Why do you want to help me?
Jane sounded normal for the first time since I resumed at the house as a caregiver. I have been without a job for close to a year with a family to provide for. Since then any job that comes my way I jumped at.
Before I started on the job, everyone knew me to be a man of integrity and they had promised to help me when any job opening was noticed. One fateful evening, a call from an unknown phone number came on my phone.
Good evening.
A feminine voice from the other end said.
Good evening ma'am. How may I be of help, please.
That was my response as I wasn't expecting any calls.
A friend referred you to me. I have a job for you if you are willing.
Without thinking twice, I jumped from my sitting position and walked into my room to continue the conversation.
I am ready ma. Where can I meet you?
She gave me the address and we ended the conversation. Working at the highbrow Ikoyi has been my dream and this, I am not going to let it slide. Throughout the night I could not sleep as many thoughts enveloped my mind.
Early in the morning, I woke up and prepared to be on my way to Ikoyi. I was not going to take any chances having been without a job for over twelve months.
Before 7:30 am, I was already standing at the gate of the address I got from the caller last night.
Good morning sir. I am here to see madam.
I spoke lightly to the armed policeman at the gate.
Which madam?
Since I didn't ask for her name last night, right there at the gate, I put a call across. It was like she was expecting me. I was asked to hand over the phone to the policeman who opened the gate for me after the conversation with the madam and led me through the large compound until we arrived at an exquisite living room.
Upon reaching the living room, the policeman returned to his duty post while I was offered a seat. I could not believe that in my wildest dreams I would be in such a place at that point in time of my life.
My mind traveled through the walls and roof of the building only to be brought back when madam started a conversation.
We have a little problem that we want you to take care of.
Madam Kofo (real name withheld) started. Now my attention was fixed on what next she would say.
One of my daughters is battling mental health issues. Though, she wasn't born like that.
Now, things are getting weird. How do I handle a mad person?
We have a conviction plus what the medical psychiatrists handling her have said, she will overcome it in a short while.
She explained further.
Alright ma. What are the conditions attached to the job?
Madam heaved a sigh of relief, sat up.on the chair and pronounced the salary structure. $150 weekly and one day off with other incentives.
My heart skipped. That is a lot of money. My heart began to bear faster. I knew it was a risky job but I am ready to take it instead of being jobless, at least, I would now take money home for the family.
In a nutshell, I started work on that very day. Madam Kofo took me to the room where Jane had been locked up all to herself.
The only instruction she gave me was that the lady must not leave the room on any occasion. I was to feed her and clean up her mess. One thing she told me that have me much confidence was:
You were reported to be very clever and intelligent, please don't let me down.
I promised to be a good caregiver. From that moment, as I entered the room, Jane lay on the bed lazily. All she did was to stare at me as I cleaned her room and the bathroom. I played some music while cleaning.
The job of a caregiver wasn't as easy as I thought but I enjoyed every bit of it. I ate good food and kept some in the fridge to take home every weekend. In the house, they don't eat stale food. Once a meal is served the remnant is seen as a waste. So, I engaged myself to keep as much as I could.
At the end of the first week, I got paid a whopping $150. That is about five times what I was earning before when I still had a job.
My family became lively again. I could pay my children's school fees without struggle. My wife started a provision shop business and overtime, we enlarged it to a mini supermarket.
One day, in the fifth month on the Job, Jane suddenly called and asked:
Why do you want to help me?
I Looked back and for the first time, she appeared to be alive and smart. She asked me to sit by her bedside. There, she narrated how her mother wanted to force her to marry a man she does not love and how the love of her life was maltreated and threatened never to be seen around her again.
It was a painful experience for Jane, I can tell you. That day, for the first time in three years, Jane and I walked out of her room to the middle of the compound where trees and chairs are stationed for relaxation.
We were there when madam returned from her outing. She was dazed to see Jane and I sitting, talking and laughing. She approached us with her mouth wide open. At this point I knew that something was about to happen.
Kelechi, didn't I tell you that she must not be seen outside?
Madam said, attacking me. But as I replied to her that it was Jane that wanted to get some fresh air, Jane interrupted.
Mom, all this must stop. Look at what you made me look like.
Jane was going to give Madam Kofo a piece of her heart when I held her and we all walked into the building. It was a very long session as mother and child spoke of the wrong actions they took in the past. In the end, they hugged each other and we made merry.
As I returned to my room, I regurgitated that I may be out of job the next morning since Jane had gained her sanity. At this point, I remembered how I had been without a job.
The next morning, Madam Kofo asked me to become their house manager. I was to oversee the running of the house. A task that is all encompassing. Who am I to say no.
Bzzt! Oi @mrenglish, essa história é um buzzz criativo! Meus sentimentos são com você, espero que saiba que isso não é um caso de "Falha no Sistema"! #hivebr
AI generated content
Obrigado, @hivebr. Muitas vezes, procurávamos longe demais o que esperávamos, apenas para encontrá-lo a alguns passos de distância. Como humanos, devemos continuar sendo bons e não esperar nada em troca. No final, a vida será boa para todos.
Bzzzrrr, @mrenglish, sua mensagem me fez refletir sobre o valor do tempo e a importância de apreciar o que temos agora, em vez de esperar por algo melhor. E, obviamente, evitar "Falha no Sistema" é fundamental!
AI generated content
You actually made me remember when I was serving at Chrisland school. There was a guy who worked as a caregiver to one of those students then. He was always looking stressed. I even wanted to take courses for the job but I don’t see it as something I can do because it was too difficult
Caregiving a good career you can build and it pays high. You just have to be patient.
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I like the story and good work on your writing
Oh wow, this story is unreal, but at the same time very touching. Integrity does speak when you least expect
At times we do things people think we would not. You tried ooo left for me I would not have taken the job because of the person involved (mentally disabled)
You are lucky, imagine looking for a job all over again, although you try you best and made Jane to comeback to her old self. Nice one
Never disappoints. Nice one!