The Boy Who Laid Eggs-Short Story

 

 I'll never forget the sweet old college days when I pursued my medical course in Pharmacy, and my friend James used to give me eggs. I remember vividly how he used to say it, even though almost seven years have passed.

"I've laid four eggs today, and what time are you coming to my room to get them?" He would say, and I would burst into tears of gratitude. I thoroughly enjoyed them and always thanked him for his kindness.

The truth is, James didn't like the way the campus chefs prepared boiled eggs. He was known as an entertainment director, and he had a reputation for making people laugh with his jokes. Perhaps, this was why the chefs liked him and ended up giving him extra meals. While everyone else received only two eggs, James got twice as many, which he saved for me. If we didn't meet in the afternoon, he would keep them for me in the evening. As a result, the number of eggs multiplied day by day, setting me apart from the ordinary students who quietly grumbled about the unkind chefs. But that was not my concern.

I genuinely believed that James had a way of getting eggs in his room.

Life has taught me many things, and I'm still learning. A small mistake can have a profound impact on your life. There was a well-to-do student at our campus who loved girls and beer. Skipping classes became his daily routine, and he didn't care. Malipiro was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, which made him seem untouchable.

I heard he was an only child, and maybe that's why he behaved the way he did. His parents might have spoiled him, or they did their best, but he chose to live life on his own terms. While his friends attended fourteen classes a week, he settled for just two.

One day, while Malipiro was at home after finishing his end-of-term exams, he went out with friends for a night of drinking. As they say, "pride goes before a fall." Armed robbers broke into their home, killing both his parents and security guards, looting the house of all its valuables. Cars disappeared in the biggest heist in the affluent neighborhood. He went from being well-off to destitute, left with only a small amount of money in his parents' bank account.

Fortunately, Malipiro’s parents built him a small house in the city, which became his hope. He had to return the house he stayed with his parents because it belonged to his father's company. Malipiro never expected such a tragedy, and all he could do was cry, recalling his father's advice to value education.

The young man failed his exams completely and, to make matters worse, impregnated a college girl whose parents pressured him to marry her.

In the following years, Malipiro transformed into a small-time criminal, stealing property and resorting to petty theft. His handsome face had been replaced by an unkempt look, covered in scars, some from falls due to excessive drinking.

Oh, Malipiro! What have you done to your life? I mourn for your life.

The same can be said for many girls today. They knowingly pursue men who are married, some with grown children. They may have various reasons for making such a choice, whether it's insecurity, a desire to profit from the relationship, or something else. These girls don't seem to learn from past mistakes, and they don't care about the consequences from the man's wife and children, as long as money flows their way.

Some of these girls even pursue men rumored to be womanizers. They choose to ignore what people say and continue their relationships. I call this "Inwi eteh eduane," my own creation of new words because it's an abominable practice. Why aren't they afraid of such men? Why do they continue to pursue them?" I wondered.

Life is funny, and the game has changed. Men now seek partners who can contribute and support each other as a couple. Women need to work hard and be productive as well.

Oh, life! I love life, and I'm still learning. One thing I know is that it's easy, requiring just a little effort. It's a wonder why some people in government choose to embezzle public funds when they have salaries, allowances, and other benefits. Why steal? Why engage in corruption? Why divert development funds? I cry when I think of the hardships faced by people in villages who lack basic necessities like soap. One day, God will come to the aid of these poor individuals, and the wrongdoers will face dire consequences. Beware!

There's also a tendency among men to consider themselves rulers and masters of everything. They date multiple women and lie about their exclusivity. But when the tables are turned, men often find it hard to forgive women and label them negatively. Men, is forgiveness difficult for you? Jesus, a man, knows how to forgive, so why do men on Earth find it so challenging? We should all strive to be better in life.

Some people never learn. They may ask you to lend them money, promising to pay it back on a specific date, but when the due date arrives, they disappear, switching off their phones. If you happen to meet them later, they'll tell you stories, avoiding repayment. If you're lucky, they'll return your money, but if not, consider it gone. I despise such people who don't repay their debts. Be good, for you never know when you might need kindness, and life is unpredictable, just like the boy who claimed to lay eggs and yet he wasn’t laying them. Anything can happen in life, so be prepared for unexpected challenges when the tables turn.

In the bustling town of Limbe, amidst the relentless hustle and bustle of its rugged streets, Malipiro emerged unexpectedly.

"Madam, can I help you lift this sack of Irish potatoes?" he asked.

I took a closer look and recognized him. He appeared shattered and ashamed.

I called out to him, "Ah, it's you Malipiro! What are you doing here in the Limbe market?"

He mumbled a few words, looking feeble in his response, but his gaze was filled with unanswered questions.

"Alright, today I want to offer you an opportunity. My husband runs a potato chip manufacturing company, and we're hiring employees for landscaping, security, and production management. I'll recommend you to the human resources manager," I assured him.

His dumbfounded look persisted for many minutes before words finally came from his mouth, followed by tears of repentance. Onlookers couldn't comprehend why a grown man and a street man would shed tears in public.

Slowly, Malipiro regained his strength, lifted the sack of Irish potatoes, and loaded it onto a Toyota pickup. From that day on, Malipiro worked diligently as a landscaping officer, ensuring that the company's premises appeared elegant.

Today, Malipiro's story has taken a different turn. He has rebuilt his life and achieved success with determination that defies understanding. He is the owner of Malipiro Landscape Associates, the largest landscaping and gardening company in Blantyre, employing over 100 staff.

However, old habits die hard, and his penchant for expensive wines and whisky intensified. Malipiro became known for buying the latest cars and driving them around. Business profits soared, and he accumulated a significant fortune. On my birthday, he surprised me by gifting a Ford Everest as a token of appreciation.

But God had other plans. I drove the new car for only three days. From that point on, I would never see his face on this planet again.

The latest Maserati he drove collided with a stationary truck during a breakdown on the road. At the scene, he took his last breath and returned to his maker in heaven.

Today, a crowd has gathered at St. Luke's Cemetery for a funeral service. Witnessing the end of life for one of the most eccentric characters I've ever encountered is heart-wrenching. This serves as a reminder that life is a roller coaster, and we should not take it for granted. Seize opportunities, inspire others, and make the most of the gift of life.

We will remember Malipiro forever. As the dirge resonates to bury our departed friend, it reminds us of what lies ahead.

Rest in Peace!