The Unjust of Life

Ahmed's eyes fluttered open, only to be met with the harsh glare of the scorching desert sun. He lay on the dusty ground, his parched throat constricting with every attempt to swallow. The memories of the previous day's events swirled in his mind like a sandstorm – the argument with his brother, the desperate search for work, and the cruel rejection by the wealthy merchant. As he struggled to his feet, Ahmed's gaze fell upon the sprawling city of Kano, its majestic walls and mosques piercing the sky like shards of glass. The bustling markets and vibrant streets seemed to mock him, a cruel reminder of the opportunities that had slipped through his fingers. Ahmed's thoughts turned to his brother, Ali, who had always been the more fortunate one. Their parents had passed away when they were young, leaving Ali, the elder sibling, to care for Ahmed. Ali had worked tirelessly to provide for him, but their relationship had grown strained over the years. Ali had married well, and his wife's family had connections to the wealthy elite. Ahmed, on the other hand, was stuck in a never-ending cycle of poverty. The argument from the previous day replayed in Ahmed's mind. Ali had offered him a place to stay, but the price was steep – Ahmed would have to swallow his pride and work for Ali's in-laws. The indignity was too much to bear. Ahmed had stormed out, determined to make it on his own, but the harsh reality of the desert sun had quickly sobered him. As he walked through the city, Ahmed noticed a group of children playing near the city gate. They were laughing and chasing each other, carefree and full of life. Among them was a young boy, no more than ten years old, who caught Ahmed's eye. The boy was sitting by himself, watching the others with a look of longing. Ahmed recognized the same desperation he felt in his own heart. Ahmed approached the boy and sat down beside him. "What's your name?" he asked gently. "I'm Umar," the boy replied, his eyes welling up with tears. "My parents died in the famine last year. I have no one to care for me." Ahmed's heart went out to the boy. He knew what it was like to lose loved ones and struggle to survive. Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around Umar, holding him close as the boy sobbed. In that moment, Ahmed realized that life was not just about his own struggles, but about the connections he made with others. He thought about Ali, and how their bond as brothers was stronger than their differences. He thought about the merchant, who had rejected him without a second thought, and the injustice of a system that favored those with connections and wealth. As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the city, Ahmed stood up, determination burning within him. He would find a way to care for Umar, to give him a chance at a better life. And he would make amends with Ali, swallow his pride, and work together to build a brighter future. The unjust of life was a harsh reality, but Ahmed knew that it was not the end of the story. He would rise above it, with Umar by his side, and forge a new path, one that was guided by compassion, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of human connection.