For weeks, Jatelo had been planning the perfect Valentine’s Day, scraping together every coin, borrowing from Ochopolo, and even washing dishes at Mama Akinyi’s food stall—all for one goal: to give Nekesa a date she’d never forget
Shamakhokho Shopping Center wasn’t exactly fancy, but today, it felt like a five-star place.
He’d booked a table at Kwa Mrefu’s Grill & Fries, the only spot that served fries on plates instead of wrapping them in old newspapers.
To impress Nekesa, he even got her a heart-shaped box of chocolates—on credit, of course, but she didn’t need to know that.
When Nekesa showed up, Jatelo straightened his shirt and sucked in his stomach like he was about to fight a battle. She looked gorgeous in her red dress, her hair all done up. He took a deep breath, pushed the chocolates toward her, and gave her his best smile.
Then, everything fell apart.
First, Wanyonyi, the boda guy, leaned in the doorway with his arms crossed. Then came Mama Akinyi, still in her apron, marching in like she was ready to battle, spoon in hand like a weapon.
“Jatelo! You think you can sit here eating love food while my money is still with you?”
Jatelo’s stomach dropped to his feet. “Mama Akinyi, I was going to—”
“You were going to what? Eat and disappear?”
Before he could say anything, the shopkeeper walked in, shaking his head. “Jatelo, really? You told me those chocolates were for your sick grandmother?”
Nekesa turned to him, arms crossed. “You bought chocolates on credit? And lied about your grandma?”
Jatelo wiped the sweat off his forehead. “Babe, wait, I can explain—”
But it was too late. Wanyonyi grabbed the chocolate box, popped one into his mouth. “Might as well enjoy these since I’ve been giving you free rides all week.”
Mama Akinyi grabbed Jatelo by the ear. “You think I’m your mother? You’ll pay today!” She dragged him toward the door while the shopkeeper mumbled about his unpaid bill.
Nekesa sighed, pulled out her phone, and started typing.
Jatelo, still stuck in Mama Akinyi’s grip, peeked at Nekesa's screen. His stomach dropped.
"Wanyonyi, this Valentine’s is a total mess. Let’s just meet up later at our usual place."
Wanyonyi smiled and started typing back.
It was at that moment Jatelo realized "kugongewa" was real, and he’d really messed up. His chocolates were gone, his date was a disaster, and now he had debts to clear.
Maybe next year, Jatelo thought, he’d skip the drama and just attend a men's conference to get some wisdom from Mzee Kibor.
