The Bad Samaritan

Chapter One

1 The Bad Samaritan Chapter One O n 23rd November 2000, Esole received a letter from his daughter in London telling him she was coming home for a month’s holiday and would like to stay with them. He was so stunned by the letter that he gave it to his wife to read and tell him what she thought about it. “What are you surprised about? She just wants that we create space for her. Did you think she would come and embarrass us as people from the village do by dropping in as storm falls and not wind falls?” she asked. “If that is what the letter means to you, it has rung a bell in me. My daughter is my daughter and there is always space for her in my house.” “Your brothers and your sisters are your brothers and your sisters and there is always space for them in your house whether they inform you of their coming or not,” she retorted. “OK, Ok. I don’t want us to spit at each other.” “What is your programme this morning? I want you to accompany me to Express Union. She has sent money which she says she is going to use when she comes. She does not want to depend on us for feeding and recreation.” “And she sent the money to you?” “Yes.” “OK, I shall take you to Express Union whenever you are ready.” They went to Express Union and got the money and as they were about to get into the car, Esole stretched his hand to get the money from his wife. 2 Charles Alobwed’Epie “You see, I don’t think our daughter would feel comfortable if she heard that her money was in your keeping. She would feel you would like to borrow it and play a cat and mouse game with it when you would be required to pay it back. In fact I promised I would put the money in my account in the Post Office Savings Bank (POSB). So take me to the bank.” He took her to the POSB and after saving the money he dropped her at her jobsite. He returned to his office with a slight headache. Fortunately before untoward thoughts took the better of him, a friend came and their conversation made him forget his ordeal of the morning. After work, several things crisscrossed his mind. He thought he would leave the reception of their daughter with his wife. She would have to create the space she and her daughter were asking for in the house, organize the parties and do a thousand other things a loving daughter would require in the course of a month’s holiday. He returned with a bumpy face, a face ravaged by anger and self reproach but feigned a smile at her when she came in bustling with delight that evening. She made several shuttles to the children’s rooms and guest room. Her brisk movements told it all. She was in a state of ecstasy. Several times, he tried to vent his disgust at what he thought was a usurpation of his right to organize the house as it should be, but held back for courtesy sake. “I prefer to arrange the boy’s room. Come and see. It is smaller, dirtier and more manageable. Since we shall have to paint the room, we better take the one that is dirty. Secondly, the boys will be better managed sleeping in the parlour than the girls.” Esole kept quiet as the storm in him reached gale level. “Why are you so quiet? Are you not happy that the girl is coming home? Aren’t you happy that she has completed her Masters with distinction and she is coming for a holiday? You look withdrawn.” 3 The Bad Samaritan “What do you want me to do? You have given tangible reasons why the boys’ room would be ideal. That’s OK. What next?” “Tomorrow you will buy oil paint. The room should be painted well ahead of time. You know the smell of paint has to dissipate before she comes.” “You can’t remember where they sell paint?” “Is it women who buy paint? Furthermore will you expect me to do the painting? Am I wrong to say that you will buy paint?” “Ok. Ok, I shall buy the paint. Oil paint is expensive. I don...