Chapter 5: Market Wahala

I waka the whole building materials market, no see iroko wood threshold anywhere.

Boys for market dey look me like say I dey find charm. One mama wey dey sell paint even laugh me, shout, “Sister, na coffin you wan build? Iroko wood na spirit own!” I just ignore dem.

Just as I dey worry, one old carpenter wey get white beard say e get one for house.

The man dey rub his beard, e eye get that shine wey old people dey get when dem wan yarn story. “Wait small, pikin, make I check my store.”

He enter inside, search for long, finally bring one old threshold, the size just correct.

The wood old, but e strong. He tap am, the sound deep, like gong. He laugh, “This wood strong pass some politicians for Abuja.” I smile, feel small relief.

I happy no be small, ask am how much.

My voice sweet, “Oga, abeg, how much for am? Make I pay now now.”

The old man say, “Na useless thing, nobody dey buy am. You fit carry go.”

He just wan know why I need that kind threshold.

E bend head, eye me from up. “My pikin, why you need iroko wood? Wetin you wan block?”

I no wan talk plenty, just form one excuse, drop small change for am, rush comot.

I say na for door repair for hostel, abeg. I troway small money, e no argue. As I dey waka comot, e just dey watch me go.