City Boy — Hive

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After Tobi's father died years ago. He was left with his mother who spent most of her time working hard to feed Tobi and his two sisters. She had a farm where she grew most of the food they ate - cassava, maize, beans, plantain, and many green vegetables. Along with farming she also traded dry fish, palm oil, and kerosene in the local market.

Tobi was now twelve years old and had spent most of his time on the farm with his mother. While his sisters help their mother in trading at the market. And although Tobi was having fun helping his mother the best way he could. He had never left the village in which he was born and that was now beginning to bother him.
He had heard many stories from his friends who traveled to the city, about the city and the people in it. One of his friends Micheal whose uncle lived in Lagos told him of how his uncle had a water tap in the same compound where he lived. Tobi didn't believe lived, he said it was impossible. But Micheal swore to the truth by touching his tongue with his first finger and pointing it to the sky. And this thrilled Tobi.
The simple idea of having a water source very close to home, made Tobi marvel with joy because there were no water taps in the village, all they had was a hand water pump which was located on the outskirt of the village, and a local stream. But the problem with this stream is that, it had a rough road and on various occasions, people fall victim to this roughness breaking their water pot in the process.
Tobi was in love with the idea of the big city and prayed that one day he would be there.

One day, after a hectic day at the farm Tobi returned home to find his uncle Chike at home. He was surprised because his uncle Chike had the custom of always informing them before his arrival. But that didn't stop him from running to him and embracing him. Uncle Chike is the only person in Tobi's extended family that still dared to provide for the upkeep of Tobi and his sisters, the rest of his uncles would usually be nonchalant to the affairs of Tobi and his siblings and turn a blind eye to them despite being wealthy. But Tobi wasn't bothered by any of this, the fact that his uncle Chike still cared for them was enough to spark joy in every fiber of his being.
That night when Tobi's mother and sister returned from the market, the entire compound echoed with joy as they welcome their uncle Chike. Tobi's mother was glad to see her younger brother again after what seemed a like century. The two siblings began to catch up on lost time while the children focused on unwrapping the gifts uncle Chike brought for them.

By the time the children were all asleep, Tobi's mother and her brother Chike began to discuss more serious matters. They talked about life, family, business, and most importantly Chike. They talked in a low tone so as not to attract any unwanted listeners, but as they spoke Tobi was still awake from too much excitement, so he eavesdropped. By the time Tobi's mother and her brother Chike were done Tobi had retired to his room. But he still couldn't sleep. His mind was was busy processing all he had heard. First, his uncle had gotten a new job and is now moving to Lagos but what made Tobi more excited was that he would be going with his uncle Chike to Lagos. He smiled still deep in thought until finally, he fell asleep.
The next morning, Tobi's mother called him to inform him of the good news. Tobi already knew what they were about to say to him and so they don't get suspicious he decided to save some excitement until after the news. After Uncle Chike told Tobi the news. He jumped with excitement but this time he didn't hold any joy back.
That morning Uncle Chike travel back to Onitsha where he stayed with his family so they could prepare for the journey which was to be on weekend.

The rest of the week was filled with excitement as Chike went about the village telling them of how in a few days he would become a city boy. His friends hailed and chanted "city boy". Although Tobi was not the first of his peers to have visited the big city. The fact that he is being referenced as a city boy was enough to stroke his pride.

As the day of departure neared, Tobi's excitement increasingly diminished and he quickly was brought back to reality. He began to question his departure, the fact that his mother would be left alone to cultivate and harvest the farmland didn't sit well with him. He began to think of how he would help his mother from far away. But his mother did seem to be bothered at all.
The night before the day of departure, Tobi couldn't sleep. He kept twisting and turning all over his bed. He tried very much to make himself fall asleep but failed brutally. Finally, he got up from his bed and went to the kitchen to get a glass of water. On his way to the kitchen, he began to hear voices. And among the voices he heard, one stood very familiar. A feminine voice that belonged to his mother. He took a detour and headed towards the voices until he arrived at the living room. The living room was dark but poorly illuminated by the oil lamp at the center so that the faces of the people seating in there could be seen. He peered through the widely open door. He could make three figures seated in the living room. Two males and one female. One of the male figures was his uncle Chike, while the female was his mother who was weeping bitterly. The other male figure's face was hidden in the shadows, he couldn't make much of it until he moved a little bit closer. He gasped and froze with shock. His legs trembled as the familiar face stared at him with horror in his eyes. "YOU FAILED ME, SON! " The familiar voice echoed in a deep villainous tone. Instantly Tobi screamed as loud as he could until he woke from his insane dream.

When he woke, he found himself surrounded by his mother and his sisters, and instantly he hugged his mother and broke down in tears. That night Tobi's morale was broken. He refused to talk to anyone.
When morning came, uncle Chike arrived at the compound very early. He wanted to make sure that he and Tobi would catch the next lorry back to Onitsha from where they would then travel by bus to the big city. When he arrived, he found everybody silent.
"What's the matter?", He asked Tobi's mother who was sweeping the compound when he entered. "Where is Tobi?"
Tobi's mother didn't know exactly what to tell her brother, so she started from the beginning. And when she was done Tobi's uncle called him out. Although Tobi didn't want to respond he did anyway.
"What's the matter Tobi? ", Uncle Chike asked still trying to rush things up to meet up with the schedule.
"I can't go with you uncle Chike", Tobi replied after a brief moment of silence.
"Why?!" The only words that flew out of Chike and his sister's mouths.
"I saw papa in my dreams and he said I failed", he said, his voice shaking with tears. "If I go, mama won't have any help her on the farm...I can't go, uncle Chike, I can't". Tobi said finally breaking down in tears.
Chike and his sister were shocked but instantly tackled the situation.
"Okay, Tobi listen to me... your mother will be fine she is strong and besides, she has your two strong sisters to help out". He said trying to console Tobi. " Your father would still be proud of you because you'll be a big boy and also you'll be back in school ehhnn.. or don't you want to go to school?"
Tobi simply nodded at the statement.
" Okay.. go inside and pack your bags so we can catch the lorry".
Tobi went into the house to pack his clothes as everyone waited for him.
After waiting for two hours without any reply from Tobi, Tobi's mother went in to check on him and found that he was not there. His window was wide open, it had no burglary and So she believed that Tobi ran away.
They spent the rest of the day searching for Tobi until evening came and they found him at his father's burial ground deep in tears. They took Tobi back home and decided to let him stay but it was already too late for his uncle Chike to depart so he spent the night at his sister's home in hopes of departing early the next morning.
That night Tobi lay in his bed awake, still troubled by his thoughts when his mother walked in. She sat on part of the bed close to Tobi and held him by the hand.
"What's the matter, Tobi... I thought you loved the city?"
"I do.."
"Then what's the matter?"
"I pro..mi...I promised papa that I would never leave your side. But if I leave now, I'm breaking my promise."
"Is that all?"
"Yes, mama", Tobi replied.
His mother held him close to her bosom," As long as you come back, I'll be fine."
They spent the rest of the night reminiscing old memories that made them laugh and smile.
The next morning, as Tobi's uncle was about to leave. Tobi apologize for the happenings of the previous day and promised him that once he was ready he would come and visit him in Lagos. His uncle smiled and said, "until then, I'll be waiting" as he left to catch the lorry back to Onitsha.

This is a nice story, which could really shine with some editing. Tobi experienced great wonder, yet realized that having integrity meant more to him than chasing a dream. This is a nice resolution, which lets us know that Tobi will revisit that dream when the time is right.

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