Writers 
**WASTED YEARS**
**EPISODE 2**
It was already 4 p.m., and they still hadn’t had anything to eat. Okwudili was seated on a wooden bench, feeling extremely hungry.
“Hmm, when do we get to have breakfast?” Okwudili asked, appearing both fatigued and hungry.
“My dear, we only eat once a day, and that will be at night,” Lukas replied.
“What? I’m really starving!” Okwudili exclaimed, distressed.
“You’ll have to adjust to it,” the others suggested before returning to their tasks.
Suddenly, one of the customers handed them one thousand naira, which they used to purchase garri and sugar.
Okwudili was thrilled as they all consumed it eagerly.
A few weeks later…
Okwudili had learned everything about the business and was managing it skillfully. Some customers often praised his dedication.
He kept the shop clean, organized the cement, rods, and other building materials.
One fateful Sunday afternoon…
After completing their chores, they were relaxing in their room when they heard commotion outside and rushed out.
To their surprise, they saw John kneeling with his parents, pleading with Chief Benson.
Chief Benson dismissed them and accused John of being a thief.
“What’s happening? Did John steal money?” they whispered.
Chief Benson sent them back into their room as John walked away in tears with his family.
“What was that about?” Kelvin asked.
“Maybe John took some of his money without us realizing,” Lukas speculated.
“But how? I don’t think John would do that,” Okwudili replied.
“Don’t trust anyone, brother,” Kelvin said as he lay back on the bed.
“I need to rest for tomorrow,” Lukas mumbled.
They all lay down and soon fell asleep.
That night, their food was served by the cook, and their portions were always small. After dinner, they went to bed.
The next morning…
After finishing their chores, they prepared and headed to the shop.
Customers began arriving, and they worked tirelessly to serve them while arranging the already purchased cement and Lukas recorded the sales.
Just then, Chief Benson entered.
“Good day, sir,” they all greeted him politely.
“Has the customer transferred the one million naira?” Chief Benson inquired, flipping through the record book.
“Yes, sir. He deposited it into your account,” they responded.
“Good,” Chief Benson acknowledged.
“Sir, the customer said he would come to pick up the goods tomorrow,” Kelvin reminded him.
“Oh, you need to call him back. We won’t be opening tomorrow because my daughter is returning from the state, and it’s a grand celebration. I want all of you to be present, so the shop will be closed,” Chief Benson explained.
“Okay, sir,” they replied respectfully.
After a brief inspection of the shop, he got into his car and drove away.
“No one even gave us money today. I’m so hungry,” Okwudili lamented, looking weary.
“Who would give a monkey a banana? You need to be tough. The boss might come back,” Lukas reassured him.
Determined, Okwudili stood up.
By 8 p.m., they closed the shop and walked home.
After freshening up, the cook served their dinner. They ate and then went to bed.
The next morning…
Preparations for the event were in full swing as people worked on decorations while Okwudili and the others swept, mopped, and cleaned the cars.
By 3 p.m., they finished washing Madam Kate’s clothes.
Just as Okwudili was stepping out of the bathroom, Chief Benson rushed out of the house.
“Take this and go pick up my daughter from the airport,” Chief Benson instructed, tossing him the car keys.
“Yes, sir. Let me get dressed,” Okwudili replied as he hurried back inside.
He quickly changed and drove off to the airport.
A few hours later…
“Wow, you’re new here. What’s your name?” she inquired.
“I’m Okwudili,” he answered, concentrating on the road.
“Nice name! I’m Sharon Benson,” she said.
“Okay, Ma,” Okwudili stammered.
“Don’t call me ‘Ma’; just call me Sharon, okay?” she smiled.
“Okay, Ma,” he reiterated.
“You and your ‘Ma’ are something else. Don’t worry; you’ll get used to it,” Sharon laughed.
As they drove home, Sharon continued to watch him, making Okwudili uneasy.
Soon after…
They arrived at the Benson residence, where everyone eagerly awaited Sharon’s return.
Madam Kate approached her daughter and embraced her with joy.
“Mummy!” Sharon exclaimed happily.
“My daughter, look at you!” Madam Kate said with pride.
Sharon ran to her father next and hugged him tightly.
It was a grand celebration, and everyone feasted and drank to their hearts' content.