THE DESERTED BROTHER

On arrival, Odwil and his wife were received and welcomed by the LC1 chairman himself, Mr. Olok Lawrence. He was seated under a mango tree having a rest. He saw his visitors and welcomed them with a benign smile that quenched their dismay. He gave them seats and when they had just sat, Jessica winked at her husband and they both smiled. She was trying to signal to him that they might be successful with their intention.

Mr. Olok had received ten percent of the twenty million shillings that was used to buy his friends land the day before.

He entered a house and later retreated with the visitors record book and a chair on which he sat. When he had just taken up his seat, Odwil commenced to inform him of their visit, but he interrupted and said, ”You must first enter your name into this book and continue. ” Odwil stopped immediately, he and his wife wrote their names into the book.

After they were done writing, Mr. Olok said, ”Well! You can now continue narrating your story ” He resumed and said, ”I am humbled to be here. Here I am to inform you of a journey that we plan to have the next day to Kampala. A week ago, my elder brother Oluk sent me a letter inviting me to join him in Kampala. Secondly, I would like to carry with me the goat that you always found me feeding as you walked to your garden. Therefore, I request for a letter that confirms that the goat I am carrying is truly mine. ”

After completing his speech, the chairman asked him, ”Do you have at least a green leaf with you? (He meant five thousand shillings) Here, I always buy pens, books and papers on which I write. So, no money, no letter. ” Odwil turned to his wife with a scary look but asked her calmly, ”do you have any money with you? ” ”Yes, ” she replied. She pulled out five thousand shillings that she separated from the rest of the money and placed in her wallet. To her, denial of having money would deter Mr. Olok from helping them.

She gave the money to Mr. Olok, who immediately rushed into his room chop-chop and later returned with an already written template. He then filled in Odwils name as the property owner, goat as the property and the date. Then, he gave the letter to Odwil and said, ”I think all is done. ” In an anguish signaled by his voice, he replied, ”Well! Go well and I also wish you a safe and fruitful journey when tomorrow arrives. Then, the last advice I give you is, don forget your origin when you reach your destination. Always reach us, we are here for you (licking up his lips). ” After listening to the advice, the couple left.