One day after school, Adhiambo’s friend Atis ran to her, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Let’s go to the little kiosks (shops) in town and steal some more candy again.” “Alright I will keep watch while you take the candy.” Atis dawdled past a table with many clay dishes filled with sweets. She pretended to admire everything while her eyes were watching the woman behind the table. Adhiambo leaned against a pole at the kiosk glancing in all directions. No one else was near the candy table. When the woman began to swish away flies with a big leafy fan, Adhiambo faked a sneeze. “Ah-choo, Ah-choo!” that was the signal for Atis. The woman turned away from Atis and glared angrily at Adhiambo. Was this child sneezing germs onto my fresh candies? In a flash both of Atis’s skinny hands snatched dozens of candy which she dropped down at the front of her blouse.“Scoot,” she hissed, “I got it.” They had so much candy so they decided to steal fruit next time. Though Adhiambo enjoyed the delicious goodies, she felt guilty all the time. She knew that standing guard while her friend stole the candy was as bad as stealing. That night Adhiambo dreamed about Jesus, God’s son. She had seen His pictures in a story book once. In her dream Jesus had come to take people to heaven. He took black, white and brown people with him. In her dream she saw many children going to Heaven with him but she was not among them. The dream was frightening! Adhiambo awoke with her heart hammering. She had been left behind because she was a sinner- a thief! She was very afraid and she made up her mind never to steal again. The next afternoon when Atis said, “Let’s go to the kiosks,” Adhiambo replied bravely, “No Atis I will never steal again. Please don’t ever ask me to.” To be continued… Adapted from teach Kids
