She, met him while she was in school. Things were tough at home. He, was a business man. They met at a party. He took an interest in her. He started supporting her.

He was married. She had a boyfriend. It was just a friendship. He paid for her project. Assisted with her Youth Service. Was there for her financially and otherwise.

Then one day he made a romantic play for her. She told him gently that she saw him as a father not a lover. That she wanted it to stay platonic.

He agreed. She introduced him to her current boyfriend. And the next.

She complained about her job. She needed him to assist with another. He set up an interview for her. She came to see him for financial help. He obliged and then he told her.

“Friendships are about mutual benefits. I, support you and attend to your needs. I, have needs too. Once in a while, you must attend to such as well, for us to both benefit from this friendship. I ask for “comfort” you say no. Yet, I have been introduced to three boys, by you. Did they not seek “comfort” with you, under the guise of proposed marriage? Did they assist you with a job, rent money, operation fees for your mom and all that? If, this relationship must continue, I must have something to benefit. Otherwise, when next you have a challenge, call the Red Cross!”

She told me he was not a kind man. I told her, I heard!
What can I say?


Culled from Mr. Akeju's collections