Thompson and Johnson were both children of about fifteen years of age. They wore a white vest with a blue top on it and their head was a black hat. They stood under a big tree by the riverside of Kilburn village to catch fish.

On Thompson's hand was a fishing rod with a string tied onto it. "How happy will I be if the fish rod catches a lot of fishes today," said Johnson. When Thompson heard what he said, he smiled and told him to set his fishing rod too for them to catch many fishes and immediately Johnson set his fish rod into the river.

They both stood for hours under the big tree by the riverside and later were able to catch four big fish and seven small fish. Thompson carried on his head a big bowl in it are the four big fishes while Johnson holds in his hand a small bucket with the seven small fishes in it and they walked to the market to sell their fishes.
They were both very happy after they've sold their fish. "If I add this money to the money in my save my bicycle money will complete," said Johnson. Likewise, I too replied Thompson. On the second day, they both went and bought two new bicycles.

They thought of nothing but riding from morning to night ever since they bought their bicycles. A priest of the Baptist church in their village called bishop paul felt bad the day he saw Them riding recklessly instead of being in school or a workshop or doing something better. Bishop paul came out of the hut where he usually seat when having his silent hour or reading the bible and called on them but only Johnson responded to his call while Thompson was still riding.

Johnson called on Thompson the second time that the bishop is calling them but instead of Thompson responding to the call he sent Johnson to the bishop that he's still busy riding his bicycle. The bishop was astonished when he heard what Thompson said as a reply to him. The bishop then walked to Thompson with a cane in his hand which hit him. "Thompson, don't you have respect for an elder?

Immediately Thompson jumped down from the bicycle and pleaded the bishop should forgive him because he thought Johnson was only joking. The bishop ordered Thompson to follow him and never to disrespect elders again.

In the hut, the bishop sat on a chair while Thompson and Johnson sat on a long bench. The bishop questioned them about the reason they were not going to school or workshop like other children. Both of them were silent for minutes thinking of what to say as a reply to the question asked by the bishop. With annoyance, the bishop reacted to their long silence. "Why the silence? I need the two of you to reply to me now." The Thompson sluggishly talked to the bishop. He explained they are orphans and there is no one to train or send them to school. He told them being an orphan doesn't stop them from seeking a job to do if they can't go to school. There was an awkward silence when they heard what the bishop said. He told them to think about it very well before it's too late. People have given you the names of different types. He told them to let him know the outcome of what they think or suggest. After their discussion with the bishop, they went to park their bicycles at home, pick up their fish rods, and left to the riverside.

Thompson who has been feeling sad after their talk with the bishop said to Johnson while at the riverside that he is tired of staying in the village. "But we have no one to assist us or where do you think we can go to again? Asked Johnson." Thompson told him they can find a way to get to the city. Johnson knew they are not educated. He said to Thompson the city is met for educated people not illiterates like them. I am very sure we will make it in the city Thompson told him with boldness.

Johnson later agreed with the opinion of Thompson about going to the city with him. He told him he has no money in his save box he can use for transportation. With a soft smile, Thompson told him he has no money in the save box too but believes in getting the money for transportation before the next day evening if only Johnson would follow his plan. Johnson knew Thompson to be a person with different acts then asked him of the plan he wants him to follow.

He draws Johnson nearer and spoke into his ear because it was a secret plan.
Their fish rod which they set in the river caught four fishes which they took to the market to sell. The market was rowdy as people were buying and selling. They laid their four fishes opposite those selling vegetables and behind them were three blind beggar men. In front of each beggar was a small bowl where people drop money and other things they wish to give them. Thompson whose secret plan was to steal at the market told Johnson to distract the attention of those selling vegetables opposite them and that how Thompson robbed the three blind beggar men their whole money.

Immediately they left the market and went home. They calculated the money they stole with the little they have in their save together. Both of them were very happy because the money is enough for their transportation to the city. They discussed till the late night before they slept and very early the following morning they woke up, took their baths, and left to the park where they board the train to the city.

The city was like paradise to them. They were enticed by the different things they saw in the city because they have not seen them before. The beautiful structures, different types of beautiful cars, people different modes of dressing, etc all look strange to them. They walked up and down the streets the whole day before they got to a stall at a close of a street where they slept in the night. Early the next day when the stall owner met them sleeping in his stall, he was very bitter and poured on them a bucket of water.

They both woke up immediately and with their wet body they ran away. Johnson felt bad and became worried because of their wet appearance. He asked Thompson if they can get a place they can spread their clothes to dry. Thompson burst into laughter. He told Johnson City isn't like their village where they can spread clothes on the trees. After some hours their clothes dried and they entered a roadside canteen to buy food. There was an old man in the canteen who ordered food. He has a small bag with some money in it. When the old man opened the small bag to bring out his cigarette lighter Johnson saw the money and called the attention of Thompson to it. He was surprised and moved when he saw the big money in the bag. Thompson and Johnson left behind their food and set the old man till they got the chance and took away his small bag. Few minutes after they had left the canteen the old man noticed his small bag is missing and there he fell to the floor and fainted. Other customers at the canteen ran up and down to get Thompson and Johnson but all their effort proved abortive.

Where they hide after stealing the old man bag, Johnson said he's tired of the risky games they usually play. He tried to convince Thompson that they should use the money to empower themselves so they can be at peace because he's afraid of the securities in the city. Thompson was not pleased with the idea. He tried to discourage Johnson and then the money was shared between them.

Thompson jumped up severally because of the money. With a cheerful mood, he told Johnson they should go around and search for more fools to steal from.
Johnson has the fear of the city people and securities. He said to Thompson he has no interest in stealing anymore but to start a small business with the money they shared. Thompson laughs at him. Look at the big houses, big cars, and stores owned by people. With little money, it is impossible to have all that. He walked closer to Johnson and pointed his right hand to him. He told him to remember he brought the idea and plan of how they got to the city to him.

Johnson interrupted and in low voice, he told Thompson if all he planned is to continue stealing then they should end the league between them because he will never follow him.
Suddenly Thompson became mad at Johnson. He felt bitter at what Johnson said to him because he never expected such. He lashed him on his face and walked away. Johnson who fell to the ground when he was lashed said to Thompson when he saw him going "till we see" and that was how they departed.
Johnson can often be seen pulling a heavily loaded cart through the streets in the city. He gathers cardboard, scrap metal, and plastic. When it begins to get dark, he places a layer of cardboard under his cart and lies down to sleep. He seems oblivious to the noise of cars and buses on the busy street where he spends the night. But Thompson lapsed into more bad habits after his separation from Johnson. He became a gambler and lives a very rugged life. Thompson with his three new friends named Harry, Bluse, and Harkey formed a gang and continued with the robbery business in the city and environs. They usually lodge from a hotel to another drinking, smoking, and fornicating with prostitutes. A year later, they bought a new house and exotic cars.

Johnson still on the street with his cart mistakenly hit a car with his cart. When the man in the car noticed his car was hit, he was annoyed and abused the cartman. Immediately Johnson walked to the door side of the car where the man in the car is sitting and to his surprise he saw Thompson be the man in the car. He became shocked and couldn't say a word again. He was surprised to see him on such a wealthy level so fast.

Thompson was also surprised to see Johnson on a more poor level. He smiles and told him "so you're the poor man that hit my car with the cart?" Johnson didn't know what to say. He just stood in front listening to Thompson's arrogant and insulting words. "Is this the empowerment you told me? I brought the idea we come to the city so we can have a good life but it seems you love poverty. Just have this for a meal and till we see again as you told me then". Thompson mocked Johnson so much and after that, he dropped on the ground some money and drove away.

Johnson felt bad due to what Thompson said to him and the way he also mocked him. He didn't pick the money Thompson dropped on the ground but continued to push his cart. Ever since the day Johnson saw Thompson in a big car he wasn't discouraged by his lack of achievement.

Months later Johnson got a job as clinic security and also started adult school which he did for six years. After he graduated from adult school a doctor at the hospital where he works assisted him and was given admission at the police college. Four years later, Johnson became a qualified police officer.
Johnson was posted to serve in one of the biggest police stations in the state. The police boss he works with loves him so much because of his activeness. A special operation was given to the policemen that will lead to promotion if they succeeded and Johnson was among the police officers appointed for the operation.

After all the necessary arms needed for the operation were given to each of the police officers, they all matched to their parade ground where their boss came to meet them. They were fifteen in number when their boss counted them. He warned them to be careful of the operation they are going. He further told them the people they are going after are hardened criminals and they should try everything to get them alive or death especially the gang leader. Immediately their boss turned back they match straight to their patrol vehicles and left for the operation.

Thompson and his men were busy having fun with their prostitutes. They were drinking and taking hard drugs in their mansion house when they heard a gunshot. Thompson immediately stood up from his seat to check through his room window but couldn't found anyone. His prostitutes became scared but he told them his men were the ones test their pistols. As Thompson returned to the bed, he received a phone call about the policemen who are coming to arrest him and his men. Immediately he called on Harry, Bluse, and Harkey and told them the information he just received. They planned together on what to do and set their men all around the mansion and compound.

Thompson and his men waited for several hours but no policemen were found. "They must have run back," said Bluse, and all of them laugh together. Thompson commanded his men not to leave their various hideouts till evening when they will be going to the clubhouse.
Suddenly they heard another gunshot. When Harkey and Bluse walked to the back yard they found one of their men shot dead. Thompson wasn't pleased when heard about the death of one of his men by an unknown person. He believed they are not safe and commanded his men to move around the whole mansion and compound and open fire on any strange person or officer they found.
A few minutes later all turned to a battle between the policemen and the Thompson gang. Two policemen were shot dead while three were stabbed to death. Other police officers got feared because of the hard ways Thompson gang faced them.
Johnson has less fear and it made him lead them including the senior officers. An arrow was thrown at Johnson and it hit him on his right hand which he uses for handling his gun. Instead, to give up he changed his gun to the left hand and continued shooting. About eleven of the criminals were shot dead by Johnson before he had the chance to enter the main mansion where the gang leader was hiding.

Thompson holds a pistol and is shot severally toward the side he saw the policemen hiding. There an officer shouted and replied Thompson back with a shot too. The shot hit Thompson on the chest and he collapsed. The policeman who was shot by Thompson and Thompson was immediately rushed into the police ambulance van which took them to the hospital.

The police boss was impressed with the great performance he heard about Johnson at the operation. He went to the hospital to check on all the injured officers including Johnson who was still unconscious then.
Thompson was in the emergency room for four days before he became conscious too. When he was moved out of the emergency room with handcuffs of his hands and legs for the police boss and other police officers to see him, he was shocked seeing the policeman he shot. The policeman too was surprised seeing the hardened criminal he shot in the chest too. Thompson couldn't hide his feelings. He moved closer to Johnson and holds his hands. It was a wonder to him that Johnson has become a policeman and even the one her shot and same Johnson was the one that shot him before his arrest.

The police boss and other officers and men there were unable to understand what was going on between them then the police boss asked if they both know each other. With pity, Johnson told them Thompson was once a friend. He explained further that they both started the bad acts when they were still in the village before they relocated to the city. He said he knows the criminal ways of life have no good outcome or future and was the reason he told Thompson then they should quit but he refused. It was after we separated that I went to school before I joined the police force. I have in mind that one day I will meet my childhood friend again because all my thought was he would have changed not knowing he had turned king of the jungle.
Thompson couldn't say a word because he was ashamed of himself. He could look up to face Johnson but faced down seeking his forgiveness. He stammered with fear as he was talking to Johnson and answering questions the police boss and journalist were asking him.

Johnson with his boss and other officers and men there felt pity for Thompson but there is nothing any of them can do because justice must be fulfilled. Two weeks later Thompson was discharged from the hospital and taken to court with other three men of his gang that survived. They were sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labour while Johnson was awarded by the state governor and also promoted to a senior rank police officer. He later bought a new car of his own, bought a new house, and got married.

NOTE: STRUGGLE FOR YOU NOT TO STRUGGLE.

THE END






© Adebayo Adebare