TEGA - SHORT FICTION

 "Tomorrow night 10pm sharp, are you in?"

That was the message that popped up on Tega's phone as he stepped into the compound.

He walked towards the 'ebelebo' (almond fruit) tree, leaned on it thinking of what to reply.

The text was from James.

James had planned to rob the house of Mrs Oghenekaro and he wanted Tega to tag along.

Mrs Oghenekaro was the coordinator of the market women's daily contributions.

Tega was a woodcutter, he helped women cut their timber into firewood. His income was meager, he just used it to support his family. His father was bedridden, his mother farmed in the small plot behind their house.

"I could really use the money" he thought

Asides his father being sick, they owed their rent, they had debts to pay and they had little or no food to eat in the coming days.

"I really need the money" he chorused as he held up his phone and typed

"I’m in"

Tega scaled the fence first, just as James was about to jump down, a fierce looking dog appeared out of nowhere barking loudly.

 On seeing the dog, James ran off. Tega tried to escape but the dog held on to he's legs with it's teeth, dragging it along as blood gushed out.

"Thief! thief oo thief oo thief!!!"

Mrs Oghenekaro shouted attracting the attention of the neighbors.

The youths tied Tega to a pole at the street junction, beat him up, poured fuel on him and lit him up.

Tega cried out in agony as he struggled to set himself loose from the rope that bound him to the pole.

"Olokpa (police) don show"

One of the youths shouted as sirens wailed ahead.

Everybody dispersed, leaving a burnt human figure tied to a pole.