Strolling out of my room, I scurried into the kitchen to get something to eat. Opening the pots one after the other, my hopes of getting already prepared food dwindled. “What was I supposed to do now” I thought to myself, as my stomach began to rumble. “Oh well”, I muttered in disappointment. Deciding to cook immediately after I spoke with my uncle, I took of some milk from the cupboard and poured it into a bowl, added some water and moved out into the sitting room.
Uncle ken was already seated in the parlor by the time I got out. Crashing into the nearest chair I could get to, I muffled some greetings with a mouthful of milk. He responded non-challantly, shifting his gaze unsteadily. I noticed the awkwardness in his behavior and immediately sensed something wasn’t right. I brought the bowl of milk down from my mouth, while licking my upper lips, as I could feel the wetness of remnant milk on them. “What’s the matter, you asked me to come home immediately, and it sounded quite serious. What were you going to inform me about?” I said hurriedly, without a break, while adjusting my sitting position to face him directly. “I’ve always told you to take breaks while talking. The words aren’t running, so try slowing down.” He responded adding some dry chuckles at the end, as if attempting to calm the already tensed atmosphere. Uncle ken wasn’t someone to play around or mince words. He was always straight to the point, and passed his message across with the fewest number of words possible. So I didn’t understand why he wasn’t as straight forward today. “Did something happen?” I asked with intense curiosity, now wanting more than ever, to know the reason for his behavior.
“Well… Ermmm, it’s nothing really serious… but we might lose the house” Uncle Ken stuttered in between his sentence, uttering the last four words like he had a burn on his tongue. His face expressionless, his gaze distant, as if he was waiting to see my reaction.
I remained in the same position, shocked to the core. A billion thoughts speeding through my mind, as I tried to digest this rather heart wrenching news. Frankly, I had prepared for any kind of news, most especially bad, as it was strange for my uncle to call me home with such urgency… or at least I thought I was prepared. I was beyond dazed as to why we would lose the house… everything seemed fine. This was the only thing left of my parent, and I was about to lose it too… how did things come to this. I wanted some explanations. It felt like my heart would explode from my chest… my shock slowly turned into anger, and then curiosity. “What happened? Why are we going to lose the house? It is the only thing left of my parents… Why…” I didn’t know the questions to ask again, as I tried to fight back the tears which now threatened to fall off at any moment now.
Uncle Ken’s expressionless face had now become pale. He hated to see me sad, but I guess he just couldn’t help it this time around. I didn’t want him to be sad, I sucked in some air, held my breath with my eyes closed for a while, and then let it out, as if to free myself from the grip I had in my chest. I mentally prepared myself for whatever explanation he was going to give, and made up my mind not to flare up, even if I got angrier. Uncle Ken was trying the best he could so if it really got to this, I guess it was just beyond him them.
What happened, I asked again, in a calmer manner than before. “Well… I tried all I could. We need a lot of money… We have debts too… but don’t worry, we can still live here.” He replied altogether, adding the last sentence to make me feel better. This is bad… really bad, I thought to myself while processing the information I had just received. Debts? Did he say debts?? Since when did we owe debts?? Who did we owe? Why didn’t he tell me about it sooner? I gripped my head trying to remain calm… my heart was pounding furiously in my chest, and my breathing was irregular. My head was beginning to bang, and I found it more difficult to think. “Since when did we have debts? And whom did we owe?” I found myself asking. “'No… That’s not even important… how much do we owe?” I asked, shifting my gaze back to him. “About 700k dollars in total… he said while not meeting my gaze. We’ve had some debts for a while now, as my salary wasn’t really enough to cater for all our needs, and your education. Everything tripled when you got into college though. We didn’t have the money, and I didn’t want you to lose your admission. I’ve been trying my best, working non-stop just to settle them, but they keep accumulating. I didn’t tell you earlier because I had it under control, and I didn’t want you worried or distracted. I kept hoping you’d never have to find out, but I guess it’s just beyond me now. I’m sorry I used your parent’s property as collateral… I honestly hoped it wouldn’t get to this.” “Oh…” I muttered, drifting into my thoughts.
I had come back from the café that day with mixed feelings. I got the admission I was hoping to, but I was worried about our financial capacity. I had always imagined getting into college one day, on scholarship, but those were mere wishful thoughts, as I wasn’t an exceptional student. I waited anxiously for my uncle to return, expecting to break the news to him immediately I set my eyes on him. He came in looking exhausted, the day must have been a tiring one I guess. I got him some water to drink and waited impatiently for him to settle down. He seemed to notice my impatience, and he asked if I wanted anything. I finally got the opportunity I was looking for; I hurriedly explained how my day went, from the café to the admission and everything else. He was happy too, but as expected, his countenance dwindled when we discussed the fee. “I don’t want to lose this admission…” I said, my hope fading fast. Uncle Ken had come back the next day, with a smile on his face. I was beyond happy when he informed me I’d be resuming school that year. I jumped with joy, but was still curious as to how he was able to get the money for it. Shoving it off everytime I asked about it, he responded that all that mattered now was I’m going to college, and when I persisted he opened up, saying a friend had given him that money.
“I’ll join you to work, till we get this debts paid” I said with a determination I never knew I possessed. “No!” uncle ken rejected vehemently. Just focus on your education and come out with good grades. I’d make sure I pay this debt. “How do you intend to go about it? I replied hotly… you’re already working four different jobs as it is now! You can’t keep on like this… at least care about your health.” I said amidst sobs, as the thought of his health failing crossed my mind. Just a glance at him and you’d think he was in his late 60s… uncle ken was just 43!! Working too many jobs over the years had made him age significantly. “Okayy…” he responded after a while, sighing in defeat. “I’ll try to get a job for you at the company… at least I’d get to ensure you don’t do anything unnecessary.”