The second chance

The Second chance (1) By Uzoukwu Chibuzo Audu Sitting outside the building and wondering whose fault it was that had started the fight in the market square. Eke market days are always a spectacular day in the community of UMUNNA. The villagers had converged in numbers as always, from every clan and kindred they trooped out to restock for the week ahead, as eke market days was the only major market around Umunna community. It always attracted merchants from other communities with their wares which had been tired behind their bicycles. The elderly men had their spot at the far end of the market towards the big Udra tree where they sell palm wine in kegs. It is believed that this spot has been in existence since the times of Uzu and Ogbuoweriji, his father before him. That very day, Dim had been involved in a fight with Ugonnaya, the Village town crier. Dim sat down on his back resting, wondering what had caused the fight between them. He had searched deep down his memory lane but was not able to recall what had provoked their fight. All he could conclude was that it was the result of the loads of palm wine which he had gloped down his stomach as Mazi Udekwu continued to fill his cup with the fresh nectar of the palm wine drink. Dim was just coming from the other side of the market where he had gone to sell the few tubes of seed yam he had come to the market with, considering it was the beginning of the planting season, so he had brought them to the market to trade. This he had finished before heading to the palm wine spot to find out who was leading the day as champion at their game of draft. He had proclaimed himself the title of champion whenever he was around and he always asked people around to always address him as such, knowing well that that would always anger Ugonnaya.... In truth, Ugonnaya is said to be a better player in the game than the others. But due to his shortsightedness, Dim was always able to out-clever him with a few tricks and always take the lead away. At one point, both of them had to go physical in a dual. It was a combat between lesser and higher powers. In the end, Dim ended up receiving the beating of his life. Mazi Obi had been his survivor that very day. Mazi Obi had intervened by raising Ugonnaya from the top of him, where he had been dealt several bowls to his face while sitting on top. Ugonnaya was feeding him with earth before Mazi Obi stepped in and stopped him. Dim being the troublesome person he was, on regaining his strength and freedom, he made an attempt to attack Ugonnaya again but was stopped by bystanders. And from that day, it could be observed around the community that Dim no longer confronted Ugonnaya directly but rather paid him much more respect than before.... ...... to be continued