After Sorrow Comes Joy

Story written by Francis Chimamkpam Okenwa

Edited By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu, Editor of After Sorrow Comes Joy

Francis Chimamkpam Okenwa, Author of After Sorrow Comes Joy

Chapter One: Kelvin and Simon

In a small, quiet village called Agba, there lived a boy named Kelvin. He was tall and full of energy, with short black hair that always looked freshly combed. Kelvin was the only child of his parents.

His father, Mr. Obinna, was a bricklayer, while his mother, Mrs. Ginika, sold vegetables and spices at Afor Oji Market. Life wasn’t easy for them, but they were happy and loved one another deeply.

Kelvin was in Primary Six at Great Student Academy Nursery and Primary School. He worked very hard in class because he wanted to make his parents proud.

‘Kelvin, you always write so neatly,’ his teacher, Mrs. Franca, would often say. ‘Keep it up!’

‘Yes, ma,’ Kelvin would reply with a shy smile.

Kelvin wasn’t just smart; he was also kind. That’s why teachers and classmates liked him.

His best friend was Simon, a short, chubby boy with a loud laugh. Simon was very clever too. In class, Kelvin always came first, and Simon came second. They were almost always together, laughing, reading books, or solving Maths problems under the mango tree during break.

‘Let’s do today’s project on solving equations,’ Simon said one afternoon, bouncing with excitement.

‘Sure! I already started mine,’ Kelvin replied, pulling out his notebook. ‘We can add more examples together.’

They loved working on class projects, debates, and reading during their free time. Sometimes, other pupils even joined them to learn.

One bright Tuesday morning, the class was filled with excitement. There was a special presentation, and pupils were allowed to pick any topic and speak about it.

Kelvin stood in front of the class, holding his paper. ‘My topic is Illiteracy,’ he began. He spoke clearly and boldly, explaining the meaning, causes, effects, and solutions to illiteracy.

When he finished, the whole class clapped. Even Mrs. Franca gave a proud nod.

‘Well done, Kelvin!’ she said. ‘That was excellent.’

Later during break, a prefect came running to the field. ‘Kelvin! Simon! Mrs. Franca wants to see you both.’

They looked at each other, wondering what it was about, then rushed to her office.

‘Leaders,’ she smiled as they entered. ‘I need you to represent our school in a debate competition.’

Kelvin’s eyes widened. ‘Really, ma?’

‘Yes. The topic is: Boys are more important than girls. Kelvin, you’ll speak for the boys. Simon, you’ll speak for the girls.’

Kelvin and Simon looked at each other and said together, ‘Okay, ma! We’ll do our best.’

Every day after school, they gathered their classmates under the mango tree.

‘Let’s hear your ideas,’ Kelvin said. ‘We need strong points.’

‘We are all equal,’ said Chiamaka, one of the girls. ‘Girls can do great things too!’

Simon smiled. ‘That’s a good point. I’ll use that!’

The debate day finally came. The school hall was filled with pupils, teachers, and judges. Kelvin stood proudly and made his case for why boys were important. Then Simon stood and argued for the girls.

They both spoke with confidence and respect.

At the end, the judges gave out prizes: wristwatches, pens, pencils, and books. But Kelvin and Simon got something special, a golden notebook with the words Best Debaters written on it.

***

Two weeks later, something wonderful happened. It was Kelvin’s 13th birthday. He went around his street handing out small invitation cards.

‘Simon, you must come early!’ Kelvin said, handing him a blue card.

‘I won’t miss it for anything,’ Simon grinned.

The party was colourful. There were balloons, music, and the smell of jollof rice filled the air. Kelvin’s parents surprised him with new shoes, clothes, and a big chocolate cake. His friends brought small gifts such as books, cards, and toys.

Everyone ate, danced, and laughed until evening.

‘Thank you for coming,’ Kelvin said, handing take-away packs to those who came late.

‘Your party was the best!’ one of the boys shouted as they left.

That night, Kelvin lay in bed smiling. ‘Today was the best day of my life,’ he whispered.

 

Chapter Two: The Unfriendly Friends

One sunny morning, Kelvin and Simon were on their way to school, walking fast so they wouldn’t be late.

‘Wait, what’s that?’ Simon suddenly pointed to the side of the road.

There, lying helplessly under a tree, was a man. His eyes were closed, and he wasn’t moving.

Kelvin rushed forward. ‘Sir? Sir, can you hear me?’

The man groaned weakly, but he couldn’t speak.

‘We need to help him,’ Kelvin said firmly.        

Without wasting time, they flagged down a passing motorcyclist. ‘Please, help us take him to the hospital,’ Simon pleaded.

The kind rider agreed, and together they rushed the man to a nearby hospital. When they arrived, the nurses and doctor quickly attended to him.

‘Let’s wait,’ Kelvin whispered to Simon as they sat on the bench. ‘We need to know if he’ll be okay.’

After running some tests, the doctor smiled. ‘You boys saved his life. He was very weak, but he’ll be fine.’

A few hours later, the man opened his eyes. Confused, he asked, ‘Where… where am I?’

‘You’re in the hospital,’ the doctor said gently. ‘You fainted on the road. Two boys brought you here.’

‘Please… let me see them.’

The doctor called for Kelvin and Simon. As they walked into the room, the man’s face lit up with gratitude.

‘You saved me,’ he said with tears in his eyes. ‘Thank you, my sons.’    He reached into his pocket and brought out some money. ‘Please, take this. It’s not much, but it’s from my heart.’

Kelvin shook his head. ‘No, sir. We did it because it was the right thing to do.’

Simon added, ‘We’re just glad you’re okay.’

The man smiled warmly as the boys quietly left for school. By the time they arrived, the sun was already leaning westward, and the final lesson of the day was underway.

The school compound was quiet, except for the soft murmur of a teacher’s voice drifting from one of the classrooms. The headmaster, Mr. Solomon, stood at the school gate, looking surprised.

‘Kelvin? Simon? Where have you two been all day?’        

Kelvin stepped forward and explained everything, from the man they found under the tree to the hospital visit and the doctor’s words.

Mr. Solomon listened carefully, his face softening with every word. When Kelvin finished, the headmaster nodded slowly. ‘That was a brave and selfless thing to do. I’m proud of you both.’

Later that afternoon, at the closing assembly, Mr. Solomon called out, ‘Kelvin and Simon, step forward!’

All eyes turned to the boys.

‘These two pupils saved a man’s life today. While many would have walked past, they chose to help. Let’s give them a big round of applause!’

The whole school clapped and cheered.

The headmaster handed Kelvin and Simon small, wrapped prizes and said, ‘This is a token of appreciation. Keep doing the right thing.’

When Kelvin got home that evening, he told his mother everything.

‘You did what?’ Mrs. Ginika asked, eyes wide with pride.

Kelvin grinned. ‘We saved someone today.’

She hugged him tightly. ‘God will bless you, my son. I’m so proud of you.’

That night, as Kelvin lay in bed, he thought about everything that had happened. He smiled to himself.

Helping others felt good. He didn’t do it for a prize or praise. He did it because it was the right thing to do.

And in that moment, Kelvin understood something important: Even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

***

The next morning, something exciting happened at school.

‘Kelvin, come to the staffroom,’ a teacher called.

Later that day, Mr. Solomon stood before the class. ‘From today, Kelvin is your class prefect. Simon will be his assistant.’     

Simon and Kelvin looked at each other and smiled. But not everyone was happy.

In the back row, David, a boy with a sneaky face, frowned.

‘Why should Kelvin be prefect?’ he whispered to his friends. ‘I deserve that position.’

‘We need to show them they’re not better than us,’ another boy muttered.

Later that week, the trouble began.

During break, Tunde, who sat beside Kelvin, shouted, ‘My money is missing! I kept it in my bag!’

Everyone searched. Then someone shouted, ‘It must be Kelvin! His desk is next to Tunde’s!’

Others joined in, pointing fingers. ‘Yes! He’s the prefect now and thinks he can take anything.’

Kelvin’s eyes widened. ‘I didn’t take any money! I would never steal!’

But the classroom was in chaos. A prefect ran to call Mr. Solomon.

When the headmaster arrived, he looked around the noisy class. ‘Quiet!’ He turned to Kelvin. ‘Did you take the money?’       

‘No sir,’ Kelvin said, his voice calm but firm.

Some classmates supported him. ‘Kelvin can never do that,’ one said.   

‘Let’s find out the truth,’ Mr. Solomon declared. ‘We’ll search everyone.’

He formed a small investigation team of teachers. Bags were searched, questions were asked. After a few tense minutes, the truth came out.

‘It was them!’ a teacher pointed. ‘David and his friends had the missing money hidden under their desk!’

The class gasped. David looked down, ashamed.

The headmaster’s face grew stern. ‘You lied, accused an innocent boy, and tried to destroy others because of jealousy.’

The next day, David and his gang were expelled from school.

Peace returned to the class, and Kelvin continued to lead with wisdom and honesty.

 

 

Chapter Three: The Examination Day

The end-of-term examination was just around the corner. Everywhere in the school, students could be seen reading in corners, under trees, and even by the corridors.

Kelvin and Simon took it seriously. Every break time, they sat quietly in the classroom, studying their notes and solving questions together.

One afternoon, as Kelvin walked down the corridor, he noticed two students, Ojo and Ola, sitting on a bench, their books open, but they were already distracted, laughing and telling jokes.

Kelvin stopped and said kindly, ‘Won’t you read your books? The exam is coming soon.’

Ojo frowned. ‘Mind your business, bookworm,’ he snapped.

Ola joined in, laughing. ‘Yes, go away, Mr. Moron. Who made you the reading prefect?’

Kelvin blinked, hurt by their words. ‘I was only trying to help.’

‘He-goat!’ Ojo shouted. Both he and Ola burst into laughter.

Kelvin sighed and walked away without another word.

As soon as he left, Ojo leaned closer to Ola. ‘I know the questions for the exam,’ he whispered.

Ola’s eyes lit up. ‘Are you serious?’

‘Yes. I saw Mr. Johnson writing them on a piece of paper. I memorised some.’

‘Quick, write them down!’ Ola urged.

Ojo brought out a pen and scribbled some math problems on a torn sheet. From that moment on, the boys completely stopped studying their books and instead focused all their attention on the few questions Ojo had written down, solving them repeatedly.

***

Two days before the exam, Ojo and Ola sat in the classroom, still focused on the same set of questions.

‘I’m hungry,’ Ojo said, rubbing his stomach.

‘Me too,’ Ola replied. ‘Let’s go to Mama Obiageli’s shop.’

Without hesitation, they rushed to the small shop by the gate and bought okpa, some suya, and sachet water. After eating, they returned to their class, smiling and relaxed.

‘We’re ready for the exam,’ Ojo said confidently. ‘We have all the answers.’

***

The morning of the exam arrived. The school was brimming with activity. Students rushed to their classes with pens, pencils, and timetables. Some flipped through their notes one last time, others whispered formulas to friends, while a few stood quietly, eyes closed, trying to recall what they had studied.

Kelvin had woken up early and did a final round of reading at home before heading to school. He arrived at the examination room calmly and found his seat.

Simon, also an early riser, had studied at home before making his way to school. He too entered the exam room, took his seat, and bowed his head to pray quietly. ‘Dear God, help us remember all we have read.’

Soon, the exam papers were distributed, and everyone opened them quickly. A soft gasp spread across the room. These were not the questions Ojo had written down!

Kelvin and Simon exchanged confident smiles. They had studied well. With calm assurance, they began to write.

In the corner of the room, Ojo and Ola were sweating, their eyes wide with panic. They looked at the exam papers, then at each other, confusion and fear written all over their faces.

‘This isn’t what we prepared for!’ Ojo muttered, his voice shaking.

Ola glanced nervously around the room, avoiding the prying eyes of the other students. ‘What are we going to do?’ he whispered, his panic growing.

Ojo slammed his fist on the desk, frustration taking over. ‘We were so sure! How did we get it wrong?’

Desperation set in as they both began to scribble random answers, praying they would get at least a few questions right. But the room seemed to close in on them as the minutes ticked by, and the anxiety grew heavier.

***

After the exam ended for the day, the students slowly filed out of the classroom, some still fidgeting with their pens, others looking relieved. Kelvin and Simon walked out together, chatting quietly about the questions.

‘That wasn’t too bad,’ Simon said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. ‘I think we did well.’

Kelvin nodded, still calm and composed. ‘I’m confident. We prepared, and it paid off.’

As they reached the school gate, they saw Ojo and Ola leaning against the wall near the entrance, looking defeated. Ojo’s shirt was wrinkled from where he had been nervously tugging at it, and Ola’s face was flushed from the stress.

‘How was it for you guys?’ Simon asked, genuinely curious.

Ojo didn’t answer immediately. He stared at the ground, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. ‘Don’t ask,’ he mumbled, his tone laced with frustration.

Ola sighed heavily, rubbing his temples as if trying to relieve the pressure building inside his head. ‘We didn’t get any of the questions we expected. I don’t know what happened... We thought we were ready.’

Kelvin glanced at Simon, then back at the two boys. ‘You didn’t prepare properly,’ he said gently, but his words carried the weight of honesty. ‘You can’t depend on last-minute shortcuts. You need to study thoroughly, like we did.’

Ojo shot him a glare, his eyes full of pride and anger. ‘We had it all figured out, all right? It’s not like we didn’t study. You think you know everything, don’t you?’

Simon intervened before Kelvin could respond, sensing the growing tension. ‘Let’s just leave it for now, Ojo. The exam’s over for today. We still have other papers to write.’

But Ojo wasn’t ready to let it go. ‘You’re right,’ he said sarcastically. ‘It’s done. And I guess now we’ll see who really passed and who failed.’

Kelvin stayed quiet for a moment, looking at the frustrated expressions on both Ojo and Ola’s faces. He had no intention of arguing. They would find out soon enough if their shortcut approach worked.

As the boys parted ways, the weight of the day still hung heavy in the air. Tomorrow would bring another exam, but Ojo and Ola’s uncertainty and disappointment were palpable, while Kelvin and Simon felt the peace of knowing they had put in the effort, leaving the outcome to fate.

***

The last exam day arrived, and there was a noticeable shift in the air. The students moved through the school in a mix of relief and nervous excitement, knowing this would be their final hurdle for the term. 

Kelvin and Simon arrived early, as usual, walking into the exam hall with a calm confidence. After a final round of revision, they sat down in their seats, quietly going over their notes one last time before the exam started.

The exam papers were handed out, and students flipped them open quickly, some anxious, others hopeful. Kelvin scanned the first few questions and smiled. He felt ready.

Simon glanced at him, nodding. ‘We’ve got this.’

The room was filled with the sound of pens on paper, but Kelvin stayed focused. The questions were easier than he had expected. Confidently, he started writing, knowing his hard work would help him.

Meanwhile, Ojo and Ola sat at the back of the room, their eyes darting nervously over the exam paper. They hadn’t studied and had spent most of their time telling stories, so now the exam questions seemed to blur before their eyes.

Ojo’s pen shook slightly as he tried to make sense of the questions.

‘I can’t believe this,’ Ola whispered, his voice tight with frustration.

‘Just answer what you can,’ Ojo whispered, his voice barely audible, tight with tension. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his fingers gripping the pen harder than necessary. ‘No one knows it all,’ he muttered, hoping the words would calm his own racing thoughts as much as they might comfort Ola.

Kelvin, lost in his exam, didn’t notice the nervous energy around Ojo and Ola, but Simon saw their struggle. He knew they weren’t finding the exam easy, and if they had studied properly, the questions would have been easier for them.

As the exam came to an end, the students filed out of the hall slowly, some looking relieved, others still holding on to a sense of uncertainty. Ojo and Ola were among the last to leave, their heads down as they walked out together, speaking in hushed tones.

‘I don’t know, Ola,’ Ojo muttered, clearly frustrated. ‘We didn’t prepare enough, did we?’

Ola sighed deeply. ‘I don’t think we did. It’s too late now.’

Kelvin and Simon stood by the gate, chatting with a few of their classmates about how the exam had gone. When they saw Ojo and Ola approaching, it was clear from their faces that they hadn’t done well.

‘How did it go for you guys?’ Simon asked, his tone soft and sincere.

Ojo rubbed his face, looking exhausted. ‘It was tough. I don’t know if we did enough. But then, it’s not really your place to ask how the exam went. You should know that no one knows it all.’

Kelvin nodded. ‘Yes, no one knows it all... but we should at least know something. And we can only do that by studying. Ojo, if you had studied, at least you’d have known something, like us.’

Simon smiled, adding, ‘At least the pressure’s off. No more exams for now.’

‘Who asked you?’ Ola huffed, walking away with Ojo. Kelvin, Simon, and the other students stared as they headed home.

***

Days later, the results were posted on the notice board. Students crowded around to see their names.

‘Wow! Kelvin scored the highest!’ a girl shouted.

‘And Simon came second!’

The two boys smiled, proud of their hard work.       

But Ojo and Ola stood at the back, their heads low. They had failed badly.

Ola turned to Ojo. ‘You said you saw the questions.’

‘I thought I did,’ Ojo muttered. ‘But I guess I was wrong... all the exam questions I had seen were wrong. Maybe the teachers change their questions at the last moment.’

As they walked away in silence, Kelvin and Simon passed by, chatting about the next term.

Success truly comes to those who prepare, not to those who cheat.

 

Chapter Four: Kelvin Lost His Father

Three weeks after the examination, Kelvin was at home doing his house chores. It was a bright Saturday morning, and the air smelled of soap and the dusty scent that rose after sweeping the compound. Inside the house, Mrs. Ginika was in the kitchen rinsing vegetables for soup when there was a knock at the door.

‘Who is there?’ Mrs. Ginika called from inside.

‘It’s someone,’ Simon’s cheerful voice replied.

‘Oh, Simon! Come in,’ she said, her face brightening with a warm smile as she opened the door.

‘Good morning, ma,’ Simon greeted respectfully.

‘Good morning, my son. Are you here to see Kelvin?’

‘Yes, ma.’

‘He’s at the backyard,’ she said, stepping aside and motioning with her head.     

Simon dashed off and found Kelvin crouched by a basin, washing clothes inside a plastic bucket while soapy water dripped from a nearby line where rinsed laundry hung to dry.

‘Let me help you,’ Simon offered.

Together, they finished the chores quickly. When they were done, Simon turned to him and said, ‘Kelvin, would you like to come to the football field with me?’

‘I’d love to!’ Kelvin said, his face lighting up. He raced into the house and called out, ‘Mum, can I go to the field with Simon?’

‘Are you done with your chores?’ Mrs. Ginika asked, her voice drifting from the kitchen.      

‘Yes, ma, I’m done.’

‘All right, but don’t stay too long.’

‘Okay, ma!’ the boys chorused and dashed out excitedly.

***

At the football field, the boys joined a group already playing. Laughter and shouting filled the air as the match grew intense. Soon, the first team scored a goal, but the other team denied it. Moments later, the second team also scored, and the first team refused to accept it.

Arguments broke out. Fingers were pointed. Voices were raised. A fight nearly started.

Kelvin shook his head and turned to Simon. ‘These people aren’t ready to play.’

Simon nodded. ‘Let’s go to the pond and catch some fish instead.’

‘That’s a good idea,’ Kelvin agreed.

***

The pond was quiet and cool. The boys used simple hooks made from thread and small sticks. They caught as many fish as they could and shared them equally. Afterward, hunger struck.

‘Let’s get some oranges,’ Simon said, pointing to a tree nearby.

They ran to the orange tree and picked as many ripe ones as they could reach. Sitting by the pond, they peeled and ate the oranges, laughing and talking. When they were full, Simon said, ‘Let’s take a swim before going home.’

They jumped into the river and swam until the sky turned golden with the setting sun. They laughed and splashed each other, playing like carefree children. When they grew tired and the evening breeze started to blow, they climbed out of the water, their clothes sticking to their skin. Wet and chilly, they headed home, each going to his own house, carrying memories of a fun day.

***

Meanwhile, Mr. Obinna, Kelvin’s father, was walking home from work with his bag hanging on his shoulder. At the busy junction near the market, a motorcyclist came speeding around the corner, not watching the road. There was a loud screech, followed by a heavy thud. The motorbike hit Mr. Obinna and threw him to the ground. His bag fell, and his body didn’t move. People nearby shouted and ran to help, but when they got to him, it was too late. Mr. Obinna had died instantly.

When the news reached Mrs. Ginika, she let out a loud, heart-piercing cry. She fell to the ground, rolling and weeping.

‘Let him take me with him!’ she cried. ‘What will I do without my husband?’

Neighbours gathered, trying to comfort her, but her tears flowed like rain. Some held her, others fanned her. But nothing could calm her sorrow.

Just then, Kelvin stepped into the compound, his clothes still wet from head to toe. He froze. His eyes widened at the sight of his mother sprawled on the ground, weeping uncontrollably.

‘Mummy! What happened?’ he asked, confused and afraid.

No one replied.

His aunt, Monica, stepped forward slowly. ‘Kelvin… your father is dead.’

The words struck Kelvin like thunder. He stood still for a moment, then collapsed.

People shouted at Monica. ‘Why did you tell him like that?!’

Water was fetched quickly and poured on Kelvin. He opened his eyes, but as soon as he understood what he heard, tears poured down his cheeks. He wept deeply, held tightly by his mother.

***

Soon after the burial, Kelvin’s uncle came and claimed everything that belonged to his father, his shop, his money, even his motorbike. He left only the small house where they lived.

Mrs. Ginika tried to fight back, but her voice was not strong enough. Life became unbearable. There was no money for food, for school, or for trade. Everything became difficult and tough for Kelvin and his mother.

But through it all, Kelvin remained determined to keep moving forward.

 

Chapter Five: Kelvin’s Struggle with Dropping Out

Since his father’s death, Kelvin had not returned to school. The pain of the loss weighed heavily on him, and he often wondered how his mother would cope, especially with the payment of his school fees. His father had been preparing to pay the fees for the term before his untimely death, but all the money had been used for the burial expenses. Now, with nothing left for school fees, Kelvin couldn’t stop worrying.

Each morning, he sat by the window, watching other children in their neat uniforms walk to school, while he remained at home, lost in thought. His mother, too, never stopped worrying about how to pay for his education.

At school, the headmaster, Mr. Solomon, grew increasingly concerned about Kelvin’s absence. He was a bright boy, and his sudden disappearance from school didn’t go unnoticed.

One morning, after the school assembly, Mr. Solomon walked into Primary 5B, Kelvin’s class.

‘Where is Kelvin Obinna?’ he asked, glancing around the room.

The class fell silent.

‘He hasn’t been in school for about two or three weeks,’ one of the pupils replied.

‘Hmm…’ the headmaster sighed. ‘I will visit him this evening. Make sure you remind me,’ he said, looking at Simon.

***

That afternoon, school stretched longer than usual. Mr. Solomon had back-to-back meetings, and by the time the last parent left his office, he was exhausted. Simon stood by the doorway for a moment, watching the headmaster rub his weary eyes and reach for another stack of papers.

He wanted to remind him, he really did, but something in Mr. Solomon’s face told him the man wouldn’t be leaving school anytime soon.

So, after school, Simon picked up his bag and headed towards Kelvin’s house alone. As he approached the small house, he saw Kelvin seated quietly on a wooden bench by the veranda, staring into space. His shoulders were slouched, and his eyes looked drained.

‘Kelvin!’ Simon called out.

Kelvin looked up and managed a weak smile. ‘Simon… come, sit with me,’ he said, shifting slightly to make space.

Simon sat beside him. After a brief silence, he asked, ‘Kelvin, why haven’t you been coming to school?’

Kelvin took a deep breath. Tears welled up in his eyes. ‘My father is gone,’ he whispered.

‘What do you mean?’ Simon asked softly, placing a hand on his friend’s shoulder.

‘He was on his way home… when a motorcycle hit him. He… he died.’ Kelvin broke down in tears, weeping like a child.

Simon felt his heart ache for his friend. He pulled Kelvin into a light embrace. ‘I’m so sorry, Kelvin. Please don’t cry. Everything will be fine. Just hold on, okay?’

***

The next morning, Simon went straight to Mr. Solomon’s office before classes began.

‘Sir, I visited Kelvin yesterday,’ Simon began.

‘Oh? And what did you find out?’

Simon hesitated. ‘His father is dead… That’s why he hasn’t been in school.’

Mr. Solomon sat back, visibly shaken by the news. ‘So sad… That boy has gone through too much. Thank you, Simon. I must go and see him today.’

Later that morning, Kelvin was in the backyard washing dishes. The plates clinked in the soapy water as he tried to keep himself busy. Suddenly, he heard someone knock loudly at the front door. He quickly wiped his hands on a rag and ran to open it. To his surprise, it was his headmaster.

‘Good morning, sir!’ Kelvin said, standing straight.

‘Good morning, Kelvin. How are you?’ Mr. Solomon asked, his voice calm and kind.

‘I’m fine, sir. Please come in.’ Kelvin stepped aside and then called out, ‘Mummy! Someone is here to see you!’

Mrs. Ginika came out, tying a wrapper over her faded blouse. She looked tired and worn, but still greeted respectfully.

‘Good morning, sir.’

‘Good morning, Madam. I’m very sorry for your loss,’ Mr. Solomon said gently as they both sat on the bench by the corridor.

Tears filled Mrs. Ginika’s eyes as she nodded. ‘Thank you, sir… It has not been easy.’   

‘I know,’ he replied, reaching into his pocket. He brought out a bundle of notes, ₦50,000. ‘Please take this,’ he said, handing it to her. ‘It’s not much, but it can help with Kelvin’s school fees and other needs.’

Mrs. Ginika was stunned. Her hands trembled as she took the money.

‘Thank you, sir! God bless you!’ she said, overcome with gratitude. ‘I haven’t seen this kind of money since my husband died.’

Mr. Solomon gave her a warm smile. ‘Kelvin is a good boy. We want him back in school. Don’t let him drop out.’

With that, he stood up and took his leave.

***

As soon as he left, Mrs. Ginika tied the money securely into a piece of cloth and hurried to the market. There was hope in her step, a flicker of light after weeks of darkness. For the first time since her husband’s death, she could breathe again.

And for Kelvin, she handed him the school fees so he could resume school the next day.

 

 

Chapter Six: Kelvin Leaves His Village to Port Harcourt

It was a bright and peaceful morning in the village when a loud knock resounded on the wooden door.

‘Who could that be?’ Mrs. Ginika asked, wiping her hands on her wrapper as she approached the door.        

‘Surprise!’ a familiar voice called out.

It was Kelvin’s uncle, Mr. Ben, who had come all the way from Port Harcourt. He hadn’t visited in a long while, and seeing him brought smiles and excitement to Kelvin and his mother.

‘Uncle Ben!’ Kelvin shouted, running to hug him.

‘Ah, my boy! Look how big you’ve grown,’ Mr. Ben laughed, lifting him slightly.

Mrs. Ginika welcomed him warmly and quickly rushed into the kitchen to prepare something special. Not long after, she served him a delicious meal made with love and care. Mr. Ben thanked her, obviously pleased.

Later that night, while they sat under the soft glow of the kerosene lamp, Mrs. Ginika turned to her brother-in-law.

‘Brother Ben,’ she said gently, ‘I want Kelvin to follow you to Port Harcourt. Things have been hard here, and I believe he’ll have a better chance there.’

Mr. Ben paused, then nodded. ‘That’s fine, Ginika. Let him get ready; we’ll leave in a few days.’

When Kelvin heard the news, he could hardly contain himself. ‘Me? Port Harcourt? Really, Mama?’ he shouted, dancing around the room with joy.

‘Yes, my son,’ his mother smiled. ‘Your uncle has agreed. Start packing your things.’

***

The next evening, Kelvin visited Simon to share the news.        

‘I’m going to Port Harcourt!’ he said, beaming with excitement.

Simon’s face fell. ‘Port Harcourt? For how long?’

‘I don’t know yet,’ Kelvin replied. ‘But I’ll be back. I promise.’

Tears filled Simon’s eyes. ‘I’ll miss you, Kelvin.’

‘I’ll miss you too,’ Kelvin said, pulling him in for a hug. ‘Don’t cry. I’ll write to you, and when I come back, we’ll play football like before.’      

On the morning of his departure, Mrs. Ginika called Kelvin to the backyard. The early sun shone through the leaves as she sat him down for a heartfelt talk.

‘My son,’ she began, ‘always remember who you are. Do not steal, do not lie, and always be respectful. Be a good boy, wherever you go.’

Kelvin nodded, his eyes glistening.

She placed her hands on his head and whispered a prayer. ‘May God guide your steps. May His favour go with you.’

With that, she stood and followed him to the front yard. The black Lexus was already waiting.

As Kelvin got into the car, she smiled through her tears. ‘It shall be well with you, my son. Safe journey!’ she called out as the car rolled away, leaving behind a cloud of dust and the feeling that a part of her was leaving with Kelvin.

As they drove through the winding roads and open farmlands, Kelvin rested his head on the window, lost in thought. The idea of a new city, a new life, danced in his mind until sleep carried him away.

Some hours later, the car came to a gentle stop. Kelvin stirred.       ‘Uncle… have we reached?’ he asked sleepily.

‘No,’ Mr. Ben replied. ‘It’s getting dark. We’ll spend the night here in Aba. It’s not safe to continue at night.’

They checked into a small hotel. The bed was soft, the sheets clean. The moment Kelvin’s head touched the pillow, he drifted into deep sleep.

***

The next morning, they hit the road early. The journey continued smoothly, and after a few hours, they arrived at the city.

When the car finally pulled into a gated compound, Mr. Ben smiled. ‘We’re here.’     

Kelvin stepped out and looked around. The house was big, much bigger than the ones in his village. There were flowers lining the walkway and a tall mango tree in one corner.

‘Wow!’ Kelvin gasped, turning in circles. ‘This is your house?’

‘Yes, it is,’ Mr. Ben said proudly.

Kelvin clapped his hands with joy and ran towards the front door.

He was home, his new home, and a whole new chapter of his life was just beginning.

 

Chapter Seven: The Unwelcome Arrival of the New Family Member

A sharp rap broke the morning’s calm. Mrs. Chinyere wondered who could be knocking at the door, flour smeared on her cheek. She had been in the kitchen, mixing dough for meat pie. Grabbing a napkin from the counter, she quickly wiped her hands, her slippers slapping softly against the tiled floor as she hurried to the front door. She pulled it open and froze.

There, standing at the doorstep, was her husband, Mr. Ben, smiling faintly. Beside him stood Kelvin, gripping the handle of a faded travel bag. For a moment, no one spoke.

Then her brows lifted in surprise. ‘Ben?’ she breathed. Her gaze shifted to the boy. ‘Who’s this?’

‘Good evening,’ Kelvin greeted shyly.

Mrs. Chinyere looked Kelvin up and down, irritation flashing in her eyes. She hissed loudly, then turned and stormed into her bedroom without a word. She didn’t even wait for her husband’s response. From the travel bag Kelvin was carrying, she already knew the boy had come to stay, and that was exactly what she didn’t want right now. She didn’t want anyone disturbing her family.

‘Take your bag into that room,’ Mr. Ben said to Kelvin, pointing towards the third room in the hallway before following his wife.

Inside the bedroom, Mrs. Chinyere stood with her arms folded tightly across her chest. Her voice rang out in anger.

‘Why would you bring a stranger into this house without telling me first, Ben? What sort of nonsense is this?’

‘He is not a stranger. He’s my nephew,’ Mr. Ben replied firmly.

‘I don’t care! Send him back to where he came from!’

‘No!’ Mr. Ben snapped, his voice rising. ‘He is staying here, and that’s final!’

Their argument echoed through the walls.

Kelvin hesitated for a moment, looking around at the large, beautifully furnished living room. The polished floors gleamed under the sunlight streaming through the windows. The walls were adorned with expensive artwork, and the soft, luxurious sofas looked inviting. The air smelled faintly of fresh flowers and a sweet fragrance.

Slowly, he walked up the stairs, clutching the handle of his faded bag. He stopped in front of the room Mr. Ben had pointed to, and with a deep breath, pushed open the door. The old wood creaked slightly as he entered, and he glanced around. The room was neatly furnished, with a bed draped in fine linens and a large wardrobe against the wall. It felt so different from his village home.

Kelvin placed his bag carefully in the corner of the room, trying not to make any noise as the sounds of the argument behind the door reached his ears. The raised voices of his uncle and Mrs. Chinyere echoed in the hallway.

His small hands clenched around the strap of the bag, and he stood still, listening, the weight of the situation sinking in. His heart raced, the anger and frustration behind the door making him feel small and helpless. He wished he could understand why his uncle’s wife was so upset.

Moments later, the argument quieted, and the door creaked open. Mr. Ben appeared in the doorway, his face set in a forced calm. His eyes met Kelvin’s, and he smiled weakly, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. Kelvin stood frozen, the tension in the air pressing down on him.

‘Are you okay, Uncle?’ Kelvin asked hesitantly, his voice filled with concern.

‘Yes, yes,’ Mr. Ben replied, waving a hand dismissively. ‘Everything is fine. Go and freshen up.’

But as Kelvin looked at his uncle, he could tell everything wasn’t fine. The strained expression on Mr. Ben’s face said it all.

***

Two days passed. Kelvin started getting used to the large house. He loved the space, the cool tiles beneath his feet, and how the sun poured through the curtains each morning. But despite the beauty of the house, something didn’t feel right. The atmosphere was heavy, and Mrs. Chinyere hadn’t spoken a single kind word to him.

One afternoon, he sat by the window, resting his chin on his palm, deep in thought. Why does she hate me so much? he wondered. What did I ever do to her?

Suddenly, a car horn blared at the gate, snapping him out of his thoughts. Kelvin quickly rushed out and opened the gate. A big black SUV rolled in. The family chauffeur stepped out, opened the car’s back door, and then the passenger door for the children. Out they stepped, full of energy, dressed in smart school uniforms, dragging small bags behind them.

They were Mr. Ben’s children, Chika, Osita, Promise, and Fred. They were home from their boarding school to spend the holidays.

Kelvin beamed and moved closer to welcome them, but before he could say a word, little Fred shoved him aside and bolted into the house.

Kelvin stumbled backward but said nothing. He stood quietly as the others walked past without even acknowledging him.

Inside, the children ran towards the study, where their father often worked. The door flew open, and they greeted him with joy.

‘Daddy!’ they chorused.

Mr. Ben looked up from his desk, a smile spreading across his face as he stood to embrace them. ‘Welcome, my children. I’ve missed you.’

After a brief moment of laughter, the children ran to their mother’s room. Her mood shifted completely as she welcomed them with open arms and a big smile.

‘My darlings! Come in, come in!’ she cooed, hugging each of them tightly.

***

That evening, after dinner, while they gathered in the living room, Promise turned to his mother.

‘Mummy, who’s that boy I saw by the gate?’ he asked with a frown.

Mrs. Chinyere scoffed and replied bitterly, ‘That’s your father’s nephew from the village. He just brought him here without asking me.’

Immediately, the children chorused, ‘We hate him!’

‘He looks so tattered and dirty,’ Promise sneered.

‘It’s true!’ Chika and Fred echoed.

‘We won’t let him stay here in peace,’ Osita added, folding his arms stubbornly.

Their mother only smiled silently, her eyes glinting with approval.

And from that moment, Kelvin’s stay in the house became even harder.

 

 

Chapter Eight: Kelvin’s Struggle Under Mrs. Chinyere’s Abuse

A few weeks later, Mr. Ben received a business invitation abroad. Being a seasoned businessman, he often travelled for long stretches, and this trip was no different. The morning of his departure, he packed his bags and came out to greet his family.

‘Take care of yourselves,’ he said to his children, hugging them briefly. Then he made his way to Kelvin’s room.

Kelvin stood up respectfully as his uncle entered.

‘Kelvin,’ Mr. Ben began, placing a hand on his shoulder. ‘While I’m away, please behave yourself. Be respectful, help around the house, and don’t mind anyone who makes life hard for you. You’re a good boy. I believe in you.’

Kelvin nodded, touched by the kind words. ‘Yes, sir. I’ll do my best.’

His uncle smiled and patted his back before walking out. At the gate, he waved at his family, his smile fading slightly when he noticed how distant his wife stood. But he said nothing and left.

The days that followed were difficult for Kelvin, full of tension and strain.

With Mr. Ben gone, Mrs. Chinyere’s true colours came out in full force. She barked orders at Kelvin from morning till night and never gave him a moment’s rest. The children followed her lead, treating Kelvin like a servant, sneering at him, and blaming him for everything that went wrong.

One hot afternoon, chaos broke out in the kitchen.

‘Who took the meat from my pot?’ Mrs. Chinyere barked.

The children stood in a line, faces innocent.

‘Not me,’ Chika said.

‘Me neither,’ added Osita quickly.

Promise pointed at Kelvin. ‘It must be him.’

Kelvin’s eyes widened. ‘But I didn’t…’

Before Kelvin could finish, a loud slap landed across his cheek.

‘How dare you accuse my children of lying!’ Mrs. Chinyere screamed. ‘I knew you were a thief from the very first day!’

She reached for a cane behind the kitchen door and began flogging Kelvin with intense anger. Blow after blow landed on his back and arms.

Kelvin wept bitterly. He didn’t try to run. He just cried.

Mrs. Chinyere only stopped when sweat poured down her face, and her breathing grew heavy. Without a word, Kelvin ran into his room, threw himself on the bed, and sobbed. No one came to check on him. No one asked if he was okay.

***

Moments later, a sharp voice called from the backyard.

‘Kelvin! Kelvin!’

Kelvin wiped his tears quickly and stumbled out. It was Mrs. Chinyere again.

‘Clean my slippers, wash the plates, mop the house, take your bath, and meet me at the shop by one o’clock sharp. You hear me?’

Kelvin nodded weakly. ‘Okay, ma.’

As he began his chores, her voice rang out again, sharper this time.

‘Kelvin! Come here, you imp!’

He rushed to her.        

‘What took you so long to answer me?’ she snapped. ‘You rascal! Go and get my slippers and my shopping bag. I need them now!’

Kelvin quickly fetched one of her slippers and her bag, then hurried back to his chores, biting his lips to hold back the tears.

***

By the time he finished all his chores, it was almost one o’clock. He cleaned up quickly and left for the shop. Unfortunately, traffic on the way delayed him. The bus was stuck, and though it was only a short delay, it felt like hours to Kelvin. When he finally arrived, it was already twelve minutes past one.

It wasn’t even that late, but Mrs. Chinyere’s face darkened the moment she saw him, her hands already on her hips.

Kelvin approached nervously.

‘You’re late,’ Mrs. Chinyere snapped. ‘So this is the nonsense you came here to do? You can’t even follow simple instructions! Useless boy!’

Kelvin bowed his head and said nothing.       

Later that evening, they returned home. The smell of stew filled the house, and the children sat at the dining table, laughing and talking as they ate.

Kelvin waited quietly, standing by the wall.

‘Please ma, where can I get my food?’ he asked softly.

Mrs. Chinyere turned sharply. ‘Food? Did you give me money to cook for you?’

The children chuckled under their breath as Kelvin lowered his head and walked away, sitting quietly on the couch.

‘Get off that couch, you fool!’ Mrs. Chinyere shouted.

Kelvin stood up and moved to a corner of the room.

Later, she flung a small plate of leftovers at him.

‘Eat this and don’t ever ask me for food again.’       

The food was cold and barely enough, but Kelvin ate it slowly, quietly.     As he chewed each bite, he whispered to himself, I’ll be fine. I’ll be strong. I won’t give up.

He didn’t know how long Mr. Ben would be gone, but he had already decided he would endure whatever came his way.

 

Chapter Nine: The Great Surprise

The next day, Kelvin accompanied Mrs. Chinyere to the shop as usual. He hadn’t eaten anything that morning, but he didn’t dare complain. His stomach rumbled quietly as he followed behind her.

It was business as usual until a well-dressed man walked into the shop and ordered several crates of expensive wine. After making his payment, he requested someone to help load the items into his car parked just outside.

‘Kelvin!’ Mrs. Chinyere called sharply. ‘Go and load those crates into the boot. Hurry up!’

Kelvin nodded weakly and began the task. The crates were heavy, and the sun beat down harshly. As he lifted one of the crates, his vision blurred slightly from hunger and fatigue. He stumbled.   

Crack!

One crate slipped from his hands and hit the pavement, shattering loudly. Broken glass and spilled wine spread across the floor.

‘You useless boy!’ Mrs. Chinyere screamed, reaching for a cane she kept under the counter. Without hesitation, she began flogging him right there in front of everyone.

‘Please, ma, I’m sorry!’ Kelvin cried, trying to shield himself from the painful lashes.

Just then, the customer, visibly shocked and angry, rushed over and snatched Kelvin away from her. ‘Madam, stop this nonsense! Are you trying to kill this boy?’

Embarrassed and still fuming, Mrs. Chinyere hissed and stormed into the shop.

One of the workers at the plaza quickly rushed to Kelvin’s side, helped him sit, and applied first aid to the cuts on his arms. ‘You’ll be okay, don’t worry,’ the man said gently. ‘That was uncalled for. You shouldn’t have been treated like that.’

Kelvin sat quietly, tears running down his cheeks, not just from the pain, but from the shame and exhaustion.

***

The next morning, Mr. Ben returned from his business trip. Tired but happy to be home, he went straight to greet his family.

When he saw Kelvin coming out of the room, something caught his eye.

‘Kelvin, what happened to your arms?’ he asked with concern.

Kelvin tried to hide them. ‘It’s nothing, sir. I just fell.’

But Mr. Ben was not convinced. He turned to his wife. ‘Chinyere, what happened to this boy?’

She rolled her eyes. ‘He broke a crate of wine at the shop. I only flogged him a little.’   

‘A little?’ Mr. Ben’s voice rose. ‘What kind of heartless woman are you? This boy is just a child!’

That night, Mr. Ben stayed awake, the weight of what Kelvin was passing through pressing heavily on him. He knew he had to act quickly, or else his wife might end up killing Kelvin.

He reached for his phone and dialled the number he knew by heart. It rang for a few moments before Mr. Osueke answered.

‘Ben, how are you?’ Mr. Osueke greeted, his voice warm.

‘I’m good, but there’s something important I need to discuss. It’s about Kelvin,’ Mr. Ben said, his voice serious. ‘He’s been through a lot, and I think it’s best if he stays with you. Are you okay with that?’

There was a brief silence before Mr. Osueke responded, ‘Of course, Ben. You know he’s welcome here. I’ll make sure he’s well looked after.’

‘Thank you,’ Mr. Ben said, relief washing over him. ‘I’ll bring him over first thing tomorrow.’

The next morning, Mr. Ben packed Kelvin’s clothes, careful to gather everything he would need for a new start. He drove to Mr. Osueke’s house, a place where he knew Kelvin would finally find some peace.

When they arrived, Mr. Ben turned to Kelvin, his hand resting gently on the boy’s shoulder.

‘You’ll stay here from now on,’ he said softly, trying to offer comfort. ‘They’ll take good care of you. I’m sorry for everything.’

Mr. and Mrs. Osueke welcomed Kelvin with open arms. They had no children of their own and immediately grew fond of him.

Over time, Kelvin began to feel at peace. The love and care he received from the Osuekes filled the holes in his heart. He was enrolled in a good school and never lacked anything again.

Mr. Osueke, a wealthy businessman, owned several companies, including car wash outlets, supermarkets, and a growing oil firm. His wife managed a chain of wine stores that catered to the rich and powerful.

***

On Kelvin’s fifteenth birthday, they threw him a party he’d never forget. They visited amusement parks, the zoo, Shoprite, and several children’s parks. It was a day of laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories.

Years later, Kelvin graduated from the university with honours and became a professional engineer. With his first big contract, he made a decision.

He decided to forgive. Despite all the pain he had suffered at the hands of Mrs. Chinyere and her children, Kelvin chose to let go of the past.
It was not because she deserved it, but because he had grown beyond bitterness. His success was his best revenge, and his forgiveness was his greatest strength.

He returned to Mr. Ben’s house. When he arrived, he was no longer the small, timid boy who had once cried in silence. He was now a confident, successful man.

He came bearing gifts: boxes of fine clothes, perfumes, a cheque of three million, and other items to appreciate his uncle for saving him from further harm.     

Mrs. Chinyere stood in a corner, tears in her eyes. She stepped forward slowly.

‘Kelvin, my son… please forgive me,’ she said, her voice trembling. ‘I was wrong. I was blind to your pain. I’m sorry.’

Kelvin looked at her, silent for a moment. Then he nodded gently. ‘I forgive you, ma. I let it go.’

A week later, he visited the Osuekes and surprised them with a brand new, shiny black Mercedes-Benz.

‘For the parents who gave me love as if I were their own,’ he said, handing them the car keys.

They were overwhelmed with gratitude and embraced him tightly.

‘You’ve made us so proud,’ Mr. Osueke said.

***

Months passed, and Kelvin decided to return to the village. When his mother saw him step out of his car, tall and smartly dressed, she burst into tears.      

‘My son… Kelvin!’ she cried, running to embrace him.

‘I made it, Mama. I didn’t forget you.’

With joy in her heart, she listened as he told her everything. She wept again, this time with gratitude.

Kelvin didn’t stop there. He renovated their old house, bought his mother beautiful clothes, fine jewellery, and everything she needed.

As Kelvin stood before the newly renovated house, looking at his mother’s beaming face, he knew he had come full circle. He was no longer the weak, helpless boy who had once been abused and forgotten. He was a man, strong, independent, and full of love for the people who had always been there for him.

He had overcome his past, and now he was building a future not just for himself, but for those he cared about.

With his education, new career, and the unbreakable bond of love, Kelvin had forged a life of purpose. The scars of his past had healed, and though the memories of pain would always remain, they had transformed into the fuel that powered his resilience.

Kelvin smiled as his mother embraced him again, whispering a prayer of thanksgiving for the son she never thought she would have the privilege to see flourish.

And in that moment, surrounded by family and love, Kelvin knew the journey had been worth it.

The boy who once had no hope now had a future, and that future was bright.

The End.