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?
How you sold your phone to help me with her hospital bill back then? God must have sent you here at the right time.
Johnson fell on his knees, tears pouring from his eyes. Thank you. Thank you. God will bless you, my brother.
He will reward you richly. You don’t know what this means to me and my grandson.
Wait,” Simon added. I’m not done. I also have some small money I saved for emergencies.
You can use it to start another shoemaking stall. It should be enough to buy the leathers you need for a start and for Andrew’s school fees, too.
Johnson broke down. He held his friend’s hands and said, “You don’t know what you’ve done for me.
Just yesterday, I had nothing. Now I have a roof and a new start. God will bless you, my brother.
He will reward you richly. You will never lack. Simon smiled softly. That’s what friends are for.
You helped me once when I was in need. It’s my turn now. Andrew smiled for the first time in days.
Thank you, sir, he said. I’ll study hard and make you proud. 3 days later, Naomi reminded her mother about their plan to go and thank the kind man who helped her.
Mom, we promised to thank him. Let’s go today. Her mother nodded. Yes, my daughter.
Let us go. A person like that deserves our thanks. They took a bus to the street where Naomi had met the man.
But when they got there, they were shocked. The whole row of small stalls and sheds by the roadside was gone.
Everything had been demolished. The land was now empty. Broken wood, scattered baskets, and torn umbrellas were all that remained.
It was quiet, and there was no one around to ask questions. Naomi’s heart sank.
Mom, this is where he sat. This is his shed. What happened? Her mother looked around.
It must be the government demolition we heard about. They have sent all of them away.
But how do we find him now? Naomi looked left and right, hoping to see someone who knew him, but nobody was there.
Sadly, they turned and walked back home. As they stepped into the compound, Naomi’s stepfather was already standing at the door with his hands folded.
“Where are both of you coming from?” He asked sharply. Naomi’s mother answered calmly. “We went to look for the man who helped Naomi pay her school fees.”
“What man?” He asked frowning. Naomi’s mother explained, “Naomi lost her school fees. A poor shoemaker helped her.
He gave her his last money. We went to thank him, but we couldn’t find him.”
The man burst out laughing. What a nice story. And you expect me to believe that you left this house since morning to go thank a man?
Are you not ashamed? Naomi stepped forward. But it’s true, sir. He really helped me.
Shut up, he shouted. Your mother is cheating on me with that man. That’s why she went there this morning.
Look at you both. Like mother. Like daughter. Naomi’s mother was shocked. How can you say that?
I’m telling you the truth. He helped your own step-daughter. Why are you thinking like this?
Leave my house, he screamed. I’m tired of taking care of two foolish people. Both of you are a liability to me.
You and your liar of a daughter should just go and live with that your shoemaker boyfriend.
Before they could say anything else, he went inside and started throwing out their clothes and bags.
Out. Out of my house. They stood there confused, ashamed, and speechless. Naomi’s mother carried their bags slowly.
She didn’t want to argue. They walked down the street looking for where to rest.
Finally, they found a small store with a bench outside and sat down. The shopkeeper, a kind man, allowed them to rest there.
As they sat quietly, a man dressed almost like a madman walked up to Naomi’s mother.
“Mama, you fit find me something to buy water,” he said calmly. But all that was left with her was just 500 naira and she gave him 200 naira from it.
“Thank you, mama,” he said, cheering her. “Is see, I get something for you.” He pulled out a small squeezed piece of paper.
“Take,” he said with a smile. “This is my raffle draw ticket.” “I want you to have it, mama.
You will become a millionaire soon.” Naomi’s mother took the ticket and whispered to herself, “Just like that.”
She didn’t believe it, but something inside her made her keep the ticket. Some days later, as Naomi’s mother was on her way back from helping women in the market fetch water so they could earn some money to feed, she passed by a raffle drawer shop.
Her eyes caught the sign and she suddenly remembered the ticket the man she had met on the street some days ago had given her.
She walked slowly into the shop just to check the results without expecting anything. The shop owner looked at the paper and suddenly shouted, “Wait, Ma, this is the winning number.”
Naomi’s mother was confused. “What do you mean?” “You’ve won. You won the jackpot,” the man said, jumping with excitement.
“You’ve won 100 million, Naira.” Naomi’s mother stood there frozen. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“100 what? 100 million?” The shop owner repeated, “You’re a rich woman now.” Naomi’s mother began to shake.
Her knees felt weak. She sat on the nearest chair and held her head with both hands.
Tears began to fall from her eyes. God, that man is God-scent. Is this really happening to me?
She cried. Tears of shock, tears of pain, and tears of joy. Everything had turned around in a moment.
No more hunger, no more shame, no more sleeping outside. 15 years passed. Naomi was no longer the little girl who once cried by the roadside because she lost her school fees.
She had grown into a beautiful, elegant young lady. Her steps were confident and her heart was full of dreams.
She was now the only daughter of a billionaire. After her mother won 100 million naira that day, everything changed.
They moved into a big house, started a business, and from there the money kept growing.
Naomi didn’t waste the opportunity. She worked hard, went to school, and studied business. After university, she started her own company.
It didn’t take long before her business became one of the fastest growing companies in the country.
She became known for her smart ideas, humble attitude, and kind heart. But there was something Naomi never forgot.
The man who helped her. Every year on the same date, she would sit quietly in her office and remember the day the man who gave her his last money.
She searched for him many times, but no one knew where he had gone after his shed was demolished.
Still, Naomi never gave up hope. She kept saying to herself, “One day I will find him.
I must find him.” Meanwhile, in a small town far away, Johnson and his grandson Andrew were still struggling.
Life hadn’t been easy. The money his friend Simon gave them helped for some time.
But after that, they went back to starting over again and again. They lived in a small room at the back of an old compound.
Johnson opened a small shoe stall by the roadside. His back achd now and his eyes were not as sharp as before, but he kept pushing.
Andrew had grown into a handsome young man. He was respectful, hardworking, and full of dreams, too.
He had graduated from the university one year ago, but job hunting was hard. He had applied to many companies, attended several interviews, but nothing came through.
So, he did petty jobs, sometimes helping his grandfather in the shoe making business. Each morning, Andrew would wear an old apron, sit beside his grandfather, and make different shoe designs, a skill he had learned from him.
Some days, they sold enough to eat. Other days, they returned home empty-handed. “Grandpa, don’t worry,” Andrew would say.
“I believe our story will change one day.” Johnson would smile weakly and nod. “I know, my son.
God is watching.” But inside, he worried. He wished he could give Andrew a better life.
One evening, as the sun was going down and they were packing their goods, Johnson sat down and said, “Andrew, do you still remember that little girl that was about your age?”
“The one I helped so many years ago.” Andrew smiled. “Yes, Grandpa.” “You’ve told me that story many times.
I wonder where she is now,” Johnson said softly. “I hope she’s doing well.” It was a bright Saturday morning.
Johnson had gone to the market to buy more leather for a customer’s order, leaving Andrew at the stall.
He sat quietly, polishing a customer’s shoe, when suddenly a sleek black car rolled to a stop a few feet away.
The tinted window slid down, and a well-dressed woman stepped out gracefully. Her perfume lingered in the air, mixing with the smell of leather and shoe polish.
She looked elegant in a flowing black and gold CF tan with floral patterns and a golden inner layer, gold earrings, and gold high heels that clicked sharply against the rough ground.
One of her shoe buckles had come loose. She sighed softly and walked toward his small stall.
“Good afternoon,” she said in a calm, refined voice. Andrew looked up quickly, surprised. “Good afternoon, Ma,” he replied, wiping his hands on a small rag and smiling politely.
She lifted her foot slightly. “Please, can you help me fix this buckle?” “It came off just now.”
“Of course, Ma,” he said. “Let me check it.” He carefully took the shoe, his rough fingers moving with gentle precision.
In minutes, he tightened the small strap back into place. She watched him quietly, his focus, his calmness, the care he took in his work.
There was something about him, something clean in his spirit. How much? She asked. He smiled faintly.
Ah, no need, Ma. It’s a small thing. You can go, Ma. Her eyebrows rose slightly.
You mean you’re not charging me? He shook his head. No more. You look like you were in a hurry.
I just wanted to help. The woman smiled. That’s rare these days to see people do something without gain.
She paused for a moment, then looked around his small wooden stall. How long have you been doing this?
Since I graduated from the university. Ma, he said quietly. I have looked for a job for over a year now.
Nothing seems to come by, so I joined my grandfather in the shoe making business instead of staying idle.
She nodded slowly, her eyes softening. What’s your name? My name is Andrew Ma. Andrew, she repeated almost thoughtfully.
You speak well. You’re polite and you seem trustworthy. He smiled shily. Thank you, Ma.
There was a short silence before she spoke again. I’ve been searching for a new driver, someone honest and calm.
Most people I meet these days are either careless or arrogant. But you, you seem different, Andrew blinked, unsure he heard right.
Driver, Ma. Yes, she said firmly. I can train you myself if you don’t know all the roots.
I’ll pay you well, and you’ll have a place to stay. I just want someone I can trust.
His heart pounded. Are you serious, Ma? Very serious, she said with a warm smile.
Thank you, Ma, he said quietly. You don’t know what this means to me. She reached into her bag, took out a card, and handed it to him.
My name is Madame Tina. Call me tomorrow if you’re interested. If not, I’ll understand.
He took the card with trembling fingers. I’ll call Ma. I promise. Madame Tina smiled, got back into her black car, and drove away slowly.
The smell of her perfume lingered in the air long after she was gone. Andrew stood still beside his little stall, the card clutched tightly in his hand, his heart racing with a mix of shock, joy, and disbelief.
That evening, Johnson returned from the market. He looked tired and worn out. He saw Andrew sitting on the wooden chair, smiling and humming his favorite song.
Johnson dropped his bag and looked at his grandson closely. “Andrew, what’s making you smile like that?
You’re laughing like someone who won the lottery. Andrew stood up quickly, full of excitement.
Grandpa, welcome. I have good news for you. Andrew smiled. A woman came to the stall today while you were away.
She came to fix her shoe and we started talking. Her name is Madame Tina.
She said she’s a businesswoman and lives in the next city. Johnson raised one eyebrow.
Okay, go on. She told me she doesn’t have a husband and that her daughter is always out of the country.
She said she needs someone to drive her around. Her driver relocated. Grandpa, she offered me a job.
Johnson’s eyes widened. A job? Just like that. From fixing a shoe buckle to offering you a job.
Yes, Grandpa, Andrew replied, his smile growing. She said she likes me, that I speak well and look responsible.
She said I can live in her house and she will pay me well. Johnson’s smile disappeared.
He sat up straight. Live in her house. Andrew, don’t you know the world is dangerous?
What if she’s one of those sugar mummies looking for young men to take advantage of?
I don’t trust some of these billionaires. You think because she wore fine clothes and drove a big car, she’s normal?
Andrew tried to stay calm. Grandpa, please don’t think like that. Andrew, Johnson snapped. Don’t grandpa me.
You know you’re all I have. I lost your mother in the hospital the same day you were born.
She was only 16 years old when she died due to severe bleeding. I can’t live with myself if anything happens to you.
Andrew held his grandfather’s hand. Grandpa, I understand your fear, but she didn’t force me.
She gave me her number and said I should call her if I’m interested. She didn’t even collect my number.
And you know I’m a man now. I have to go out there to look for a better life.
Johnson looked into his eyes. Andrew, are you sure about this? My spirit is not settled.
