MBEYA, 2014
Macy returned to the sofa and sat. She reduced the TV volume.
Leo leaned on the couch, breathing heavily, "Our family lived well till I reached five. My father lost his accountant's work. Our assets and belongings were sequestered and we were left with zilch. My father, due to stress or whatever reason he had became a barmy drunkard. My mother, to save her own life became a home maid in an Indian man abode. I, having nowhere to go, the street became my new residence.
“A five years old child, having nowhere to go, nowhere to sleep, nothing to eat, nothing to wear, surviving each day was a miracle. Dumping sites were my favorites, leftovers were my blessings, and houseflies became friends.
“In the eyes of the people I wasn’t a human being, I was just a thief and a dreadful example to their children. I loathed people and abhorred my parents more. For five years, that was my life.
“In 2012 I met a man who became my brother, Benjamin Benson. He was the first person who was engrossed in my life story. He was a gambler and took me with him to the gambling house. That's when we realized I was good at the pool table.
"For two years now, we survive by gambling. It's tough but better than dumping sites. Benjamin taught me one thing… no one is responsible for my life. The government, my parents, and people are not responsible for my life. I am the one who is responsible for my life. I stopped blaming and thinking others were responsible for the life I was living. Now, I live my own damn life"
Though his face gave out a smile, he couldn’t stop tears from flowing out.
“It’s alright… you can cry” Macy said leaning Leo’s head to her shoulder.
They remained in that posture for an hour. Leo sniveled, imagining what he had been through for seven years. After an hour, he felt better, his heart was light and for some reason, he thought his resentment was gone.
“Feeling better now?” Macy asked
Leo nodded with a smile
“Used to think I was the only one tormenting on earth”
“Just because people smile all the time doesn’t mean their life is perfect. That smile is just a symbol of hope and strength”
“You in touch with your parents..?”
“My father is the maddest drunkard man in Mbeya,” he sighed, “My mother left the Indian abode and is now living at Mbalizi.”
“You hate them?”
“Don’t know… apart from the fact that they gave birth to me, we don’t any other special bond”
“My father was a good man!”
“Good men must die but death can’t kill their names”
That day was one of the unsurpassed days to Leo. He enjoyed Macy’s company and felt at ease. He even forgot about Benjamin.
“Can we go out for fresh air?” Macy said
Leo stood, “You sure?”
They held each others' hands and walked into the light.