Writers 
**WASTED YEARS**
**EPISODE 1**
On a scorching afternoon, Okwudili returned home with his friend Dike and was taken aback to see his mother joyfully dancing.
“Mama, what’s happening? Why are you dancing like that?” Okwudili inquired.
“Hmm, Mama, did someone give you money?” Dike asked.
“It’s more than that, my son. I told you that God would comfort us after your father passed away, and that promise has been fulfilled,” Chioma said with excitement.
“I’m confused, Mama. What’s this all about?” Okwudili questioned.
“Yes, Nne, what’s happening?” Dike echoed.
“Earlier today, Chief Benson visited. He wants you to serve him, and he will reward you generously,” Chioma announced, bursting with joy.
“Is that why you’re dancing, Mama?” Okwudili asked.
“Of course! Isn’t that worth celebrating?” Chioma replied, surprised.
“Mama, I’ve been accepted into one of the best schools in the country. Are you asking me to abandon that to work for someone else?” Okwudili shouted.
“Hmm, Okwudili, I need to go now. I’ll see you later,” Dike said as he walked away.
Chioma and Okwudili took a seat on a wooden bench in front of their home.
“My son, do you think I enjoy not being able to send you to school? I don’t. It breaks my heart to see you like this. That’s why I want you to take this opportunity and make me proud,” Chioma pleaded.
“Ten years? Really?” Okwudili asked.
“Yes, he said you’d only need to serve him for ten years,” Chioma confirmed.
“Ten years?!” Okwudili exclaimed.
“Yes, my son,” Chioma replied.
“Alright, I’ll think it over,” Okwudili said.
A few hours later…
Dike was waiting at their usual spot when Okwudili arrived.
“So, what are you planning to do next?” Dike asked.
“I wanted to continue my education, but after my father’s death, I knew that dream was fading. I have to consider what my mother wants,” Okwudili stated.
“That’s a wise choice. Stay positive. I know many who’ve served others and ended up well off. Before you know it, ten years will fly by,” Dike encouraged.
Two days later…
Okwudili’s uncle and Chief Benson finalized the necessary paperwork.
It was time for Okwudili to leave.
His uncle and mother watched, smiling, with Chioma particularly thrilled.
“Chief, don’t forget what you promised. You said you’d reward him after his ten years of service,” Uncle Chuka reminded.
“Absolutely. I’ve settled many who are now thriving. They’re living well,” Chief Benson replied.
“Just a reminder, Okwudili, don’t touch the money or anything else unless you’re told to. Always remember where you come from. I believe in you; you’ll achieve greatness,” Chioma whispered.
“Steer clear of bad company,” she added with a smile.
“Understood, Mama,” Okwudili responded with a grin as he got into the car.
They drove off to Abuja.
A few hours later…
Upon arriving at Chief Benson’s residence, Madam Kate rushed out and embraced her husband enthusiastically.
“Is he the one?” she whispered.
“Yes, this is Okwudili. You can call her Madam Kate,” Chief Benson introduced.
“Good evening, Ma,” Okwudili greeted.
“Good evening. Welcome to the Benson household,” Madam Kate replied warmly.
“Thank you, Ma,” Okwudili said.
“By the way, babe, John came back home early. He’s not feeling well,” Madam Kate exclaimed.
“He left the shop just because he wasn’t well? He’s fortunate I’m in a good mood. Okwudili, come with me; I’ll show you your accommodations,” Chief Benson said, leading him inside.
A few minutes later…
They arrived at the boys’ quarters, finding John lying down, looking unwell.
“Good evening, Oga,” John greeted.
Chief Benson ignored him.
“Okwudili, this is your room. You’ll be sharing with the other boys. Don’t worry; you’ll meet them when they return,” Chief Benson informed him.
“Okay, sir. Thank you,” Okwudili replied.
Chief Benson left, and Okwudili, noticing John had already dozed off, quietly apologized.
That evening, when the other workers returned, Chief Benson called them to discuss the day’s sales.
After the meeting, he addressed Okwudili.
“This is Okwudili, our new addition. You all need to teach him every aspect of the business. Understood?” Chief Benson instructed.
“Yes, sir,” they answered.
“Okwudili, these are my workers: Lukas and Kelvin, and the one sleeping inside is John. You need to catch on quickly, alright?” Chief Benson added.
“Okay, sir. Thanks, sir,” Okwudili responded.
“I’m off to my room now; I need some rest,” Chief Benson said, heading upstairs.
The boys returned to their quarters.
The room was sparsely furnished, the bed small, and the ceiling absent.
“Guys, what business does Chief Benson run?” Okwudili dared to ask.
“He deals in building materials. Now, we’ve had a long day, so let us sleep,” they snapped.
They all crammed onto the small bed and quickly drifted off.
The next morning…
They woke up at 5 a.m. and began their chores: sweeping, mopping, washing clothes, and cleaning cars.
Okwudili, however, remained asleep.
Madam Kate soon emerged.
“Where's Okwudili?” she asked.
“Madam, he’s still asleep,” John replied.
“Sleeping? At this hour? Doesn’t he know his chores need to be done before heading to the shop?” Madam Kate thundered as she quickly went to the boys’ quarters.
Okwudili was still asleep when a bucket of water splashed onto him.
“Are you out of your mind? Do you think you’re here to sleep?” Madam Kate yelled.
“No, Ma,” Okwudili said, drenched.
“You better get up and complete your chores,” Madam Kate ordered.
Okwudili stepped out and joined the others in their tasks.