THIS IS NOT NOLLYWOOD

The day I realized poverty could make people disrespect you was not the day I lost my job. It was the day I walked into a room where people who once called me “brother” suddenly looked at me like I had become a stranger.I hadn't changed.My clothes were still mine. My voice was still mine. My dreams were still mine.The only thing that had disappeared was money.And apparently, that was enough to change everything.

CHAPTER ONE

THE PHONE THAT NEVER RANG

It was 10:17 on a Tuesday morning when Daniel stared at his phone for what felt like the hundredth time.Nothing.No missed calls.No email.No WhatsApp message from a potential employer.Just silence.His CV was saved in his phone under the name "Daniel CV Final.pdf."There were several versions of it.Daniel had sent that CV to hotels, tour companies, travel agencies, real-estate firms, offices and businesses he had never heard of before.Sometimes he changed the subject line.Sometimes he changed the introduction.Sometimes he even changed the photograph.But the result was usually the same."We will get back to you."They rarely did.Daniel put the phone on the table and leaned back on the plastic chair.His friend Mike was sitting across from him."Any luck?" Mike asked.Daniel shook his head."Nothing."Mike sighed."Keep trying, bro."Daniel smiled."That's what everybody keeps telling me."Mike looked at him."What do you want people to tell you?"Daniel laughed quietly."I don't know."For a moment, neither of them spoke.Outside, people were moving around with purpose.Matatus were coming and going.People were rushing to work.Shopkeepers were opening their businesses.Somebody somewhere was probably signing an employment contract.And Daniel was sitting in a small room trying to convince himself that tomorrow would be different.

CHAPTER TWO

WHEN FRIENDS BECOME STRANGERS

Before unemployment, Daniel was the kind of person people called when they needed something.If somebody needed transport money, he tried to help.If a friend needed a small loan, Daniel sometimes sent what he could.If there was a birthday, Daniel showed up.If friends wanted to go out, he rarely needed convincing.Then everything changed.The money disappeared.And gradually, the invitations disappeared with it.One Friday evening, Daniel received a message from his old friend Kevin."Bro, we're going out tonight. You coming?"Daniel stared at the message.He had only enough money for transport home and food the following day.He typed:"I'm a bit broke right now, bro. Maybe next time."Kevin replied almost immediately."You're always broke these days 😂."Daniel forced a laugh when he read it.But it hurt.Not because Kevin had insulted him deliberately.Maybe it was just a joke.But sometimes jokes land differently when they touch the wound you're trying to hide.Daniel put his phone down.A few minutes later, another message arrived."Anyway, we'll catch up when you're sorted."When you're sorted.Daniel read those words again.He realized something.He had become somebody people wanted to meet after he had money again.Not while he was struggling.

CHAPTER THREE

THE FAMILY TABLE

The worst humiliation didn't come from strangers.It came from people who knew you.Daniel went to visit his uncle Joseph one Sunday afternoon.Joseph had always been a respected man in the family. He owned a business and had built a comfortable life.The house was full of relatives.There was food on the table.People were laughing.Daniel sat quietly, listening to the conversation.Eventually, Uncle Joseph looked at him."So, Daniel, what are you doing these days?"Daniel knew the question was coming."I'm looking for work."Joseph frowned."Still?""Yes.""How long?"Daniel hesitated."Some time now."Joseph leaned back."Young man, you have to be serious."Daniel nodded."I am serious.""Then why are you still sitting at home?"The room became quiet.Daniel felt everyone's eyes."I've...