Tears of an Orphan
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Episode 12
© Mary Francis Solomon
Caleb was sent to deliver some laundry to a certain area in Lagos. He packed the clothes neatly and also carried a small special package for the client. According to Brian, the man had been a loyal customer, so he instructed Caleb to add something extra as a token of appreciation.
With a few naira in his pocket, Caleb walked down from their shop to the main road since it was not close to the roadside. As he trekked, he thought about how to manage the little money he had left to reach the man’s mansion. At the road, he stopped a bus and boarded.
When he arrived at the area, he dialed the client’s number.
“Hello, good afternoon sir. My name is Caleb from Bright and clean Laundry Services,” he said politely.
“Okay, that’s good. You’re bringing the clothes already?” the man’s voice came through in a smooth American accent. Caleb was surprised. He had never imagined the man was a foreigner.
“Yes sir… I’m already around, but I can’t seem to find your house,” Caleb explained.
“Alright, no stress. Just walk around and ask for the ShopRite—they call it the city mall here. My place is directly behind it,” the man replied casually.
“Okay sir, thank you,” Caleb said and ended the call, slipping the phone back into his pocket.
That little phone was precious to him. Brian had insisted every laundry worker must have a smartphone to communicate with clients and post their work online. Caleb had struggled to get one, but unfortunately, he could not recover any of his old contacts. He had no number of his friends back in Port Harcourt. The only ones he remembered were his late father’s and mother’s numbers—numbers that now meant nothing but painful memories.
He guarded the phone jealously. Whenever he went out with the others to drink, he never took it along, afraid he might lose it if he got drunk.
When he got to ShopRite, he asked a young lady for directions. She pointed the way, and as he turned behind the mall, he saw a massive building. He walked to the gate and knocked gently.
A security man came out.
“Please, is this Mr. Samuel’s house?” Caleb asked.
“Yes. Do you have an appointment with him?” the guard replied.
“Yes… he’s aware I’m coming. I came to deliver the laundry I washed for him,” Caleb explained.
“Alright. Hold on, let me inform him,” the guard said, then disappeared inside.
After some minutes, the guard returned and told him he could go in. Caleb walked to the door and pressed the doorbell. A young maid quickly opened the door, smiling warmly.
“Good afternoon, sir,” she greeted and led him inside.
The moment Caleb entered the living room, his eyes widened. The place was massive and beautiful. The polished floor, glittering chandeliers, expensive furniture, and artistic decorations looked almost unreal.
Too beautiful for someone this young to own. Maybe he is just a very wealthy man, Caleb thought in amazement.
The maid went upstairs to call Samuel. At that moment, Samuel was on the phone with Precious. After about a month of friendship, Precious had finally accepted his proposal to be his girlfriend. They were laughing and chatting when Samuel noticed the time.
“Hey babe, my laundry guy just got here. Let me grab my package and I’ll call you back,” he said in his American tone before ending the call.
He quickly wore a singlet, simple trousers, and slippers, then walked downstairs.
The moment Caleb saw him, he admired him. Samuel was tall, handsome, and brown-skinned—not too fair, not too dark. He looked smart and confident.
Maybe he’s a Black American, Caleb thought quietly.
“Hey man, what’s up?” Samuel greeted with a friendly smile, stretching out his hand.
Caleb shook his hand. “Here are your clothes, sir,” he said, giving him the neatly wrapped clothes. He also handed him a bottle of red wine.
“Sir, this is just our way of saying thank you for patronizing us. Courtesy of Bright and clean Laundry Services. My boss asked me to extend his appreciation. You could have hired someone else or gone somewhere else, but you chose to stick with us. We are grateful,” Caleb said humbly.
“Aww, that’s really nice. I like that. Thanks, man,” Samuel said, smiling.
“The pleasure is ours, sir,” Caleb replied.
“No worries. I’ll keep using you guys. You do good work. And you—” Samuel pointed at him, “I like you.”
Caleb’s heart was filled with joy. He felt seen and valued.
Samuel glanced at his wristwatch. It was already past 1:00 p.m., and he had somewhere to be by 2:00. He quickly gave Caleb some money and said, “Normally someone else picks the clothes, but he’s on break. That’s why I asked you guys to bring it. Thanks for coming through.”
Caleb bowed slightly and left.
Outside, he checked the money and almost shouted. It was ₦40,000. His heart raced.
Should I give the money to my boss? No… he gave it to me personally for bringing the clothes. The least I can do is buy something for Brian at ShopRite. The rest… I really need this money, Caleb thought.
He entered ShopRite and bought a big banana bread, some beverages, and Brian’s favorite drink. He spent ₦15,000, decided to give Brian ₦10,000, and kept the rest for himself.
When he returned, Brian was overwhelmed with joy. He believed Caleb had been faithful.
“Caleb, do you know why I love you more than the rest of the guys here?” Brian asked.
“No boss,” Caleb replied.
“Because you’re a good boy. Loyal, honest, and hardworking. I’ll increase your salary by 5%,” Brian said happily.
Caleb’s face lit up. He danced around joyfully. Brian laughed, opened the drink, and gulped it down in one go.
“Since you left, I’ve been starving. Thank God you brought this,” he said, tearing the banana bread and eating. Caleb also joined him, and they ate until they were full, saving the rest for later.
But gradually, Caleb was becoming addicted to drunkenness. He was not yet as bad as Brian, but the habit was growing in him. His conscience was weaker each day.
“Hey Caleb, thank God it’s Friday. We’re going clubbing tonight!” Brian shouted excitedly.
“Clubbing? I don’t do clubbing, boss. You know that,” Caleb said.
“Hey, don’t argue with me. I’m your boss. Whatever I say, you do. You’re coming tonight,” Brian said firmly.
Caleb sighed. He respected Brian too much and feared losing his job. So he agreed.
By 7:30 p.m., Caleb, Brian, and the others locked the shop and went to the club.
It was Caleb’s first time. He felt shy and uncomfortable. He had grown up in a godly home, where social gatherings were weddings, birthdays, or church events—never a club.
Brian noticed his hesitation and tricked him with a bottle of beer. Once Caleb drank, the alcohol loosened him. He laughed, danced, and even approached a lady. He copied the others—when one of the guys kissed his partner, Caleb kissed the girl too. Before long, he dragged her into a secret room.
In his drunkenness, he slept with her.
At 3:00 a.m., Caleb woke up with a pounding head. He turned and froze. A half-naked lady was lying beside him.
“Jesus Christ! What have I done?” he whispered, panicking.
Quickly, he shook her vigorously until she stirred awake, blinking with sleepy eyes.
“What are you doing with me on this bed? What happened? How did we get here?” Caleb asked in confusion, his voice sharp.
The girl stretched lazily, then gave him a playful smile.
“Baby, calm down. You’re my bobo. We came here together and had a nice time. Don’t you remember?” she said softly.
Caleb frowned, anger rushing through him. “Don’t tell me that! You must have spiked my drink!”
She laughed lightly. “No, baby… we were both into it. And honestly, you’re so good in bed. I can’t wait to have more.” She drew closer and planted a kiss on his lips.
Caleb tried to resist, but his weak, drunken body gave in again. They ended up having another round.
By morning, he felt worse. At 6:00 a.m., he showered, dressed quietly, and left the room without a word. The lady called after him, but he didn’t look back.
At home, the place was quiet. With his spare key, he opened the door and collapsed on the bed.
For a moment, Caleb thought of pleading with God for forgiveness—for breaking his vow and engaging in sexual immorality. But then a thought struck him hard:
“Caleb the drunkard. Caleb the fornicator. Who will even hear your prayers? Who will forgive someone as filthy as you?”
The words echoed in his mind. He lay quietly, torn between regret and hopelessness, not knowing what to do.
To be continued….
Inspired by the Great Teacher
Do not copy or edit any part of this story without the author’s consent.
Stay blessed till we meet in the next episode.
Written by Mary Francis Solomon.