“I didn't know today was Monday.” That's exactly the excuse I gave to Madam Ekaette, my boss, that morning, I was asked why I came late to work.
Till today I still don't understand what pushed me to say that.
Two years ago, I worked as a sales boy in a supermarket owned by an Akwa Ibom woman while still schooling in Uyo. I was diligent in my work. I made sure to come to work on time and never left till it was close to the day's job. Although I was paid peanuts, I had no option. I needed to keep my body and soul intact. As long as it put food on my table and paid some of my bills, I was okay.
That particular weekend had been a wild one. Especially for football fans. Arsenal played Man City on Saturday, and I stayed up late arguing with guys in the compound. Sunday was even worse. Chelsea, the club I support, had lost, and my heart was boiling. I couldn't sleep until 2 a.m. I just lay in my bed,, staring at the ceiling, replaying all the chances missed, wondering why life can be unfair even in football.
Finally, I found peace and fell asleep. Only to wake up late the next morning. I swear, I didn't even hear my alarm ring. I only opened my eyes to see the wall clock reading 9:32 a.m. Meanwhile, work starts at 8.
I quickly rushed to the shower and took a quick bath, brushing my teeth. I didn't bother about food or if my clothes were ironed. I grabbed my bag and stepped out of the house. I ran to work as fast as my legs could carry me.
I reached the office, my shirt was wet with sweat, and my trousers looked like I had fought in a gutter. My colleague, Peace, just shook her head immediately as I walked in.
“Dude, what happened now?" She asked, looking disturbed.
"I can't even explain what happened, my dear," I replied, walking over to my duty post.
"Madam is asking of you since sha,” she whispered.
I couldn't even ask why. I knew why already. Madam Ekaette was one woman who didn't joke with time. By the time I got to her office, I saw her storming out of her office. She was a short but fiery woman, always wearing native attire like she owned the whole of Akwa Ibom.
“Marriott, what is the meaning of this?” she shouted. “You’re coming to work at 10 a.m.?”
I opened my mouth to talk. But I remembered I hadn't thought of a nice excuse to give, so I closed my mouth and just stood there staring at her.
“I'm waiting for your explanation. ”
That was when I said it. Without thinking
“I didn't know today was Monday.”
What followed next was silence. Loud silence.
For five seconds, nobody said a word. Not even Madam Ekaette. Then I heard a cough behind the counter. I turned to see Peace trying to hide her laughter with her palm. She was attending to a customer who was also giggling loudly now.
I kept my cool and turned to Madam Ekaette. I could tell she was trying to hold back her laughter. Then, she lost it and laughed, harder than the others. Her voice croaks like a frog at night. Her laughter nearly made me laugh. But I held myself. I had messed up, and laughing would worsen my punishment.
She finally found composure but stared at me like I was something she found crawling in her soup.
“So you mean, a full-grown man doesn't know the day of the week?”
I nodded, feeling my legs shake. My stupidity was laughing back at me.
“Okay, you'll have to forget work for a few days, na. Go home. Two-day suspension. And when you return, come with your senses.” She turned and walked back into her office
Still laughing.
I didn’t beg. I couldn’t. I had no energy to. I messed up. My pride was already crushed. My stupidity was shining brightly. I just turned around slowly, dragging my feet behind me like a beaten dog.
I got to the door about to leave the supermarket. I heard Madam Ekaette call my name.
"Marriot!"
I turned. "Yes, ma'am."
"Come back here, Jor. So if I ask you to go, you'll just leave. Who will help Peace with the stuff here? Just know there will be a little subtracting done in your salary."
I smiled and walked back into the supermarket. "Thank you, ma'am. I promise I won't forget it's Monday again." I joked.
She gave me a stern look. "I'm not joking with you. You're lucky this time. Don't try it again."
I nodded and quietly joined Peace behind the counter.
