OLD FOES MEETING.

I felt awkward walking into Martin's chemist not as another customer, but as the bearer of some bad news. I was feeling so unease that I contemplated aborting the venture all together but I made a promise that I would deliver on my word. As a man, I am bound by honor. Failure to meet this honor would mean disgrace. 
I will have to do this despite the past animosity between us over Emma. I will explain how.
Martin and I were friends long before Emma came into the picture. Like Maxwell, we both had some interest in Emma. So there was some competition which at one point turned ugly. We both employed all means to win her heart, subterfuge, undercutting, you name it.
There is only one winner, that was me. Martin was humiliated and he left without a fight. But he was mad at me. Now six years after this incident, we meet under different circumstances. He is a KMTC graduate and I am a proud KIMC graduate.
"Vipi ras?"
"Poa Marto." That was a good sign.

She called but he didn't pick

We exchanged banter and even discussed the upcoming world cup in Russia. It was a way to reduce the tension building up inside me before I could tell him the real purpose of my visit.
"How's Doris?"
"She's good." This was the moment I was waiting for.
"Marto, Jana nlienda Londiani."
"Oh, so uko na report yangu?"
"Yeah. Miriam alikusalimia. Na anataka uende ukamtembelee." That was finally out of my chest. It was difficult to gauge whether he was happy or not. I didn't care as long as I delivered my message.
"When?'
"Kesho. This is the number I was given by her friend to give you." I handed over the number and she analyzed it keenly like some specimen in a medical laboratory.
"I've seen this number. Kumbe ni yeye."
"Alikupigia?"
"Yeah. But sikupick. Labda ni emergency."
"True. Anyway, I'll be on my way." I left not knowing if he would work on it or not.