New beginnings

Nairobi. A change is as good as new. Everything was all new. Many tall buildings, too many people all in a rush to make ends meet. Many opportunities to explore. It was a bustle and a beehive of activities. Never had Sabrina Zawadi seen a city so busy. It was almost like New York just like she had read in the novels. The weather was very cold compared to the tropical lakeside hot weather of Kisumu. It was time to pick up the pieces bit by bit, one day at a time. She knew things we not going to be the same but she knew had to make things better on her own. It was a journey she had to take alone as this was a path not taken by many.

Marcus's apartment was more than I had hoped for it to be. It was more than perfect. With large windows overlooking the blue sky lined with tall buildings. The furnished black leather sofas and well-constructed walls painted turquoise gave the apartment a peaceful ambiance. It was just perfect. This was going to be the beginning of a new life. After securing stable employment, I would find my own apartment. For now, all I had to do was be grateful to God for such a friend as Marcus. No one in this world would go out of their own way as Marcus did for me. He showed me the literal meaning of " having someone's back". They say hard times introduce your real friends. My recent hard times had introduced my true friend, Marcus. He was the epitome of loyalty.

First things first, my stomach was demanding food. I went to the kitchen and I just fell in love with the countertops and the cabinets. The rustic brown wood blended perfectly with the pristine black tiled countertops. Just perfect. The only problem was that there was no food in the kitchen. I had spotted a shop on my way up the apartment. With the remaining change I had, I bought a loaf of bread, some eggs, and milk. I was going to make myself the meanest Kenyan sandwich, bread with scrambled eggs, accompanied with milk tea.

Once the stomach affairs were sorted, I had time to think of how I was going to survive in this big city financially. That meant looking for a job. I opened my document wallet and arranged my academic papers in order as tomorrow I was going to apply for several jobs I had seen in the dailies. I was hoping to secure at least one with my degree in business administration. Once all my clothes for tomorrow were set, I lay in bed to get rest from the traveling. As I drifted to sleep my subconscious thought of him. That night I had the longest, most peaceful sleep I had ever had in a long time.

A new day, a new dawn. Fresh as a daisy. It was time to go job hunting. On my way down the stairs, an old handsome man stopped me with a warm smile. I returned the smile. After a brief conversation, I learned that his name was Mr. Kamau, he owned a restaurant down the street and he was aware that being in the city is tough and if I ever needed help with anything, I should knock on his door anytime. Such a nice soul in a city full of crappy people.

By the end of the day, all I had got were promises to be called back. By the end of the week, looking for a job had become a job in itself. I was giving up. But what was I to expect? In a country where ninety percent of graduates are unemployed. I was no exception. Just another casualty of the tough, hard times. I was short on money, I had no food and the electricity was almost running out if I didn't pay for the tokens sooner. Then I remembered, Mr. Kamau's offer that if I was willing, I could work as a waitress at his restaurant for a small wage. Right now it was better than starving. Food before pride kind of situation. That would be the first thing to do tomorrow morning. Ask Mr. Kamau for the job

The following day when I knocked on his door, he gladly gave me the job and I started work immediately. Mr. K as he insisted I call him was obviously heaven sent.