THE MAN IN THE MIRROR

The clock struck one. School over for the child of no father, else hunger knocks constantly at his door, the rest of the day. Like Peter Parker, he hastily changed into his service cloth behind the school building. Looking more like a garage tout, with a rolled sleeves, tatty jean and a pair of slippers. He adjusted his collar, dusted his trouser and raced to his mother, at the market. All his mother afforded to keep him educated were sales of sachet water, both iced and the chilled ones.

In a market situated near a construction site, competition was a pattern, tough and unbroken. And for an aged, anemic widow to triumph in such, took the utmost grace of God. Her only salvation was Fide, her son. Fide, who took advantage of his speed, helped his mother sell on major roads during traffic jam. He posed a threat to those who hawked the same goods as him, thereby having them sell far away, abhorring him in the process.

Not even a smile. They all wore a frown like a hungry job hunter. Everywhere was stuck; cars, buses, even trailers frustratingly hooted at the unknown, deadlock on the road. How would I pay my fees if you aren't in this, Fide almost said as he scurried to a customer who was thirsty. The traffic subsided.

“Pure water!”

Reflex, he turned towards the direction he heard it from, then dashed to catch up with the bus his customer was. He ran as fast as his legs could take him, but missed the opportunity to add an extra naira to his pocket.

Splash! The bag of sachet water kissed the ground. The bike man didn't wait, he zoomed off. Arms akimbo, Fide gazed at the man until his perspective faded away. Confused, he had no friend to talk to save one, the man in the mirror. He walked to a quiet street as usual and stood next to a car.

He smiled, seeing his likeness form on the glass of the car. He talked on and on to his icon; consoling himself that one day he’d make it big, having enough to take care of his mother. The man in the mirror was a sharp contrast compared to him. Fide inched home with half the usual money in his pocket.

“I was almost knocked down by a motorcycle and as I tried dodging, the bag fell on the floor.” He explained.

The mother smiled, drew him closer and patted his head. “It’s well. Go get your food in the kitchen.”

“I’m sorry ma.” He sniffled. “I promise to make it early enough to take care of you.”

She smiled.

The words set in motion are very more effective with a determined heart.

The beam of light from the sun hit his sleepy face, alerting him for the day’s task. He stretched out of bed, cleaned himself and got on the road to sell before his mother woke up. He walked pass a jeep parked in front of a supermarket. Its tinted glass portrayed vividly his friend, the man in the mirror, so he retreated to the jeep.

“I’m going to make it big someday. I’m going to make my mother proud today, after selling more than I use to. And in the near future, I will be rich enough to take good care of her. I’m down today but I will sure get up tomorrow. I’m great. I know I am.” He pointed, determined, to the man in the mirror. “Thank you. Thank you very much for believing in...”

The glass slid down. The man in the mirror disappeared. Fide stood, stunned, as he installed his eyes on the man in the jeep.

“I find it hard not to believe in you.” The man grinned. “Come in.”

Fide shuffled into the jeep and his story changed.