Not mine to give.
The day unfolded and the shameless dry sun shone relentlessly through the afternoon, especially on Sam. Felicity messaged her brother.
“Hello Sam, please pass by the vegetable vendor, Lucia, in the market on your way home from work and collect the vegetables I requested. I already spoke to her,” she said.
“Hi. I don’t have much work today. I’ll call you when I’m at the market. Could you please share Lucia’s contact, if possible?” he replied candidly.
Felicity had previously made a similar request to Lucia, which ended in disappointment. Normally, she visited Lucia herself and was always satisfied with both the quantity and service. Sam had only recently moved in with Felicity, so he wasn’t used to running such errands. But that first time, things didn’t go as planned. “Today Lucia took advantage, ehh! She didn’t even spare my reputation. These bunches aren’t worth my two hundred shillings,” Felicity complained bitterly. “She can’t afford to lose me as a customer, but this way, she’s wearing out her welcome.”
Later, she confronted Lucia and threatened to stop buying from her. Lucia claimed the vegetables were expensive that day and the market had been unfriendly. Hoping to retain her loyal customer, she promised Felicity fresher spinach and a discount later in the week.
That evening, Sam passed by the market. Lucia was in a cheerful mood. She loaded Sam’s basket generously with spinach, sukuma wiki and more.
“Oh! It’s too heavy, should I call a porter?” groaned Sam, lifting the load.
“No need,” Lucia smiled. “Felicity will truly be thankful.”
Sam waded through the bustling market to the bus station. He boarded and settled into his seat.
At a subsequent stop, a street vendor entered the bus, selling sweets. She called out repeatedly, “Sweets! Sweets!” catching the passengers’ attention.
Sam, like most others, shook his head in refusal. But the vendor wasn’t satisfied. Her sweets sold for five shillings apiece.
Seeing his indifference, she said loudly, “If you can’t support me by buying, wouldn’t you at least share your vegetables with me?” Through the lone tune from the bus speakers, her voice caught even the nearby pedestrians. Sam sank into silence, caught off guard.
“I wonder why some human beings are so unwilling to help,” she muttered as she moved on.
At home, Felicity received Sam joyfully. She opened the basket and smiled brightly.
“These are lovely! Lucia really came through today!” she exclaimed.
But Sam stood silently, his face dimmed dumb and heartbroken.
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