The Christmas Fight (Story)
"You can't do that to me", Ema shouted at his senior brother, Edem. It was at the eve of Christmas celebrations. Their father, Ekpeowo brought home new clothes for the children in a family of 5, two boys and 3 girls. It has always been the norm for the senior to share for the junior. But Ema has earlier nurtured animosity from previous year's experience when Edem chose the fine set of trousers and t-shirts, leaving Ema at the mercy of making do with the rest. All his complaints fell on deaf ears because the father would always ignore it with "men don't complain" talks. Thus, he was ready to see what will happen this year.
The duo started dragging the clothes when Edem gave his brother deaf ears as usual. It was a terrible sight as neighbors trooped out to see the 17 and 19 years old brothers fighting over what supposed to be resolved amicably if either parents were home. Most of the neighbors came to watch, not to separate and some even came to coach on how one should beat another. None of these interested the fighting brothers, as they struggled to win each other and choose the clothes they coveted.
"What is the meaning of this", shouted Adeobi, their mother as she emerged from the backyard from gathering firewood, which she wanted to use in preparing the evening meal. Her shout caught the boys attention and they separated to air out their grievances to their mum, each of them trying to proof how right they are at the same time. Instead of listening to stories, she ceased the clothes from them. " I'm not giving you till your father returns and I'll tell him not to buy clothes for you again ", she threatened.
It was later in the evening, around 7 p.m that Ekpeowo returned from his wine tapping business. He was too tired to hear annoying stories, so his wife kept it for morning. His decision was to always buy clothes separately for his boys and that's how the conflict was devolved.