All he could think about was how to tell his grandson Andrew the bad news.
But as he turned the corner to their house, he stopped in shock. Andrew was already standing outside crying.
Their bags and few belongings were thrown outside the gate, the land lady, a chubby lady with a hairy face, stood there with a wicked smile.
Ogre Johnson, she said, “I told you. I warned you. You have not paid house rent for a year and 6 months now.
I’m tired of your excuses. You and your grandson must leave now. Johnson’s mouth opened, but no words came out.
He rushed to his grandson. Andrew, are you okay? Andrew nodded, wiping his tears. Grandpa, they threw everything outside.
I begged them to wait for you, but they refused. Johnson turned to the landlady.
Please give me a little more time. I just lost my stall today. I don’t even know where to go, please.
But the woman turned away. I have new tenants coming. I don’t run charity. I have children to feed and bills to pay.
Go and sleep in the street if you like. She walked back inside and shut the gate.
Johnson and Andrew sat beside their bags. The sun was going down. People passed by.
Some looked, some whispered, but nobody helped. Johnson held his grandson close. I’m sorry, my child, he said, his voice shaking.
I tried. I really tried. Andrew rested his head on his grandfather’s shoulder. I know, Grandpa.
You’re the best grandfather in the world. God will help us. Johnson looked up at the sky.
His lips moved slowly as he whispered, “God, I don’t regret helping that little girl.
If I had to choose again, I’d still give her my last money. I just need a miracle now.”
That night they slept outside on the cold ground beside their bags. No food, no roof, no light, but Johnson still held on to hope in his heart.
The next morning, Johnson and his grandson Andrew woke up early. They hadn’t slept well.
The cold ground had made their bodies stiff and their stomachs were empty. Johnson sat quietly for a moment, then turned to Andrew.
“My son,” he said, gently tapping his shoulders. We cannot stay like this. Let’s go to the next city.
My old friend Simon lives there. Maybe he can help us. Andrew nodded. He trusted his grandfather even in hard times.
Johnson sold their small television set and used the money to pay for two bus tickets.
It wasn’t much, but just enough to take them to the nearby city. They sat at the back of the old crowded bus, holding their bags tightly.
The journey was about an hour, but it felt longer. Johnson kept looking out the window, praying silently in his heart.
When they arrived, they walked slowly to the street where Simon lived. Johnson hadn’t seen him in a long time, but he remembered the house.
He knocked on the gate gently, hoping and praying that his friend would still be there.
A few seconds later, the gate opened, and there stood Simon, surprised and speechless. “Simon?”
Johnson asked, looking closely, “What? Why do you look like this?” He gasped and opened the gate wide.
Come in, my brother. Come in quickly. Sadness filled Johnson’s eyes as he hugged his friend.
My brother, we lost everything. Government people demolished my shed yesterday. Then when I got home, my landlady had thrown us out.
We slept outside with our bags last night. He brought them inside, gave them water to drink, and sat them down.
Just then, Simon shook his head in amazement. Johnson, you are lucky. You came just at the right time.
My wife and I are relocating this weekend to the new house my son built in Abuja.
I was about to give the house key back to the landlord today so I could collect our one-year advance rent.
Johnson looked confused. What do you mean? I mean the house is already paid for, Simon said, smiling.
You can stay here. Just take over the place. I will tell the landlord to change the name on the rent.
You don’t have to pay anything yet. Johnson’s hands flew to his mouth. Ah, Simon, you want to give me your house just like that?
Yes, Johnson. You’re my friend and you need help. Remember when my mother was sick?
