I used to want. Someone who looks successful. Someone who does not look like he has been struggling his entire life. So now you are ashamed of how I look. I am only being honest.
On my graduation day, you asked me to be honest. After 5 years, you could not wait until tomorrow. There is no perfect time to break someone’s heart. And you brought him here. I did not come here to disrespect you. Then why are you here? Because Chidima asked me to come. So this was planned.
You planned this for today. I do not want to keep pretending. You brought another man to humiliate me on my graduation day. You purposely waited until the day I was supposed to be proud of myself to tell me that I am not good enough. For what? You have finally found the kind of man you wanted. Yes. Are you sure about this? What happened? Nothing.
Ia, please mama, today should not end with me crying. Do not let what happened today destroy you. You have a good future ahead of you. Chidima touched me where it hurts most. Mama, maybe she was right after all. My son, listen to your mother. You must not allow her action to defeat your soul.
After all, she’s not the only woman in the world. She said I don’t have money. She said I’m worthless and doesn’t fit her type of man after 5 years of giving my heart to her. You have something money cannot buy. What time? You are still young. Your story is not finished. We are almost home, mama. I am so proud of you, my son.
Here is the fair. Thank you. Congratulations, sir. Thank you. Let’s go inside, mama. Ekennena, you have not eaten since morning. I am not hungry. You said the same thing inside the car. I don’t have appetite for food anymore. Your eyes are red. You’re hurting yourself, Ekenna. I know you are tired.
I watched you walk from the university gate to that car like a man carrying a load on his head. But there is a difference between being tired and being hurt. You worked for that certificate for 4 years. You spent nights reading when your classmates were sleeping. There were days when you went to there to help us, but you still continued.
Today was supposed to be the day you looked at that certificate and told yourself, “I made it.” I thought it would be. Then what happened? You saw what happened. I saw Chidima come with another man. I saw the way you looked at her. I saw the way she spoke to you. But I did not hear everything they said.
Maybe it is better that you did not hear everything. What did they say to you that broke you down completely? Some words are not meant for a mother to hear about her son. Did she insult you, Ekenna? She said she was tired of waiting for my life to begin. And what did you tell her? I asked her why she waited until today.
What did she say? She said there was no perfect time to break someone’s heart. That is true. I am not defending her. I am saying that sometimes people choose the wrong time to tell the truth because they are afraid of what the truth will do. She did not just tell me the truth. She humiliated me. What did she say? She looked at me and told me that she no longer wanted a man who looked like he had been struggling all his life.
She said that to you? Yes. In front of that other man? Yes. And you still stood there? What was I supposed to do? Fight her on my graduation day? No. You were supposed to walk away. Not before she saw that she had broken you. I loved her, mama. That is the part nobody understands. I know she chose another man.
I know she wants a better life. I know I cannot force somebody to stay with me. But I love that woman. I trusted her for 5 years. Whenever things were difficult, I kept telling myself that it would not matter because at the end of everything, I would have her. When I had no money, she would tell me not to worry.
When I failed an interview, she would tell me to try again. When I could not afford to take her anywhere, she would say that she did not care about expensive places. Maybe she was only saying those things because she had not met Daniel yet. Listen to me carefully. Do not allow one person’s decision to become your definition.
It is easy for you to say that. Of course it is easy for me said because I have lived longer than you. I have seen people lose jobs. I have seen marriages end and people survive. I have buried your father and still found the courage to wake up the next morning. You think your life has ended because one woman decided she no longer wants to walk with you.
No, but I feel like I have failed. Failed at what? At becoming the man everybody expected me to become. Who is everybody? Ikenna. Who is everybody? You. my lecturers, my friends, Chidima, even myself. Then let me tell you something you may not understand tonight. You have been measuring your life with somebody else’s ruler.
[snorts] You are looking at Daniel because he has a fine car. You are looking at your classmates because some of them already have jobs. You are looking at Chidima because she has chosen someone else. Then you look at yourself and say, “I am behind.” Life does not move at the same speed for everybody.
What if I never get a job? Then you create something. With what money? You are a graduate. Mama, a certificate does not create money. Neither does sitting here crying over Chidima. You really have no sympathy. Aen, I have plenty of sympathy. But I also have a son who is beginning to feel sorry for himself and I refuse to watch it happen.
I thought this would change my life. It can. How? I don’t know. But that is the beautiful thing about tomorrow. Nobody knows what it will bring. Go and eat something. I am still not hungry. Then sit there and be hungry. But I am still cooking. Daddy, if you were here, what would you tell me? I know today was difficult.
I hope one day you will understand why I made this decision. Ikenna, I remember this. Ia, your food is ready. Another one. Yes. What did they say? They want to graduate with experience. Experience? How can somebody just graduate and already have 2 years experience? That is what I asked them. What did they tell you? They said there are many graduates looking for the same position.
They will choose somebody who has experience. You worked hard for this. I know you did not sleep many nights. Mama, that is not the problem. Then what is the problem? The problem is that nobody wants to give me the first opportunity. Eat. I am not hungry. You must eat. Hello. Good morning.
Yes sir, I understand. Thank you for the opportunity. What happened? They have given the position to somebody else. Maybe the next one will work. Mama, how many next ones are there? I thought graduating would change everything. It will. When? I don’t know. But don’t let disappointment make you believe that your life has ended.
Good afternoon. Good afternoon, please. I came for the interview. Name? I Yes. Take a seat. Good afternoon, everyone. Mr. Ia. Yes, ma. You studied geology? Yes, ma. Good result. Thank you, ma. But I noticed something here. You have no work experience. I just graduated.
Ma, I understand. I am willing to learn. That is good. But this position requires somebody who can work with little supervision. Ma, if you give me the opportunity, I can lend very quickly. I believe you then. But we need experience. Sir, how am I supposed to get experience if nobody gives me a chance? I understand your frustration.
I am not asking for special treatment. I know just one opportunity. We will keep your CV. IA knows what that means. Thank you sir. They said I have been selected. Congratulations. 2-year experience. Where am I supposed to get it? You said you can walk. Yes sir. Have you done this before? No sir. Then start with carrying blocks.
How much will you pay me? Each block you carry is 13 naira. It will now depend on how many blocks you can carry at the end of the day. You’re a graduate. Yes. What did you study? Geology. Geology. And you are carrying blocks. A job is a job. You are right. A Daisy, what are you doing here? Working.
Working? Yes. You are carrying blocks. It is work. Your hands are shaking. I am fine. Just that I’m new in the work. You don’t look fine. I hope you’re not ashamed that I saw you. I am ashamed that after everything I studied, this is where I am. There is nothing shameful about working, but I’m surprised to see you doing this.
Everywhere I go, they tell me I don’t have experience. I know. They tell me they will call me and they don’t. So what should I do? Sit at home and watch mama struggle? No. Drink. Thank you. You don’t have to explain yourself to me. If carrying blocks is what you have to do today, carry them.
But don’t believe that this is where your life will end. Why do you still believe in me? Because you are still the same. I know. Call me when you get home. I will. You have been quiet since morning. I am thinking about what? I saw a kenna today. Where? At the block industry. What was he doing there? Carrying blocks.
I thought he studied geology. He did. So why is he carrying blocks? Because nobody wants to employ him. That is unfortunate. Maybe I made the right decision. You are still thinking about him. No, you are sure. I just feel sorry for him. You should not feel guilty now that you’re in a place where you are safe.
I am not guilty. You chose what was best for you. It is not a must that both of you will get married. Maybe you wanted stability. Yes. And I can give you that. Listen to me. I love you more than anyone would do. I whatever you called him, lost you due to poverty. I am rich. I have a company I manage.
That is what is more important. So stop looking backward. Daniel, I’m not thinking about him anymore. After all, you give me everything I wanted. Good. That’s all I need to hear. A beautiful man like you does not a man who is unsure of his future. How much more a fresh graduate in this country. I want you to forget everything about him. Okay.
Good afternoon, sir. Good afternoon, Daniel. Yes. Look there. [laughter] I cannot believe this. That is Ia. Yes. Ikenna Chidima. So this is what you are doing now after university. Let him be. I told you on graduation day that you needed to think about your future. You did not need to come here to remind me.
Why? Because you were always talking about your big plans. Is this the big plan? I am walking carrying blocks. Yes. You studied for years to do this. At least I am doing something. That is exactly why I left you. I needed a man who already had something going for him. You could have told me without humiliating me.
I told you on graduation day. You embarrassed me in front of everyone because you refused to understand reality. I hope you get everything you want. I already have. I already have it with Daniel by my side. Can’t you see how he’s dressed? Look at his car. That is a Gwagon Jeep.
You see me can be equal only in the lips but men are equal where money matters comes. Chidimma stop adding to my pain. You have chosen what you think is best for you. Please allow me to breathe in peace. Is there really any peace for a poor man? What happened? Nothing. I know that face. Chidima came to the block industry today.
What did she want? What did she say? She asked if carrying blocks was the reason I went to university. I wanted to answer her. Why didn’t you? Because I knew she wanted me to lose my temper. You are not a failure because somebody refused to believe in you. Mama, look at me. I have a degree. I’ve applied for jobs everywhere.
Nobody wants me. For now. How long is for now? I don’t know. But I know one thing. What? Your life is bigger than the way people see you today. Do not let poverty make you hate yourself. And tomorrow I will go back to work. That is my son. I will not give up. You have a good academic background.
Thank you, sir. Your grades are impressive. Thank you. But you don’t have practical industry experience. Sir, I have done field work during university. That was academic fieldwork. We need someone who understands the industry. Then give me the opportunity to learn it. I am not afraid of hard work.
We can see that I can start from anywhere. Unfortunately, we have already shortlisted candidates with experience. I understand. We will keep your details. Thank. Hello. How did the interview go? They rejected me. Are you coming to work today? Yes. You sound like my mother. Thank you, Adai, for always reminding me that I am not finished.
You came early today? Yes, sir. Good. We have a lot of work. I am ready. He’s strong. I Yes. You really study geology? Yes. Why don’t you look for a proper job? I am looking. And they keep telling me the same thing. What? Experience. That word again. Exit. Ekenna. Stop talking and move those blocks. Yes, sir.
Mama, how much? 8,000 naira. You walked from morning until evening for this. It is something. Keep some for yourself. I am fine. Ekenna. Mama, please buy food. No. Why? You need transport tomorrow. I will walk. You cannot keep doing this. Doing what? Walking until your body breaks because you are trying to take care of me.
You took care of me when I had nothing. You were my child and you are my mother. Please take it. One day you will look back at this period and laugh. I hope so. You have not eaten. I ate this morning. That was morning. Rice and stew. You did not have to do this. I know. Then why? Because you will say you are not hungry until you faint.
I won’t faint. You almost fainted yesterday. Nobody saw it. I saw it. How many applications have you sent this week? I stopped counting. Why? Because every rejection reminds me how many times I failed. Rejection is not failure. It feels like it. No, failure is when you stop trying. What if nothing changes? Then we keep going until something changes.
Did you say we? Yes. We who we eat your food. Your degree is good. Thank you, sir. Your academic record is also good but you have no experience. Sir, may I ask you something? Go ahead. If every company wants experience, where does a young graduate get the first experience? That is a difficult question.
It is the question I ask everywhere. I understand. Give me 3 months. Let me work for 3 months. If I don’t perform, you can let me go. We cannot do that. Why? We have chosen someone with 5 years of experience. I I understand. I wish you luck. Thank you, sir. This will be the living room. It is beautiful. The master bedroom will be upstairs.
You have really planned everything. That is what you wanted. Yes. What are you thinking about? Nothing. You are sure? Yes. Soon this place will be finished. I made the right choice. Ekenna. Yes, sir. Take a break. I am fine. You are not fine. Drink. You are pushing yourself too much.
I have to. My mother depends on me. I understand. No new job message. Don’t worry, something will come. Everyone says that because it is true. I just don’t know when. I need another supply. How many? I need about 2,000 blocks more. 9 in. Meanwhile, my workers told me that some of the blocks you supplied previously are broken blocks. You are still here.
Yes, you have been doing this for some time. Yes. I thought you were looking for a job. I am. Maybe you should accept reality. Not everybody gets the life they planned. Chidima is happy now. Everything is going well with her. She’s not worried about what to eat or where the next meal will come from.
That is good. You don’t have to pretend. I am not pretending. You were her boyfriend for 5 years. You almost made her look like an ancestor due to poverty. And now you are her boyfriend. Exactly. Then respect what you have and leave what happened between us in the past. Do you both derive pleasure in making mockery of me? Listen, Daniel, man is not God.
Why is it that you and Chidima can’t let me be? You use every opportunity you have to remind me that I’m poor. Do you still love Chidima? Why are you asking? Because I need to know. Know what? I need to know whether I am wasting my time caring about you. My truth is that I cared about you, Dimma.
That is not what I asked. I don’t know what I feel anymore. Hatred, love, sadness, and lack of employment. I am a confused man. right now. Thank you for being honest. Adz, you have done so much for me such that I can’t pay you back. I did nothing for you. I just want you to be better and happy always as a man should be.
You are a strange person who appears to be more closer than a biological sister. You think so? Yes. Most people only come around when things are good. Maybe I am waiting for the good days with you. What are you? Let me find out what you are. What exactly are you? No, not this. Ia.
Yes, mama. You have not eaten. I will eat soon. You said that 30 minutes ago. I know. Are you worried about something? I found something on my way home. You have been staring at that table since I entered. Ia, what did you find? Just a stone. Mama, you brought a stone home? It is unusual.
Ekkenna, we have plenty of stones outside. I know, but this one is different. It looks like an ordinary stone. Then why are you looking at it like it owes you money? I don’t know. Something about it caught my attention. Maybe you should sleep. I will. And eat? I will. Ia. Yes. Whatever you are thinking about, don’t let it keep you awake all night.
I won’t. Rare earth minerals. Valuable industrial minerals. Could it be? No. That is impossible. No. What? No, this cannot be what I think it is. If this is real, I need to be sure. You have been quiet since I arrived. Have I? Yes. Maybe I am tired. You are always tired. This is different. You noticed too much.
Somebody has to notice. What happened? I found something. A stone. You found a stone. Go ahead. Look at this. What is that? I don’t know exactly. Then why are you showing me? Because I have been researching it and it may be something valuable. IA somewhere outside town. Where exactly? I don’t want to say yet.
You think somebody may take it? I don’t know. I will. Then why tell me? Because I trust you. Then be careful and don’t let excitement make you careless. I know you have suffered too much for somebody to come and take advantage of you now. That is why I haven’t told anybody else. I will advise you keep this a secret until you have finally discovered what it is. The walls have ears.
- Yes, sir. There are more blocks at the back. I will move them. Good. IA is this where you walk for now? You studied geology, didn’t you? Yes, some people were always talking about their future in school, but look at where they ended up. Now look at you. I am walking. You call this one walk.
You that always claim to be the most intelligent student in the class. I am not insulting you. You have insulted me already. I’m not a child that doesn’t know when he’s insulted.
