The first time ever Jike passed by a school he was running from his mum and to the farm. The household had, as usual, woken up before the crow of the scraggly, couldn't-land-a-chick cock they owned and gotten their implements (which they had kept handy since the night before) and headed out. Everyone that is except Jike and mother.
Usually Mother would make some food, load it in a basket with a keg of water, cups and spoon and then join the family at the farm-some five kilometres away. Jike on the hand, had no reason to be at home. None that was acceptable to the adults that is. To him however, it brokered no mental disputation. His best friend had told him about the school, their Miss who taught them (she had a very sonorous voice and the most amazing accent) and all the songs they learnt. Jike had even succeeded in picking up one: Little children, one, two, three, four, five... Jike just had to see for himself. He was awake long before their disgrace of an only cock crowed. In fact, he was sure he had not slept. He waited for his mum to get through and leave. He was going to that school. He closed his eyes and waited.
A hide-numbing smack woke him up. His startled eyes met his mother's furious ones and Jike took to his heels. He began running to the farm. However, such was his desire to see the school that he took the longer and roundabout route that passed behind the school compound. As he ran past, he heard children reciting and chanting. And without meaning to or knowing why, tears welled up in his eyes and coursed down his cheeks.
He was still weeping when he arrived.
His father noticed.
©2014 John, Chidi
All Rights Reserved
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