CHARACTER
It was night time; Sophia, John and James won't sleep without listening to bed time story from their grandmother.
Some minutes ago, they had eba, ogbono, and fresh fresh. They had finished eating before grandma. They sat down, waiting for her to be through.
Their grandma smiled, knowing fully well that they wanted to hear a story before going to bed. She ate her fish then washed hands.
"My children," she said.
"Yes, mama!" they chorused, fixing their gaze on her.
"I will tell you a very short story now."
She told them of a boy called Peter. He played street football with his other mates at different streets. Peter was so good that he became almost indispensable in his team.
A competition came up at one point, and it was announced that whichever street team that won would be taken abroad to continue playing football.
Peter played for his team and he his performance got them to the final. Before the last game, he said to his coach, "I know I am the best player here, it would be advisable that I get 70% of the money that would be given to us, else, I ain't going to play."
His coach begged him not to do that, but he insisted not to play, if his condition wasn't met. His team-mates pleaded with him, but he refused to listen.
"Please, play me, sir. I promise to deliver," Timmy, who was always on the bench said to his coach.
His manager heaved a sigh of relief and didn't hesitate to start him because the game was about to start.
Timmy caught the eyes of everyone. He carried the team on his shoulder, scored a hat-trick as they won the cup. Peter was shocked, he became ashamed.
The coach decided to leave Peter out of the team that would continue their career aboard, this to punish him. Peter cried and called everyone to plead on his behalf, but the manager refused to take him back, saying, "Integrity takes you to the top, but your character sustains you at the top. You felt too big and this is the result."
"Will you be a Peter, children?" their grandmother asked.
"No..." they chorused, embracing her.
Victor Apata
©Vikjtaar
#ANSAChildren'sLiteratureOfTheWeekContest
Haha... Tales by Moonlight ?? Younger days, mehnnnn... Is it still being televised, sir?