CHAP 2: {A friend in need}

{Abebi}

The morning sun cast its warm glow through the kitchen windows as I hurriedly prepared yam and egg sauce for Tony and myself. The aroma of the sizzling eggs filled the air, mingling with a sense of unease that weighed heavily on my heart.

As I set the plates on the table, Tony's observant eyes caught the sadness etched across my face. He voiced his concern, his voice filled with genuine care.

"Why are you sad?" he asked, his words cutting through the air.

I forced a smile, hoping to mask my true emotions.

"It's nothing," I replied, my voice laced with an attempt at reassurance. I didn't want to burden Tony with the weight of my worries. He was already carrying so much on his young shoulders.

With a subtle change of subject, I urged him to hurry and catch the school bus.

"You should hurry, or you're going to miss the school bus," I gently reminded him, my tone filled with a touch of distraction. I didn't want him dwelling on the looming debts my father had accumulated.

Tony's eyes sparkled with a glimmer of hope as he complained about the school bus and expressed his desire for a bicycle. He longed for a different mode of transportation, one that he felt more comfortable with. I listened attentively, understanding his frustrations and yearning for independence.

"I will get you one soon," I promised, determination seeping into my voice. Though my financial situation seemed bleak, I would move mountains to fulfill his innocent desire. Tony deserved a sense of freedom, even in the midst of our struggles.

As he grabbed his lunch from me and headed towards the door, I waved him off with a mixture of love and worry.

"Stay safe," I called after him, my voice filled with heartfelt concern. I watched him, a mixture of pride and apprehension washing over me, as he embarked on another day of challenges and adventures.

As the door closed behind him, a heaviness settled upon me once again. The weight of my father's debts lingered like a shadow, threatening to engulf our lives. But at that moment, I reaffirmed my commitment to protect Tony, to shield him from the harsh realities that lay ahead.

I took a deep breath, steadying my resolve, and sat down at the table. The food remained untouched, as my appetite had waned in the face of uncertainty. But I knew I had to keep pushing forward, to fight for a better future for Tony and myself.

******

{20 minutes later}

A knock on the door startled me, my heart racing with anticipation. Opening it, I was met with the familiar face of Ada, my dear friend. A genuine smile spread across my face as I embraced her in a warm hug, grateful for her presence in my life.

"How are you doing?" Ada inquired, her voice filled with genuine concern. It was moments like these that reminded me of the true meaning of friendship.

"I'm fine," I replied, though the underlying worry about my job application lingered in my voice. I had sent an application to Mario Company, and I anxiously awaited their approval. It felt like a pivotal moment, one that could potentially change the course of my life.

As we settled into the comfort of my living room, Ada's words piqued my curiosity.

"I've got a surprise for you," she declared, her eyes shimmering with excitement. She reached into her bag, and my eyes followed her hand, wondering what she had in store for me.

To my astonishment, she produced a milk-colored document, holding it out to me. I carefully took it from her, my fingers trembling with anticipation.

"What is this?" I asked, my voice tinged with frustration. I couldn't believe what I was reading.

Without thinking, I threw the document back at Ada, my anger fueling the motion. It was as if I had shattered all my hopes and dreams in an instant. The thought of working as a casual worker in a club filled me with disappointment and a sense of defeat.

"Why would you want me to work in a club?" I questioned, my voice laced with frustration. I struggled to comprehend why Ada would think this was a suitable solution, especially when the stakes were so high—my father's debts hanging over our heads like a dark cloud.

Ada's voice trembled as she tried to justify her actions.

"It's the only chance you have to clear your dad's debts," she said softly, her words a feeble attempt to convince me. She picked up the document from the floor and extended it back to me, hoping I would reconsider.

A sense of resignation washed over me. The weight of my family's financial burden pressed heavily upon my shoulders. I sighed, feeling the weight of the world on my chest. At that moment, I realized the gravity of the situation. It wasn't just about my dreams and aspirations anymore—it was about survival, about protecting my family from the consequences of my father's mistakes.

Reluctantly, I took the document from Ada's outstretched hand. I didn't even bother to read it through to the end. My mind was clouded with frustration, and my heart felt heavy with the sacrifices I was about to make.

With a resigned nod, I hastily scribbled my signature on the document. It was a symbol of my acceptance, my willingness to do whatever it took to ease my family's financial burden. The ink on the paper became a binding contract, sealing my fate.

In that moment, I felt a mix of emotions—resentment and disappointment, but also a flicker of determination. I knew this path wouldn't be easy, and it wasn't what I had envisioned for myself. But I would make the most of it. I would work tirelessly to clear my father's debts and provide a better future for my family.

As I handed the document back to Ada, my gaze hardened with a newfound resolve. It was a bittersweet acceptance, a sacrifice made of love and responsibility.

"Meet me at 9:00 tonight at Zenith Road," she said, her voice carrying a hint of urgency. Before I could process her request or ask for an explanation, she abruptly exited the room, leaving me standing there, perplexed and curious.

I watched as the door slammed shut; the sound echoing through the empty space. Ada's sudden departure left me with a flurry of unanswered questions swirling in my mind. What was so important that she needed to meet me tonight? Why did she choose Zenith Road as the rendezvous point? The air felt charged with anticipation, and a mix of curiosity and apprehension coursed through my veins.

As the day progressed, I found it difficult to focus on anything else. My mind kept returning to Ada's proposal. The minutes ticked by slowly, each one bringing me closer to the appointed time. I couldn't help but wonder what awaited me on Zenith Road.

" I will be back, Tony. " I kiss my brother, and cover him properly with the cotton blanket.

As the clock neared 9:00, I ventured out into the night. The streets were bathed in a soft glow, illuminated by the flickering streetlights. The air held a hint of mystery, and my heart raced with anticipation.

*******

I stood on Zenith Road, my anticipation growing with each passing minute. The dim glow of the streetlight cast long shadows, and the stillness of the night enveloped me. Thoughts raced through my mind, wondering what Ada had in store for me and why she was running late.

Finally, Ada appeared, her breathless apologies punctuating the air.

"I'm sorry I'm late," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. I nodded, a mixture of relief and curiosity washing over me. What had caused her to delay?

As Ada handed me a travel bag, my eyebrows furrowed with intrigue. I accepted it, feeling its weight in my hands.

"What's in it?" I asked, my voice laced with anticipation as I glanced at Ada, awaiting an explanation.

"It contains clothes," Ada replied, her voice carrying a sense of mystery. I was intrigued by her cryptic response, but before I could delve deeper into the matter, she informed me of her imminent departure.

"I have to go now," Ada announced, a sense of urgency clear in her tone. I nodded, understanding that time was of the essence. We exchanged a knowing look, a silent understanding passing between us.

Ada gestured toward the other side of the road, her words hanging in the air.

"Oh, a black-tainted bus will be here in a few minutes. It will take you to your destination," she revealed, her voice calm yet resolute.

About 7 minutes passed after Ada disappeared into the night, and a black bus pulled up before me, its presence commanding my attention.

A husky voice, filled with authority, called out, "Get in!" Intrigued yet cautious,