A choice to make

As the sun peered behind the mountains, its warmness through its hand like rays raced into the valley.

But too late the rooster saw it approaching and gave a warning crow to the sleeping villagers.

Soon the village came alive with children sun bathing and others playing. Old man with their tobacco puffing away as the woman prepared the breakfast for the family.

It was time to leave his humble dwellings and move into the capital city. He pondered on the words he heard from his now retired teacher father. A life a journey in a foreign land he was heading for. The lines kept ringing through his mind " Do good to others and be faithful to God in your service to man". Those lines were his guidance in what was ahead of him.

The farewells were emotional after breakfast. He hugged his parents with tears and his siblings so young watched in confussion. It was time to leave with just a bag with two shorts and two shirts he waved for the last time and turned to join the team of young men who would escort him to the main road.

The branches of the trees gave shade for the 4 hours walk.They sang as they walked. The birds responded with their whistling chants. He'd miss all this but knew he'd still one day return.

When finally seated he raised his hands to wave until he could see the hound men no more. Bowed in prayer for protection for both him and his loved ones in that remote mountainous village.

The city lights were welcoming he was amazed at what he saw. His new home had taps and running water. No more firewood but a stove both electrical and gas. Life he thought to himself is paradise out here.

The days turned into weeks and into months then into years. He had not been home for two solid years. The last letter from his dad were encouraging lines to pursue his goal as a detective in the police force. He passed out after two years in flying colours.

The following two years were tough but exciting as many cases of fraud were unveiled but tension grew each day as his job took him deeper into the political stage.

Being involved in such duties saw how risky it was. On bended knees each night he'd seek God's protection and guidance.

He watched over his men like an eagle and trained each to do likewise for those under their care. Loyalty was the game that was paramount. But soon the love for his job turned sour. Bribery stole many of his men. They ended up been the victims and were thrown into prison.

He then pledged to dig deeper into their cases to prove their innocence.

The journey was long and tiring of sleepless nights. A cup of coffee each night and a plate of rice and ox and palm kept him going during the day. Undercover he worked at night to his astonishment found names all linked to a particular man in the business world. He sank into his chair as cold as flint. Fear like never before crept into his mind. How could this be, a tribesman respected at home could be such a corrupted leader. The innocent men put behind bars were loyal to him. He was in a tug of war in his mind. If to uphold honesty he would need to bring his own uncle down.

Emotions distorted his mind sent him to hospital that required his service to take a break . News reached home brought his father and two young men to his bedside. At home after a week he returned to work. Left the case to solve itself of which a month later it did.

But that hit him hard he lost his uncle to a hit and run. 

Since his old man was still around . The father had to take his younger brother home. He had to go with him but deep within shame and guilt overwhelmed with sorrow sank into his heart. He blamed himself for the death of his uncle. If he had brought him to justice he'd be still alive. How many more of his people would he burry ? Was it worth been a detective and conceal what you know? A choice he has to make when he returns to the city.