The Birthday

So, its my birthday!

The feeling wasn't too mutual, it actually felt like the usuals, maybe a slight difference this time due to the heartbreaking incident that knocked Ayeni's dad off the soil and hooked him below the bedrock of the soil. I've been a bit scared, I cower everyday thinking death might come.

I said it earlier that; "It might be hard for me to trample on the reflectiveness of death". The loss of the Ayeni's family seems to make weary and tearful the most.

Ayeni's father is a young, versatile and struggling father, I doubt if he bequeathed any property to his family; only if he has one.

Its 6:00am, everyone seems to have rubbed sleep off their eyelids.

Then, I saw my sister - Sade. She approached me with a small package wrapped with a golden polythene paper.

She said; "Happy Birth Anniversary my darling brother, you're a rare gem, a gift to humanity, the strongest boy I know, the most brilliant boy I've ever met. You gave me hope when things were falling apart, you are always there to render a shoulder when I swoon in an unhealthy sadness, I'm your number one fan and I promise never to leave you alone to anything in life.

As you add another year today, may it be the beginning of greater exploits in your life. The sky isn't your limit, it is your beginning..

Keep living brother, I love you.

Oh, lastly, you're the most handsome I've ever seen".

These words sugared up my heart but you see the last paragraph, it made my brain go haywire.

"Thank you sister, you're so dear to me, I love you too", I said while I hugged her.

Layo and Aduke have been on the queue too, just immediately Sade finished her wishes there I saw Layo and Aduke, although they came with no gift, I'm not surprised though because they are young and they don't possess the money to get me one. Despite wholeheartedly and soulfully receiving the gift of Sade, still I will consult her to know how you was able to fund getting me a gift.

The gift was totally a surprise.

Aduke and Layo chorused as they both started singing with a melodious voice;

"Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you Ayeniiiiii

Happy Birthday to you.

How old are you now?

How old are you now?

How old are you now Ayeni?

How old are you now?

I responded;

"I'm 9 years today, I'm 9 years today, I'm 9 years today, I'm 9 years today.

They both happily said;

"Hip hip hip, Hurray!"

We all hugged and exchanged chuckles...

Then, mom and dad came in to wish me. You know how lengthy the prayers of an African parent could be.

They both were exchanging it for each other, however, we spent 30 minutes on their prayers and wishes; parents though..

I untied the wrapped gift from Sade and saw cookies. Oh, how was able to get me this?

"How did you go about the gift?" I asked Sade.

"Don't worry Ayeni". She said

"You know it is impossible for me not to worry", I replied.

"Okay. It was my savings for 7 months. Been planning to get a gift long ago, but it was just an happenstance that the money accumulated to a tangible amount on your birthday. You are my younger brother, you deserve it;" She said.

"Thank you", I said with an emotional tone.

I've immediately divided the cookies into four factions, one for me, one for Sade, one for Aduke and one for Layo. "She's so adorable, even though I know that she has never tasted cookies before, still, she sacrificed such sumptuousness for me, Sade is a nice person, that's why I love her"; I inwardly said..

So, momma has been making a concussed rice in the kitchen. Despite having it poor, my parent ensured they within their little space make us some rice and affordable fish to celebrate my birthday.

"God Bless them"; I said.

Adam came around to celebrate with me. He narrated his bittered heartfelt in respect to the demise of 'Mr Ayeni with the soft words coming out of his mouth.

He claimed to have seen the man few hours before he met his unjust waterloo.

"I saw him very early in the morning when he came around to our street to see his uncle. In respect to what i heard , he came to get some messages from his uncle to the village. He was on his way to the village before the unexpected happened and took his life"; Adam said.

"Have you been able to meet Ayeni since the death of his father? I remember you both are not having it mutual"; Adam said".

"Yes I've, myself and Sade visited him 2 days ago, we went to pay our condolences and I told him that I've wholeheartedly forgiven him of all his wrongs towards me and my family"; I replied.

"May the Almighty bless his soul"; Adam said.

"Amen", I replied..

"However, its going to be a great day to play and play, let's enjoy today while it last", Adam said.

I wish Ayeni could make it though but his situation is understandable, I'm yet to get over the sudden demise of his father.

So, I unlocked my iron box to unravel my festive chevron that was calmed and packed below every other cloth in my box. After taking my shower, I embellished myself with the chevron and the rest of the day ended in eating, partying, playing and laughing..

Oh, before I sum up my narration about my birthday I forgot to tell you that its school holiday season for the kids, I hope and pray I resume back to school with them this time. The holiday made it a busy gathering in our room while we all wiggled to the old tape that served as an entertaining medium for the day..

It was a house full of kids even though the food was not enough, we shared the little my parent could make and entertained ourselves with beautiful dancing steps.

We all are talented dancers, we might be ghetto kids but we are blessed with one or two talents.

As our people will say; "Ghetto is the home of raw talents".