"How far Joshua? It's barely one week to our graduation and I have not even heard you making plans for the celebration" Kennedy asked his friend.
They have been friends since second year and Kennedy knew that his friend was from a relatively poor background but he did not believe that it would hinder him from celebrating his graduation from the university. It has been the most anticipated event of their life for the past two years.
"Bro, I don't have the resources yet, I have told my parents but if they are not able to send money, I will not be disturbed. I am happy to be graduating, that alone is enough for me".
"Yes, I understand. But if it's possible to have a celebration it would be okay, even if it means that both of us joined hands and celebrate together", Kennedy insisted. "You know you are likely to win lots of prizes because of your outstanding academic performance. It would be nice to celebrate it well"
"Okay bro, let's see how it goes". Joshua said, willing to end the discussion. He didn't want to feel pressured to outdo himself.
All the graduating students spent the weeks after the release of their final results planning and plotting on how best to have a memorable celebration. All of them except Joshua who knew that his family was going through hard times and his final year fees didn't come with ease. The graduation to him was enough reason to be happy, it was finally time to go look for a job and try to support his family.
Joshua decided to call his mum to remind her not to stress herself planning about any elaborate celebration if she was not capable to foot the bills without borrowing money.
"Hello mummy, how are you doing?"
"I am fine Josh, how preparations for the graduation? Hope you have gotten your suit ready" she asked in her usual fashion.
"Yes mum, my suit is ready. Hope you are not stressing out about this graduation stuff, it's not compulsory to throw a party, so if it's not possible please don't bother".
"Of course my son, I understand perfectly" she assured him.
Joshua has always been conscious of his background. He never tried to live above his means or expect his parents to suffer more than they already do. Contentment was his watchword.
The day of the graduation approached quickly and Joshua had no expectation of a celebration. He called his mum to give directions to the venue but his mum declined. "We are coming with our neighbour's car, Mr. Suru, he is bringing us and he knows the place".
When they arrived, it was a pleasant surprise for Joshua. In the boot of the car were various coolers, plates and other utensils. There was also wine and cups.
"Mum, what a surprise. How come?" He asked smiling from ear to ear. "Your father received his pension which has been long overdue" she said, "he was paid six months arrears at once so he was able to comfortably afford all these".
"It was meant to be a surprise, that's why I told your mum not to tell you, the money came that very day your final results were released" his father told him when he was finally calm.
"Thanks dad, you have really surprised me" Joshua got himself to say.
Mr Suru helped the family to set up the table and arrange the food and drinks in preparation for the sharing.
"Engr. Joshua", his father announced proudly. "We are waiting for your instruction so we can begin to dish the food"
"There is no need to wait, let the party begin" Joshua said happily.
He proceeded to uncork the wine and pour into the his cup. He then passed the bottle for others to serve themselves.
Joshua, his family and friends all had a great day. It was a day filled with celebrations coupled with the special dish that was prepared for the occasion. The element of surprise made it all the more pleasant for Joshua and it was a day to remember.
At the end of the day, there was no time to wash the plates and utensils and so they had to pack it so they would wash everything at home.
The image used is mine
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Joshua turned out to have a great celebration, in spite of his family's limited means. Happy endings are always nice. Thank you for sharing your story in The Ink Well and for reading and commenting on the work of other community members.
The boy received a nice surprise after abandoning all hope. A very beautiful ending and one that left the protagonist very happy. We could say that it was a miracle that his father received.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Good day.