It wasn't close time at work yet but it began to rain right after i was through with the final class for the day and i couldn't wait so I went to the principal's office to sign out for the day. The rain being a mere drizzle at first rapidly escalated into a heavy rain. I was standing under the mini shed just close to the gate outside the school. Payday was still a few days away, and my wallet was as empty as my stomach.
With no money to take bike home, to eat food or even a snack, I arranged my bag well and stepped into the rain. The first splash of cold water soaked my shoes instantly, and it seeped into my socks. The streets were deserted, the people’s voices silenced with only the sound of rain on the road.
Each step felt heavier as the storm intensified. I tried to focus on the thought of getting home, but my hunger made it hard to think of anything else. The smell of roasted corn from a street vendor’s stall teased me as I passed. For a moment or two I hesitated with the intention of demanding to be given credit; but pride, as well as common-sense, came to the rescue.
The rain began to increase its intensity and ended up wetting through the coat, my clothes beneath, and my body in general. I had to reduce my speed since water accumulated in some sections to form small ponds. The wind started to whistle and blows me to the side as I walked with my head down because of the storm.
After two or three miles my appetite seemed to wake into life, clawing at me from the inside. Immediately, my mind went straight to the packet of noodles that I still have left in the kitchen at home. It wasn’t much, but it was enough. The vision of eating hot noodles directly from the pot kept me moving.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I entered my street. My house was still inside but at least i am already inside the street and that made me happy a bit. The rain showed no signs of stopping, I was soaked and shivering but as I stepped inside, dripping and exhausted, I felt a strange sense of triumph.
I didn't even wait to pull my clothes before heading to the kitchen. Immediately, I boiled water, tore open the packet of noodle and quickly rushed to change from my wet clothes, when i came back the noodles was ready, I just took the pot straight up to the room and sat on the floor and started eating.
Out there, even the wind seemed to scowl, but within the confines of the house I was cozy, full and reassured that sometimes surviving the little storms makes us stronger for the bigger ones.
Thank you for reading💯