-
12
- LANGAA RPCIG
- Chapter
- Additional Information
85 12 hat evening, by the time Achaga returned home, the sun had already set, and Sam had landed his first job. Sam spent a fruitful afternoon getting to know his neighbours. He talked to just about everyone who came his way. Be it toddlers simply running around and looking for a play pal, young boys, mothers attending to their children, elderly men who seemed to have nothing to do during the day. He spoke to all of them; at least, those who were willing enough to lend him a listening ear. He was unassuming. Even Koza returned later that afternoon, with some good news. He told him that luck was on his side, for his brother had landed a contract from one of the town’s tycoon, and he needed workers. Those hired would be constructing hostels for rental . . . That was perfect. It was a monumental task, and plenty of workers were needed—what a better way to hire a man hungry enough for a job. Such men are easily manipulated and work harder than those who are secure in their employment. They can work for almost nothing. Sam was a perfect candidate, for he could and would take any job and for as little money as possible. He agreed to work for Koza’s brother. He extended the same offer to Achaga in his absence, a message Sam freely conveyed to his friend later that night. When he returned home that evening, Achaga was taken by surprise to find his old friend at his doorsteps. His blithe was unsurpassed; one could sense and feel it from his tone of voice. He bombarded his friend with numerous questions—trivial questions: “When did you get here?” “This afternoon!” “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” “It was unexpected!” “I would have waited for you or returned home sooner?” “It is okay . . . I had an opportunity to meet some of your neighbours!” “How is the Old Man? How about your grandmother?” T 86 “They are both fine; thank God!” “How about everyone else—Nico, Jusa, Kahuga—you know, those who matter?” “They were all fine when I left.” “Gosh! I am sorry. I was so happy to see you that I even forgot my manners. Please do come in!” he said as he thrust the key in his padlock. He turned the key to the right until he heard a clicking sound. He wiggled the padlock out of the latch and unlocked the door to let his visitor into the house. Achaga’s flat was not exclusive. It was a small single room, with one large blue sofa—the only major furniture in the living room. He separated his bedroom from his living area with one giant blue chequered sheet. The living room left a lot to be desired. There was a tiny table in one corner with a blue lantern and a matchbox. There was also Kenya Standard newspaper folded in half and thrown on the table haphazardly—it was hard to tell when the paper was bought. The room had one window, dark and almost uninviting, but Achaga’s cheery attitude made for its dilapidated condition. No sooner had the two entered the house than Achaga started preparing food—first it was tea, followed by a hearty meal of ugali, sukuma wiki, with beef, something he seldom ate, but because he had company, he indulged himself. The men shared an evening of laughter as they swapped stories of their immediate past. Sam talking about his Bumbe experiences, while Achaga told him plenty about Kakamega. It was way past mid-night when they retired to bed . . . ...