Short story: Bought my first bike (so) goal of first jet takes off

When our channel, Africanews, decided to close early this year, I started planning my exit from Congo, it had been a thrilling topsy turvy last four years.

The life experiences, the professional growth, the holiday flights, the money, the good life, the peace of mind, the friends, the dynasty and of course, the police harassment. I had loads to be grateful for.

For every possession I had from my relocation package back in 2016, I was gifting it 100%, wasn't selling a pin from that. My mattress, sofa, fridge, utensils, plastic chairs and table etc. Sorry, I was keeping the laptop - just that.

But my landlord, Yannick and his family, my four years neighbours. I don't remember troubling them I can't recall the opposite. In fact, what I can best recall is the 30% rent slash after three and half years. I owed him, his wife and two kids a lot. I was around when the two kids were born.

So from advice of Hajia Fati to be good to people who are good to you. I decided I needed to sign out properly with the family. During discussions with Yannick on my exit, I asked if his son had a bike, he said no. I said I'd get him one.

But the company didn't close, new talks with government and then coronavirus meant we had to stay on and work. But by mid-March, I was choking. How did the closure not happen? I needed my payout and to be back in Ghana - not that I missed Ghana, no!

Miracle? The COVID-19 coverage gave me something to long for. Following the developments cross continent and working at home (story for another day) was the boost to keep working and earning my decent pay. I love the pay.

I had planned money for the bike and other exit gifts and Ramadan meant I made big savings because during lockdown, all transport to and from office was on the company. That money needed be spent on purpose - the bike.

I set out on Tuesday May 26, 2020 and found what I wanted. At the STE Regal shop opposite Hôpital Adolphe Sice, I paid 25,000 XAF and 1000 more for transport back home. The record will have it that I bought my first bicycle today. I did, proud me.

 Oneday if I graduate through all the other locomotives to a jet, remember where I started out from. That very normal day in Pointe Noire when I paid for Fred's bike. Fred, that is Yannick's son's name. That one can make his mother shout.... jeeeez!

Now, I'm thinking what to get the little girl. I might just go to the clothes shop and get her something girly. I was thinking about a train but the rail line is a bit far from our house. Can't stress a girl and a jet too, naaarh, the airspace is closed.

Whatever..... (imagine me rolling my eyes, yes; I can do that.... daaaarh)

Good to fulfill a promise made. Bike handed over. Thanks for wasting your time with my useless story. Next time, do better, or you say I'm crazy?

Shawwal 4, 1441 = May 27, 2020.