The Srange Call

"Hello?"

"Kim, what's up?"

"I'm fine, thank you, sir. You?"

"Fine."

Silence...

"I've just been wondering," he said.

"Wondering?"

"Yes. Are you okay?"

"Ummm! What do you mean?" I asked, perplexed!

"Is everything okay with you? How's everyone? Your siblings?"

"Oh Yes, We are all doing well, thank you," I replied.

"Are you sure?" He persisted.

Toh! Did he hear anything contrary? I mean, is there anything, in particular, he wants to know? Just come out straight and ask, I thought.

"Hnnnm! Do you have food in the house?"

"Yes."

"Is there anything you guys need? You know you can ask me."

Okay, I was very surprised because I didn't expect that. I didn't see it coming at all. 

Where is all this leading to?

I wondered. 

I wasn't comfortable enough to ask him for anything.

I was still looking for the best way to voice my thoughts when he said,

"When I first came across your stuff, I was very impressed. I couldn't believe that we had such a gem. From my village. I was very proud and had to share with others. I couldn't keep it to myself. The people I shared with also shared with others and you know how it goes."

Ha!

"We began to look forward to the stuff but all of a sudden, you went quiet. You rarely share. What is wrong? Did someone tell you to stop? Is there a problem? Talk to me! What can possibly be the prob..."

To say I was confused is an understatement! What was I sharing? 

Oluwa ooo! 

So I interjected. ..

"Please, what stuff are you talking about sir?

What was I sharing and stopped? I'm not sure I know what you are talking about."

His mouth hung open in shock for a while as he stammered before he was finally able to talk.

"You don't know? You don't know? How can you not know? That link you always share, you used to share it weekly but now..."

Oh! Oh! Oh...

"You mean my articles? Posts from my blog?"

"Yes!"

"Your blog posts. What happened? Has your pen gone dry? Is it data? Are you having difficulties that may be slowing your creativity?  What is the problem? Talk to me."

Phew! 

I'm further surprised. I didn't know he read my posts. I was shocked!

In fact,  he's like the 15th person asking me this, but with more drama.

Others asked in passing or casually, but that Uncle, he took it very far and personal. 

"It's none of those things, sir. I actually have written a lot of articles. Why I haven't been posting, I can't explain."

Some people have wondered why I only send them links. 

Tells me they don't even read the brief write-ups before the links. 

Some told me they blocked me because I was only sending broadcast messages.

Some even said to stop forwarding links to them, while some are constantly asking when my next post will be out.

"You see sir, I've had to think of the number of people I forward my writeups to. I've removed some from my list. I'm still pruning and trimming my list."

"So that discouraged you?" 

"Not really. I'm just reorganising my self. And Instagram isn't helping. My posts don't get posted. I like to post from one place and...

I'll do something about it, Sir."

"Then do so, and quick! I can assure you, for every person who hisses when they get your link, ten more giggles in delight. 

Besides, this is life. Not everyone will appreciate what you do, but for everyone that does appreciate it, you owe it to them to keep at it and to keep improving at  it!"

"Don't ever be discouraged!"

"You are restoring hope to this generation. Reviving the reading culture."

Wow!!!

"You hear me?"

"Yes sir!"

"Good. So when is your next post?"

"Before the weekends Sir."

"Good! I'm waiting. And you can be sure I'll remind you." 

"I know sir."

"What network do use for data?"

"Glo, Sir."

"Okay. I'll send you data for a month. I don't want to hear stories!"

"Kim!"

"Sir!"

"Don't stop writing and sharing, no matter what. Nhuwa ghu mi yhi?" (Do you hear me? In Gwong  language)"

"Yes sir. I won't stop Sir."

"Promise?"

"I promise Sir."

"Good girl. In fact, Data for the next five months on me!"😅

Waaawhoooo!

Just to pen down my random thoughts???

Oya na!😂😃

So I resume posting with our conversation...