The Day That Came Too Late

In a quite little town pitched at the east of the sun a miracle happened daily. The miracle of both death and life interrupted the lives of mortals on a daily bases. Children were born, but so did the old die. Death wasn't considered a misfortune or a loss, but rather a well deserving rest after one's work was considered done. Moreover, death was equally celebrated as the birth of sacred life itself. Tears were never found falling at the death of a person. And all because, the people knew and understood that we do die to be reborn anew. However, many years later, the people would become confuse and forget themselves. The joys of life would appear sorrowful to them, and the sorrowful things would appear joyful to them. They would cry when happy, and laugh when sad.

In fact, the town was so little that everybody kind of knew everybody. The town's people knew when one of its own left town. And the people also took notice of a resident's safe return home. A stranger who happens to be new in town was immediately spotted out. And one such stranger was a gentleman by the name of Kwame. Kwame was on his way to visit a friend, when his car did run out of gas. He spotted this petite town a couple of miles off the main road, and decided to go ask for help. On arrival, he couldn't fail but to notice the uniqueness of the town and its people. The people were receptive, friendly, and most of all very helpful. He was accorded a stranger's welcome, and treated like a honorable guest. He made friends with the people, and became quite close with one other guy by the name of Asante.

See, there is a common destiny which makes us brothers and sisters. None goes his/her way alone. All that we send into the lives of others come back into our own. Kwame and Asante were destined for friendship. They would become each others back and call. True friends in both words and deeds. Asante, who had never set foot outside this little town, accepted an invitation from Kwame to come along with him. And off the two of them went. It's strange how these two friends would later on morph into brothers. One would begin a sentence, and the other would finish it. This is how close they became. Kwame, who was heading a business of his own, entrusted Asante with the financial side of his business. Asante would be responsible for banking all the monies. He would also monitor both the inflow, and the outflow of the companies cash. This was understood. However, one day as fate would have it, the company was invaded by armed robbers. They took all the cash from the safe deposit, and made their way towards the golden sunset. Kwame, the head of the company was not present that day.

Asante told Kwame about the armed robbery, when the latter came to work the following morning. Surprisingly, Kwame blamed Asante for the loss of his money. "This could've been avoided had you remained awake and vigilant" he said. "You were irresponsible and rather careless." "By the way, how did they find the safe deposit?" Kwame asked. "Only you and I know where it is." "So tell me, did you lead them to it?" "Did you conspire with them to rob me?" Kwame angrily asked. Asante, in an utter state of bewilderment, tried to tell his friend that it wasn't the case at all. But Kwame remained unapologetic. "Do you know something that I don't know?" "Boy if you do, then you better start talking or else" Kwame said. Of course, Asante was innocent of all these charges. He tried to explain to his dear friend, whom he now considered a brother. Kwame would not listen. "Away from me" he said. "I don't want to see your face no more." "Go and be gone."

Deeply saddened, falsely accused and humiliated before God and men, Asante went home, took up the gun and shot himself in the head. The armed robbers were caught by the polices two days after the actual robbery. Kwame was handed back his money. He tried to call Asante to extend his apologies, but this call came a day too late. He friend was already dead and gone with the wind.