ABOUT THIS BOOK
Description
Ever since they arrived at the motor park in Lagos, Idrisu had been constantly berating and mistreating Beelal for being too slow. He completely ignored the boy's physical challenge and disability, carelessly dragging him along by the hand as they plowed through the crowded park. No one paid them any attention; everyone was focused on their own business. Tears streamed continuously down Beelal's face, worsened by the biting hunger he was feeling.
Eventually, Idrisu hailed a commercial motorcycle (okada). Beelal climbed on first, and Idrisu mounted behind him, and that was how they traveled to the neighborhood where Idrisu lived. They were dropped off in front of a shop, and Idrisu pulled out some money to pay the rider.
"Hey, you crippled cat, look closely at where I sleep. I don't stay here for free; I pay rent. Everything you see in Lagos costs money, unlike back home where we came from. Over there, someone might give you a shop out of charity just for people to use, or some can even give people a house to stay in for free," Idrisu said, throwing a disdainful look at Beelal.
"Okay, Father, I will—"
"Don't you dare ever call me that name again! I handed you over to your mother, Fatima, a very long time ago. We are only going to live here as partners who help each other out. If you help yourself by bringing in enough money, you will get food. If you don't bring anything in, then go to sleep knowing you will starve."
Tears rolled down Beelal's face before he could even open his mouth to speak. He could already foresee the agonizing and miserable life awaiting him in the city of Lagos. He had been separated from his loving mother, who cherished him deeply—a woman who, no matter the hardship or difficulty, would always find something for him to eat. Even if she had to go hungry herself, she preferred to feed him first, finding her happiness in his satisfaction. Now, he had been brought to a place where he knew absolutely no one except the very man who despised him and refused to even be called his father, all because of the disability God had created him with.
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