MY KSHS.5720.15cts SALARY

I am feeling a bit creative, just a bit. Enjoy :-)

It is end month. It is like the mini holiday of every month. I can hear the chatter in the office. The excited chatter. John, the IT guy is inviting everyone to his party tomorrow. Its BYOB he says. I do not know what that means. Of course I am not invited. I like listening to them though; they give me hope for a better life.

I hear someone call my name. I look at my watch; I bought it for 50 shillings last week when the hawkers come out to play. I like the watch; it’s a worthy possession. I promise myself to take care of it although my wife has been throwing hints around about how it would look good on her. I adjust the cap on my head and saunter out of the kitchen. The tea was delicious plus it served as my lunch and maybe supper. No, its end month so I am definitely having supper.

“Dege unaitwa na mdosi,” says the secretary. I nod respectfully and walk towards the boss’ office. Its 5pm. He is talking to someone on his cell phone, must be his friend too telling from the excited talk. I wave at him, removing the cap from my head. He hands me his car keys and gestures to me. I understand I am meant to wash it. I will definitely miss the train. I sigh.

I walk out of the office into the parking lot. I connect the pipe to the tap and drag it towards the car. I remove my shoes and place them on the flower hedges. I can not afford to wet the shoes, it’s the only pair I have. I notice it needs repairing. I just might need new shoes. I wash the car as fast as I can, its very muddy. The rains have made the roads a nightmare and I do not have an umbrella. I had a raincoat but I gave my younger son so that he can get to school warm and dry. I look at the sky; it will definitely rain .

I finish the task and return the car keys to the boss. He is having a cup of coffee at the cafeteria. The sandwich looks delicious. I have never eaten here. I like the smell though. He hands me a 100 bob note. I thank him profusely and rush out. I say hasty good byes to the night duty guard.

I work in Hurlinghurm. The buses plying the route are too expensive at this time, 40 bob to town is too much. The train leaves at 6pm from Railways and its now 5.45pm. I have to pass by the  bank to withdraw my salary. I am happy and sad. I will not catch the train. I live in pipeline so the fare will be ridiculous since its rush hour. Oh well.

I walk down Arwings Kodhek as fast as I can, keeping in mind that the rain is coming. I do not know how to swim so I can not be in town when it starts beating down. I cross the road at D.O.D and walk towards City Mortuary. I walk down Mbagathi way. It starts to drizzle. I see my friends walking up the road on the other side. We shout our hellos and everybody walks their way. They live in Kibera but work in Industrial area.

It’s raining cats and more cats by the time I find shelter at Tmall. I walk in and straight to the ATM. I withdraw Kshs. 5’700. I smile at the thought of the 100 bob I have in my pocket, I have a total of Ksh. 5’800. Not bad. I walk towards the exit, I do not belong here. I bump into my boss, not from where I work but the one I really work for. The owner of the security company. He knows me because he had had to pay the hospital bill for my daughter when she was hit by a car on Uhuru Highway.

He holds his I pad in one hand and greets me then informs me he is late for a meeting. I nod and give him my blessings. The rain has reduced so I rush down. By the time I cross the road at Nyayo Stadium, the rain starts pouring again. I stand under a temporary shelter waiting for it to die down.

I put my hands in my pockets and feel the crisp notes.  I owe the landlord 1200 for my two roomed tin house in pipeline. The rain is gaining momentum, I sigh. I need to get home before my two children sleep. This reminds me that they both need books; the second hand dealer had promised me to give me all for 1000. Darkness is setting in.

I only have 4500, oh wait, 4600 plus the 100 bob from the boss. My wives, God bless her soul, takes care of the meals. She sells mandazis near the main road but I really wanted to buy her something nice, maybe a new leso. The Somali near the roundabout sells them at 200 bob. I smile thinking of the look on her face when I give it to her.

4400 –The rain water reminds me of the water bill. My daughter is sensitive so I prefer buying water for her so that she does not get sick. That will cost me 400 for the whole month.

4000 – I thank God I do not pay for electricity. We do not use the telly anymore; I have not saved enough for the decoder. I sigh. I miss watching Papa Shirandula. I remember I owe Joe wa kuchomelea 300 for repairing my roof.

3700 – I need shoes, especially because of the rainy season but my son needs them more. I will have to wait until next month. I am sure I can get a good deal for leather shoes and additional sandals – the ones they call CDF. That should cost me 500.

3200 –The rain dies down, I contemplate taking a matatu. I really wanted to buy my family fish from Otieno but I am sure he will be closed by the time I get there. I will buy tomorrow since it is my off day. A woman is crossing the road. Cars are hooting at her. I wonder what time she will get to her family. She reminds me that my daughter’s appointment with the surgeon is this month. That will cost me 500 because the company pays the other half plus medication.

2800 – I ran towards a matatu on the road. The tout tells me its 50 bob. I feel the pain but I need to get home.

2750 – I get home at 9pm. Soaked to the bone. My wife is waiting for me, she looks happy. I smile. She sets the bathing water for me. I take a bath and sit to eat. She made rice today; it would have gone great with the fish. We talk about everything and nothing. She informs me that her sister is not feeling well and she needs to go see her. It would cost her 600 but she has 300.

2450 – We head to bed. The children are already asleep. My wife falls fast asleep. I can not because my back pains because of the mattress. I have been saving for a new one. I am 900 short so I will buy it next month.

2000 – I close my eyes knowing I have to wash more cars this month as this is the only money I have left. Good thing my brother owes me 400 shillings. I will have to call him in the morning, 20 bob airtime should be enough.

1980 – I have a debt too. I had totally forgotten. I have to pay the Mama Duka 600 bob.

Kshs. 1380 -  It is now 11p.m. My month just started.

Regards, L.O.P :-)