Bariga, a vibrant suburb of Lagos, was the backdrop of David and Moses’ story. From childhood, they were inseparable, two sides of the same coin. Their friendship was the pride of the neighborhood, exemplifying camaraderie and brotherhood. They attended the same schools, shared the same dreams, and faced the same struggles.
As young boys, David and Moses explored every corner of Bariga together. They played football on dusty fields, swam in the murky waters of the local canal, and attended the same primary and secondary schools. Their families, recognizing the strength of their bond, often shared meals and celebrated festivals together.
"Do you remember when we used to play by the old mango tree?" Moses asked one evening, a smile lighting up his face.
David laughed, nodding. "And how we’d climb it, pretending to be kings of the world. Those were the days."
After secondary school, both David and Moses gained admission to the University of Lagos, a testament to their hard work and determination. University life was a whirlwind of lectures, assignments, and new experiences. They navigated it all together, supporting each other through every challenge.
However, after graduation, reality hit hard. The Nigerian job market was brutal. Despite their degrees, they spent nearly four years searching for stable employment, their hopes fading with each passing day. They took odd jobs to survive, but it was never enough.
One afternoon, as they sat on the verandah of David’s small apartment, an unexpected visitor arrived. It was Kunle, an old friend from university who had found success in the corporate world.
“David! Moses! Long time no see,” Kunle greeted with a broad smile. “I have some good news for you.”
David and Moses perked up, curiosity and hope flickering in their eyes. Kunle explained that his company was hiring and that he could secure one of them a position with a monthly salary of 300,000 naira.
“But there’s a catch,” Kunle said, his tone becoming serious. “There’s only one position available.”
The room fell silent. The offer was a lifeline after years of struggle, but the idea of one taking it while the other continued to suffer was unthinkable.
“Maybe they can create another position?” Moses suggested, desperation creeping into his voice.
Kunle shook his head. “I tried. It’s a small company and they can’t afford to hire two people right now. It’s either one of you or none.”
That evening, David and Moses sat in uneasy silence, the weight of the decision hanging over them. They discussed it for hours, but neither wanted to be the one to step down. Their friendship, once their greatest strength, now seemed to be tearing them apart.
Days turned into weeks, and the tension between David and Moses grew unbearable. Arguments became a daily occurrence, and the warmth of their friendship faded into cold resentment. Their families, once so close, watched in sorrow as the bond between the two young men disintegrated.
“This isn’t right,” David said one night, his voice strained. “We shouldn’t let this job come between us.”
“I know,” Moses replied, frustration evident in his tone. “But what choice do we have? We both need this.”
The breaking point came during a particularly heated argument. Harsh words were exchanged, and in a moment of blind rage, they came to blows. Bloodied and exhausted, they stared at each other, realization dawning on their faces about how far they had fallen.
The next day, tragedy struck. Moses was found dead in his apartment, and the news sent shockwaves through Bariga. The cause of death was unclear, but rumors and suspicions quickly spread, with many pointing the finger at David. Their recent fight and the unresolved job issue made him the prime suspect.
Bariga mourned the loss of Moses and the end of an iconic friendship, a poignant reminder of how quickly dreams can turn into nightmares.
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