Crisis | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Crisis | Previous Challenge Entry
By Bukola Jimoh
04/07/09
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES

“Sister, buy this”, a jeweller called, displaying a set of beautiful necklace, bracelet and matching pendants. “Twenty-four carats, very durable…”, he continued. The glimmer of the gold shone in her eyes as the sun reflected on the jewelries perfectly placed on a black velvety cloth in a glass plate. Kemi irresistibly made for the wares when another trader tugged at her cloth drawing her attention to the soft-coloured gowns hung in a corner of a big boutique with glass doors and walls for showcase. She shoved the person angrily but took another look. I want that. Kemi made a mental note. She tossed into her shopping bag the set of jewelries she had bought and moved on the line of the market. What if someone picks it? She knew she would not shop well if she didn’t pick that gown. She immediately turned back and dashed into the boutique. Negotiation didn’t take time. The shop attendant smiling handed her the gown nicely packed in a bag. “I wouldn’t wear that bare, you know”, the attendant advised. “There’s a matching clutch here”, showing her a shiny cute triangular shaped pink clutch bag on a stand. Beneath it was also a matching pair of peep shoes, accessories, mufflers, make-ups, perfumes… “Wow!” her face beamed like a child’s. The attendant gave a pleasing smile. Kemi brought her wallet out from her handbag trembling with excitement. But her cash was low. “Some minutes, please”, she told the attendant and rushed to the door. On her way out, she remembered her list. Rummaging through her bag, she drew out the paper. She has not ticked any yet. She has not bought anything on the list! She consoled herself that she still had money in her account. She looked for an automated teller machine around. Seeing one just at the gate of the market, she brought out her card to slot in. But then the monitor read:

TEMPORARILY OUT OF SERVICE

She hissed in disgust and went for another one.

YOUR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE

She thought of the stress of staying on the bank queue, but she had no choice. “Taxi!” She flagged down a cab. She jumped into the taxi and her watch beeped. 4 O’clock. “Goodness! The banks have closed.” The car radio was on and tuned to Wind FM. It was time for news.

…there is a sudden crisis in town. The police are yet to find the root cause of it but so far it is a tribal riot. The government has therefore declared a curfew effective tomorrow, which it says might extend if no calm…

Kemi sank into the seat. She had intended to shop for food stuff. She was dismayed. She just has junk food in the refrigerator. What am I going to do? She directed the driver to her house.
“We have arrived”, announced the driver as he pulled over. Paying him, Kemi alighted and slouched to her door angry at all she had bought, angry at herself, angry at the traders, angry at everything, everybody. She turned the lock, opened the door and slammed it behind her to shut the world out.

PREVIOUS ENTRY | NEXT ENTRY
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY FOR THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.

If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE

JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.