CWRC Anthology

GOD'S TIME

*© 2023 by Dilenu*
*Brought to you by* *Christian Writers and Readers Club*

                      

Disappointment married Timeyin's face as he faced another job rejection. 

"I am sorry, sir, but we don't have a vacancy here." Sympathy shone in the receptionist's eyes. 

Timeyin jerked his head. "Thank you." He picked up the file that contained his credentials and walked out with hunched shoulders.

The hot sun beat down on him and beads of sweat formed on his forehead. His eyes traveled heavenward. 

_Where do I go from here, Lord?_

He sighed and trekked down the sidewalk.  Various thoughts raced through his mind.  His eyes darkened and his jaw tightened.
How would he tell his family that he had failed again?

A loud horn broke through the fog in his head and he looked up only to realize that he had reached the bus stop and was at the edge of missing his bus. Something he couldn't afford to lose. His pace quickened and he reached the bus as it began to drive away. 

"Please wait." He waved his hand to gain the attention of the bus conductor. His efforts went in vain as the bus picked up speed and zoomed off. 

Timeyin doubled over as he struggled to catch his breath.  Moments later, his racing heart returned to its normal pace.

Despair welled within him as he realized he had to wait for the next bus which would arrive in an hour.  The delay meant he would probably get home late so he pulled out his phone to inform his family. 

After two rings, a female voice filled the line. "Hello, Tim."

"Hello, Mom, I am going to be late. I missed the first bus."

"Okay, dear. Stay safe. How did the interview go?"

Pain punched his guts and his lips thinned.  "I will tell you about it when I get home," he said and cut the call.

_Sorry, mom._ _I can't let you know I failed you again._ He thought and pocketed his phone. His legs carried him to the shade erected for waiting passengers. He dropped down on the bench beside one man and a woman. 

The sound of car horns and the voices of passersby filled the silence.  His eyes drifted to the road and he watched cars of various sizes and brands speed.  He couldn't stop the bitterness that swelled within him as he pondered on his life. 

At 25, he was jobless and more or less penniless.  His first-class degree in business administration seemed useless.

Being the first child and only son of his parents, they had high expectations of him.  His two younger sisters considered him their hero.  But he had failed all of them.

He continued to drown in his self-pity until the bus arrived.   He hopped inside the bud and maneuvered to a spot at the back. With his hand on his jaw, he continued in his misery.

When the bus stopped, he alighted with some other passengers. He walked a few meters before his house came into view.  With knitted brows and thin lips, he approached the gray building that housed his family. 

His sour mood prevented him from smiling at his neighbors who waved at him. At that moment all he wanted to do was hide away in his room but he knew his family would not let him get away without answering their questions.

He climbed up the steps leading to his house and pressed the doorbell. Moments later, his sister, Abigail opened the door and greeted him with a smile.