The Theft

Life as a student can be rough at times. You often get to experience different characters from different people from different homes. Some have home training and discipline, while some are just living their lives the way they want them.

Coming from a disciplined home, I was also fortunate to have my roommate portray similar characters. They are cool and calm. They don't get carried away or jealous of someone else's way of life. They are very careful about offending other people and are satisfied and content with the little that comes their way.

If they need anything and they realize they don't have it but one of us has, then they will politely request it even though we all gave ourselves the freedom to use it at our discretion and then tell the owner afterward. This has been the way we have it in our room over the years as roommates and we are cool with each other.

Some other flatmates are most times jealous of togetherness, they might have tried to bridge a gap between us or try to be like us but they find it hard to accomplish.

Adeyinka was my first roommate before Hamid joined us. Adeyinka was like my blood brother. You can hardly tell that we have no family ties but just friends who met as hostel mates. I knew much about him and so does he. But as for Hamid, there are times when he acts off and then gets on Adeyinka's nerves. But luckily I am always there to calm them.

One day Adeyinka called the three of us together and asked for our permission. He told us that his junior brother, like a family friend, got admitted to our institution and didn’t have somewhere to reside. So he asked if his brother could join us in the room pending the time he would get his accommodation and settle down.

Without thinking twice I approved and welcomed the request and so did Hamid.

After a few days, we welcomed the presence of our new roommate into our room. He felt welcomed and we loved his vibes. He was just like us and related to us quickly.

Two weeks into his arrival some strange things happened which have never occurred in our room ever before. Most times when I drip my money I drop them on my bed with the assurance that no one would tamper with it. Some I leave them in my school bag without fear of theft. Not until Sherif joined us.

I got back from school one day and then went straight to my back to pick up the money my course mate who happened to be one of our neighbors gave me to keep for him. After dipping my hands in the bag I found the money but upon counting it I realized the money wasn’t complete anymore.

I was so annoyed at that instant and then called on both roommates first.

Adeyinka!! Hamid! Hamid!! Come here now! Screaming at the top of my voice.

What happened? Adeyinka asked out of curiosity.

My money was missing in my bag and this is so usual in this room. I replied.

I kept 40,000 naira in my bag and now I am seeing 15,000 naira only. How come? I asked with full anger on my face.

How is it possible? Hamid asked out of surprise.

This is something rare. He added.

Adeyinka please help me speak with your brother for confirmation. He is the newest among us. I added to the Hamid's response.

I will speak with him. But I trust Sherif won’t do such a thing. Adeyinka proclaimed.

We all left and I had to go and meet with my coursemate who happened to own the money and explained the incident to him. He was calm enough and asked me not to bother much about it. But I was so concerned.

My curiosity never let me have my guard down on Sheriff despite the fact that he defended himself not to be guilty of such an act. I accepted, but was watchful of his every step and actions.

One day while I was sleeping alone inside with the sheriff in the room. I never slept deeply. I knew when he went to the restroom to take his bath. After a few minutes, I began to hear the door creaking slowly. Then some footsteps approached the entrance gradually and then left the door open.

Deep down I knew Sheriff wouldn't do such a thing. He would open and close the door confidently. Then I switched my sleeping pattern gently from facing the wall to see who was behind the strange act. I saw a fair guy trying to put his hand in the pockets of my clothes on the hanger then he went to check our bags too. I was watching him. Maybe he would pick something I can use as evidence. But he was lucky enough to see me awake.

He was shocked. And then he quickly said that Sherif asked him to come and pick up medicine in the room. I let him go. Then when Sherif came in I asked for confirmation then the Sherif said he never asked anyone to do so.

Wow! So he is the culprit. I got the thief! I screamed out of my voice like I just won the lottery. Seems my investigations proved useful. I told everyone about the thief who happened to be a friend of one of our flatmates. He was put to shame and banned from stepping into our hostel ever again. I apologized to Sherif and we lived on peacefully