SABU’S CHRISTMAS GIFT
Sabu’s baby sister’s death from
cholera was the final straw – wearing only shorts and rubber sandals he walked
to the city, his mother’s wails ringing in his ears.
He swept a school in exchange for
lessons, ate the scrapings of more privileged students’ plates, slept in his
broom cupboard.
Each Christmas he walked home – each
year there was one child less.
It took him five years to qualify,
two more to earn enough, but finally he drove a rattling lorry home, where eager
hands helped him unload its contents.
On New Year’s Day clean water began flowing
from Sabu’s pump.
...................................................................
Ted Schulz's photo prompted this story, although I rejected several other ideas along the way! Thanks to https://rochellewisoff.com/ for hosting Friday Fictioneers - and as I'm off to my brother's house for lunch Right Now I shall leave you with best wishes to a prosperous 2018 and sign off. Bye!!
An inspiring story.
ReplyDeleteThanks Patsy. Happy New Year!
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteSabu was a determined young man with a mission. Wonderful story. To a good new year.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle - a happy new year to you too X
DeleteWhat a wonderful "can-do" story, Liz.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dale
DeleteWhat a great story about determination and never giving up. Something to remember.
ReplyDeleteHe had a good reason to keep going.
DeleteThis is a wonderful story.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda
Deleteoh, it was a pump after all. i had no idea. :)
ReplyDeleteI saw a pump. Others had different ideas!
DeleteWhat an inspiring little tale. Go little Sabu!
ReplyDeleteHe certainly kept working hard.
DeleteA very determined and dedicated young man. Nice one!
ReplyDeleteThanks Alastair
DeleteA lovely story of how love can overcome adversity.
ReplyDeleteLove for his entire village. Thanks Clare.
DeleteThe urgency to qualify came through brilliantly in this piece. All the time lives were being lost but finally they get clean water and the lives weren't lost in vain. Wel written
ReplyDeleteThanks Michael - in 100 words I'm never sure if the whole story comes through. I wanted to say that he couldn't even read when he set off, but the word count didn't allow that!
DeleteI love how he used his purposefulness to help his family to clean water... and I hope this is not the end but a new beginning for him and his family
ReplyDeleteFor him, his family and his village. With such determination perhpas he should be in government?
DeleteNow, that's a new twist! Love it!
ReplyDeleteMine: https://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2017/12/27/friday-fictioneers-lifes-cycle/
Scott
Thank you KS.
DeleteSuch a feel-good ending, Liz. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandra. I thought the last story of the year should end happily!
DeleteLoved your story. He persevered and won a great victory.And there are people who do this, too.
ReplyDeleteHe was a true son of the village.
DeleteHappy New Year Lizy - a hopeful story of hard work and determination to end on.
ReplyDeleteThanks Iain - happy new year to you too X
DeleteBeautiful story!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dawn x
DeleteVery well narrated Liz :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Dahlia x
DeleteA lovely story of brains and sacrifice to save lives, Liz. Good writing. Happy New Year 2018! :) --- Suzanne
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderfully inspiring story! Loved it. :)
ReplyDeleteI had been trying to comment all this while but succeeded only today. :)