A wise man once said, ‘Do not make fun of other people’s misfortunes because they may come upon you.

A wise man once said, ‘Do not make fun of other people’s misfortunes because they may come upon you.’ This story of Abigal proves this saying —

“Abigal guess what? You just got the achievement for the poorest girl in school.” Anna said as she and her friends burst into laughter. Abigal put her head down and kept quiet.

“Why are you not talking?” Anna asked. “You don’t know the poverty has taken over her voice.” Isabella, Anna’s friend, said as they left the place.

Abigal leaves her head down crying as her friend Zion comes to meet her. “Why do they keep doing this to you?” Zion asked. “It’s none of your business, just leave me alone,” Abigal said. “I’m sorry I was just…” Zion said but was cut off by Abigal.

“Just what? Let me guess, you were just asking or you just came to advice me. I know we’re friends but please just distant yourself from me. I’m too poor to look at,” Abigal said as she ran away.

“I don’t get why she keeps saying that,” Zion said.

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After a long and hurtful day at school, Abigal comes home crying. “Abigal, darling, why are you crying?” Mrs. Ilori, Abigal’s mom asked. “Mummy, why are we poor?” Abigal asked. “Is that why you’re crying?” Mrs. Ilori asked. “Mummy, that was not the question,” Abigal said. “It’s like you’re not appreciating the fact that we provide food and other things for you,” Mrs. Ilori said. “Mummy, I’m the only child, yet we are still poor,” Abigal said. “Will you shut up there,” Mrs. Ilori commanded. “Look, Abigal, I understand the fact that we are an average family. You’re not the only one in this, I get laughed at everyday at work because I’m a janitor. I’m telling you, those people even throw litter on the floor just to annoy me. Despite the fact that they do that, I still keep my calm. Your father too is a teacher at a school and he doesn’t get paid well. People also mock him at his place of work. Abigal, just be patient. God will help us at His own time,” Mrs. Ilori said.

“I love your speech and all but that hasn’t answered my question.” Abigal said. “Excuse you, young lady, who are you talking to?” Mrs. Ilori asked. “Mummy, I get laughed at and tortured at school everyday. People even nickname me ‘Misfortune’. At least people in your work place don’t call you that.” Abigal said. “Abigal, go to your room now,” Mrs. Ilori commanded, pointing towards Abigal’s room. Abigal storms angrily into her room and locks the door behind her.

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The next day at school, Abigal went to her usual spot near the trash to eat lunch, but Anna and her friends come to disturb her. Anna pours smoothie on Abigal’s hair.

“Oops, that was a mistake. Are you okay?” Anna asked sarcastically as she and her friends burst into laughter. “What you gonna do?” Isabella asked facing Abigal. “You guys should leave me alone,” Abigal shouted as the whole cafeteria was filled with silence. After some seconds, they all burst into laughter. “Look, you have no right to talk to us that way. Though we’re in the same set, we’re not mates. You’re poor and worthless, let that sink into your brain.” Anna said pouring water on Abigal’s head. “At least now, she won’t have to bath.” Isabella said. “Are you sure she has even bathed today?” Phoebe, another friend of Anna said as they burst into laughter. Suddenly, Mrs. Victory, the school counsellor steps right into the scene. “Anna, Isabella and Phoebe out of this place now,” Mrs. Victory commanded as they left. “Abigal, are you okay?” Mrs. Victory asked. “No ma, I’m not,” Abigal replied trying to stop crying. “Follow me to my office, I need to speak with you,” Mrs. Victory said lifting Abigal up from the floor.

“You should be thanking Zion right now, she told me everything,” Mrs. Victory said. “That girl, she doesn’t like minding her business,” Abigal said. “Abigal, please just keep quiet, let me talk!” Mrs. Victory said. “I’m sorry ma,” Abigal said. “Back to what I was saying, Zion told me everything. She’s a good friend actually. She told me they’ve been bullying you since you got to this school, which was two years ago. She said they’ve thrown things from the trash at you, spoiled your surname, poured different kinds of liquids on you and even gone to your lunch box and poured your food away. I understand your pain. You’ve gone through a lot and I just hope you’ll forgive them. They don’t know the implications of what they are doing now. They think they’re having fun, but they’re wrong. True fun comes in helping others, lifting them up. Even carrying their burdens. See, you are not worthless, you were not born a mistake. You shouldn’t feel inferior to the people in your set. Your family might be an average one now, but your future can never be compared to your present. Abigal, promise me three things. Number one, after this talk, you’re going back to Zion, hugging her and telling her that you’re sorry for the way you behaved to her. You’re also going to thank her for caring. Number two, you’re doing the same thing to your parents. You’re going back to them, hugging them and telling them you’re sorry for your rude attitude towards them. Number three, you’re going to promise me that when you become popular and famous in the future, you’ll remember me.” Mrs. Victory said finishing her motivational speech. “Yes ma, I do. I promise you I’m going to do all those three things on your list,” Abigal said crying as Mrs. Victory held her and hugged her.

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Thirteen years later…

“Here you go,” Abigal said giving Dayo, one of her fans, the new book she just launched after signing on it at the book-launch programme. “Thank you so much ma. You’re so amazing,” Dayo, a young teenager said. “You’re welcome,” Abigal said as Dayo leaves the place. “Next,” Abigal said. “Hi, Abigal,” one of her old-time set mates said. “Wait, I recognize that voice. Isabella, is that you?” Abigal asked surprised. “Yes Abigal, it’s me. I’m so sorry for the way we treated you back then. Honestly, it feels like yesterday we tortured you, we mocked you, we even laughed at you, but see where we are today. I’m currently looking for a job. Anna too is struggling. She has many debts to pay. Ah, I pity that girl. I heard that Phoebe is now a janitor. My case is still the best because I plan to work under you. Can you please forgive me? Will you accept me to work for you?” Isabella asked. “I forgive you, all of you. I have a vacant seat for anyone who wants to be my personal assistant. You can occupy that position,” Abigal said. “Seriously?” Isabella asked crying. “Yes, I mean it,” Abigal replied. “Thank you so much,” Isabella said. “You’re welcome,” Abigal said.

THE END.