Sir, are you sure? Yes, my child, he said, nodding. You remind me of my grandson at home.
Be serious in school. Don’t follow bad friends. One day you will be great. Naomi held the money tightly and wiped her tears.
Thank you, sir. I promise I will make you proud. When I become rich, I will never forget you.
I will look for you and help you, Johnson smiled and nodded. Make sure you don’t forget my name.
I won’t, Naomi said. He placed his hand gently on her head and whispered a prayer.
Then he returned to his small shed, still with no food for himself, but he was happy to help.
Naomi ran toward the school before the gate closed. She looked back once and whispered, “God bless that man.
When Naomi got home, she looked tired but a little calm. She had paid her school fees and had the receipt in her school bag.
Her mother was sitting on a small bench, looking worried and stressed as usual. Naomi greeted, “Welcome.”
Her mother said, “Did you pay the school fees?” Naomi nodded slowly. “Yes, Mom. I did.”
Her mother stood up, relieved. “Good. That’s one less problem. Let me see the receipt.”
She brought it out and gave it to her. But then she looked down and said, “Mom, I have to tell you something.”
Her mother frowned. “What is it?” Naomi swallowed hard and said, “I lost the money on my way to school today.”
Her mother’s face changed immediately. “What?” “You did what?” “I lost it, Mom. I don’t know how.
I kept it in my school bag. I searched everywhere. I cried,” Naomi explained quickly.
Her mother’s voice rose. “Naomi, how could you be so careless? Do you know what that money means to this house?
Your stepfather will starve us again. He warned me. He’ll say I’m useless. He may even send us out.
Naomi’s eyes filled with tears again. I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean to. I was so scared.
I thought about not coming home. Her mother turned away, breathing heavily. But then someone helped me, Naomi added quietly.
Her mother looked at her again. Who? Naomi smiled through her tears. A man? He’s a shoemaker by the roadside.
