It had been a long and tiring day, much like any other Friday. I had a multitude of clients to
attend to and was relieved when the last one finally left. My stomach was growling, and I had
been checking my gold watch every few minutes, eagerly awaiting the closing time. When it
finally arrived, I quickly turned off my office's air conditioning and quickly made my exit.
As I passed through the secretariat, I noticed the secretary diligently typing away. She might
have been so engrossed in her work that she lost track of time. When she saw me passing, she
inquired about my departure.
"Sir, are you leaving already?" she asked.
"As you can see," I replied.
"Won't you wait for me?" she asked, her smile betraying her curiosity.
"I'm afraid not," I said, "I have somewhere else to be."
She seemed disappointed, but I reassured her with one of my favorite sayings. I then hastened
downstairs to my parked car, greeting the security man, Mr. Frederick, along the way.
"Fine boy, are you going home already?" he inquired.
"Yes, Mr. Frederick. It's past closing time," I replied. "Is there anything you need me to do for
you?"
"No, thank you," he said with a smile. "Just checking."
I bid him a good day and asked him to pass on my greetings to his wife. He obliged, but I
couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious about the "Fine boy" moniker he had bestowed upon
me.
"Look here, Mr. Frederick," I said, stopping to speak with him again. "I think it's time you and the
others stop calling me Fine Boy. My name is John, and I'd appreciate it if you could address me
accordingly."
He chuckled and wished me a blessed day before returning to his post.
As the CEO of the company, I had earned a reputation as the "rainmaker" among my staff, as
they believed that my presence guaranteed financial success.
Mr. Fedrick, the security guard, was particularly fond of me and would often speak highly of me
at the office and even at a local off-license bar he frequented after work.
One evening, I happened to pass by the off-license while Mr. Fedrick was there, and he invited
me to join him for a drink. I agreed, and he continued to sing my praises to everyone around us,
including the bar owner and other customers.
I smiled and bought a round of drinks for the group, but little did I know that Mr. Fedrick's
excessive flattery had attracted the wrong kind of attention.
It turned out that the married owner of the bar was smitten with me, and Mr. Fedrick's hyping
had only fueled her infatuation. I soon found myself in a potentially dangerous situation, and it
was only by the grace of God that I was able to avoid any trouble.
From that day on, I couldn't shake off the feeling that Mr. Fedrick's hyping was not only
excessive but also potentially harmful.
I appreciated his admiration and loyalty, but I couldn't allow him to continue making me the
center of attention in such a way.
As I entered my vehicle and started driving, I couldn't help but smile as I recalled my amusing
conversation with the security guard, despite feeling exhausted.
He was an elderly man with a great sense of humor, who I had come to regard as a father
figure. Although he was my subordinate, I always made sure to show him the respect he
deserved. Life had not been kind to him, so it was my duty to lift his spirits whenever I could.
As I left the main road and entered my street, my phone rang. I checked the caller ID and saw
that it was my friend, James. "Hello, Bro," I answered.
"Hello, have you finished work?" he asked.
"Yes, I'm driving home right now," I replied.
"Great! I just wanted to remind you that my flight is on Sunday," he said.
"Oh, I almost forgot. So, that means we'll hang out before Sunday, right?" I asked.
"Yes, Bro. I was wondering if you could come this evening. I want us to spend some time
together before I leave on Sunday," he replied.
"Spend time with who? Are you my girlfriend?" I joked.
"You're my friend, the strongest of all my male friends," he laughed.
I see. Well, I'm afraid I can't make it this evening. I've had a long day. But I'll come tomorrow,
very early in the morning," I said.
"No problem, Bro. I'm leaving for Douala tonight and will be staying at a hotel near the airport.
Once you arrive in town, let me know. In fact, we'll be in touch as you make your way there," he
replied.
"Okay, Bro. I'll let you know. Thanks," I said.
"Thank you," he replied before hanging up.
My friend, James, has recently obtained a visa to travel abroad, which is why he invited me to
accompany him to the airport.
We have been friends for a significant amount of time, having known each other since
childhood.
As a result, I will miss him dearly upon his departure, although I suppose my feelings would be
less intense had I been married.
In my mid-thirties, I was financially secure and content with my life. I had no desire for a
committed relationship or marriage. I went about my daily routine, enjoying my independence.
On a typical morning, I would head to the fridge for a quick meal before freshening up and
retiring for the night.
The following day, I decided to take a trip to Douala, and I kept in touch with my friend James
throughout the journey. As I arrived in Douala, James promptly picked me up and we chatted on
route to his hotel.
"Man, you're fast," James said with a smile.
"Yeah, I left early to avoid traffic," I replied. "If I had driven myself, I would have arrived even
sooner."
"Why didn't you bring your own car?"
"To be honest, I'm not comfortable driving on highways yet," I admitted. "I can handle driving
within the town, but intercity driving is a bit too daunting for me."