“I am giving you this to sell. I want all my money, you hear me?” the man hissed furiously.

“But you said it was my last load.” Daniel said.

The man grabbed him by the collar. Daniel’s body shivered. Michael stood up, thinking of running away. The man stared at him thinking he would attack him, he was just like Daniel. Instead the man laughed when he approached Michael. Michael’s body shivered, he even peed on himself. The big man noticed and laughed. Daniel looked at his friend then he walked to him and noticed his wet trousers.

“Who is this boy?” the big man shouted.

“He is my friend.” Daniel answered.

“Then your friend will help you.” he said then left.

“Who was that?” Micheal asked breathing heavily.

“Eish, this man is dangerous.” he said.

Daniel told him that the big man was a loan shark he couldn’t pay back, so he would have to sell drugs to pay his debt. Michael stared into space, scared. He didn’t want to be involved in drugs but where would he go? He quickly removed his trousers and put them into a basin. He poured water from a 20 litre bottle and washed it using a green rectangular soap.

“Put it on that stool to dry.” Daniel told him before he slept.

Michael then tried to sleep, but couldn’t close his eyes. He stared into space thinking about what Daniel had said. Should I get involved with this? What if it backfires? His stomach kept making some crushing noises until then he finally fell asleep.

The next morning it was so noisy in the shack. Michael sat and watched Daniel who had been snoring. The metal walls had holes so he could smell the air outside. Someone was smoking close the shack and that’s when he saw a man’s shadow passing by. A loud knock on the door terrified him. Michael stared at the door, unable to move, he was more scared. What if he opened and found a gun pointing at him?

“Who is it?” Daniel shouted, waking up.

“Open up Daniel.” a hoarse voice spoke.

He stood up and got the door. He yawned and wiped his eyes. He hit the chair by mistake while he was yawning. Michael got up and folded his blankets.

“It’s so early Musa.” Daniel clicked his tongue.

“Are you coming with us today?” A short, dark guy said.

“Oh yes, yes.” he answered.

“Do you have the stuff? I will pay when we raid today.” he said, looking at the inside of the shack.

Daniel opened a khaki box and took a small packet and gave it to him. The short man sniffed the white powder and sighed. He then put it on his finger and sucked it.

“Who is this fellow?” he asked.

“He’s my friend. Let me prepare, then we will meet you at the mall.” he said, slamming the door.

He wore something decent because he had slept in shorts. Michael checked his trousers on the stool, they were dry and he wore them.

“Wash your face in that basin.” Daniel said and went out.

Michael grabbed the basin and poured water in it and washed his face and wiped his armpits. He wished he could have water running on his body. He applied Vaseline on his face and hands.

“Let’s go brother.” Daniel said while he showed his face by the door. He quickly grabbed his watch and followed his friend.

***

Tell us: Do you think Michael will end up joining the life of crime?