Exactly, the smaller the circle, the better.

Ahmed0336:
Inspiring...

Conclusion; keep only valuable friends. The smaller the circle, the better......

'What Kind Of Friend Are You?'

So in year 2018, my friend's wife rang me. It was late in the Night. I'd already retired in bed.

It's very unusual that any of my friend's wife would call. That should be her first time.

So I quickly answered the call.

"Hello! Our wife..."

"Daddy Desire! Please, is your friend with you?!"

"No! He is not. Is he not back?!”

"I haven't seen my husband. And it's already late"

"Have you tried reaching him?”

"Yes, his phones are switched off"

I looked at the time, it was 10:47 pm already.

That's very unusual of my friend, staying out late at night. He closes 5:00pm everyday. Apart from our seasonal hang out; i don't think he keeps late at night.

I got worried too.

"Hello dear, Just relax! He should be okay where he is, and I know he will soon be home. I am coming too"

"Okay! Please we are Expecting you"

She has began to feel so worried.

My friend lives in a very far place. So, I left so quickly.

She was already outside. Looking cluttered.

Heavily pregnant; with three year old Anny!

The little girl was crying and asking where her Daddy is after seeing her mom in such a sorry state.

I took her up in my arms.

"Let's go inside."

"His number isn't going!"

"It's okay, okay?!" But she can't be okay.

I rang few other mutual friends of Bode and I.
Everyone of them haven't seen him for days.

" Could Bode be keeping extra marital affair?! Could it be an accident?! No, way."

These were my thoughts.

It was getting more late.

Over there, I realized no one will love you like your family. Just no one will care for you like your wife and kids.

They're the only one who would have a sleepless night when you're not in bed.

They're always waiting behind for that footstep of yours, hoping you ring the door bell.

They're the only one who'll really cry wholeheartedly when you go missing.

Many wives won't eat; waiting for their husbands arrival. That's love.

You may not get the warmth hug from your family everyday, but they've you so close to their hearts.

She was so restless. Poor her.

Then a call came in.

"Hello!"

"Shola"

"Oh Bode!"

At the call of that name, she got curious.

"Bode. Bode. Did you just say Bode?!"

I nodded my head.
She came standing before me.

"Where did he say he is? How is he? What'd happened to him? Pls talk to me. Let me talk with him"

"Shola where are you?!" Bode asked.

"With your family".

" Please come over and pick me"
He gave me his location.

His wife wanted to go with me.

"Dear, you don't need to. Just wait and take care of Anny. We will be back soon"

I met Bode in tears. He was seated somewhere in Maryland. He handed me a letter.

"What's the letter all about?"

"I've been sacked. I can't go home to my pregnant wife"

He couldn't speak much. He was drunk, heavyhearted and wistful. I felt for him.

Truly, there is a Pregnant wife, a running loan repayment, a sick mom and lots of pending bills.

He told me: "In times like this, you count your friends.."

"You're right Bode. You're right."

" I called Lanre 4 hours ago, and he isn't here yet. Then I decided to ring you, and when you told me you're with my family, I know you are one"

I patted his 'back'.

"I'm always here bro! Always."

He told me how much he had suffered. Years of nothing before eventually landing that job.

He told me how much push he'd to engage in. The prayers; the tears.. How long he spent in the streets.

It's going to be hard starting again.
It's going to be hard.

Then I told him,

"You'll be fine again."

For a man will fall seven time and he will rise up yet again.

We will start all over again. We will do the usual; right from where you started and soon you will be on your feet."

"We?!"

"Yes, We!"

He looked me in the eyes.
I guess that meant a lot to him.

Two days later. His wife put to bed.

I visited them.

Same day the baby arrived. Bode was recalled back in his working place.

Bode said to me, " I'll name him after you."

I smiled.

Keep good friends who'll have your back all the time. Your spouse and kids are your forever assets and backbone. Take good care of them.

To all true friends (Male or Female) here who've been a blessing to others , God bless you all. Amen.

Author: Oluwanishola Akeju