he sun was beginning to set over the small town of Mzuri, casting long golden streaks across the narrow dirt roads. Birds chirped their final songs of the evening, and the aroma of spices wafted from the homes, signaling the approach of dinner. But amidst this serene scene, a storm was brewing—one that had nothing to do with the weather.
Tayari was furious. Not the kind of mild anger that fades with time, but a full-blown, fire-breathing rage that sent shivers down the spines of anyone within earshot. Her piercing voice echoed through the neighborhood, warning everyone that someone was in deep trouble. That someone was her husband, D’jeeco.
“D’JEECO!” she bellowed, slamming the front door so hard that the wooden frame shook. “You better not make me chase you, because if I do, I swear on my mother’s grave, you will not live to see the morning!”
D’jeeco, a tall and lean man with a mischievous glint in his eyes, was already halfway down the street. He had learned long ago that when Tayari was in this mood, the best course of action was to run first and explain later. His bare feet pounded against the dusty ground as he weaved through the market stalls, dodging baskets of fruit and startled pedestrians.
“D’jeeco, what did you do this time?” called out Mama Nia, the elderly shopkeeper, as she watched him sprint past her stall.
“Ask Tayari!” he shouted without breaking stride.
Behind him, Tayari was hot on his heels. Her headscarf had slipped to one side, her eyes blazing with fury. She had removed her sandals, knowing she could run faster barefoot, and was determined not to let him escape this time. The whole town watched with amused horror, placing bets on how long it would take before Tayari caught him.
“You can run, but you can’t hide!” Tayari yelled, leaping over a puddle with surprising agility.
D’jeeco knew his time was limited. His wife had always been a formidable woman—quick-witted, sharp-tongued, and terrifyingly fast when she needed to be. But this wasn’t just about outrunning her; he had to find a way to calm her down before she caught him.
As he turned a corner, he spotted his friend Kamau lounging outside the barber shop. Kamau saw the panic in D’jeeco’s eyes and immediately stood up, knowing this was serious.
“Kamau, help me!” D’jeeco gasped, ducking behind a stack of crates.
“What did you do?” Kamau asked, glancing nervously at the approaching Tayari.
“I may have…accidentally spent the grocery money on a goat.”
Kamau’s jaw dropped. “A goat? Are you mad?”
“It was a really good goat!” D’jeeco protested. “Strong, healthy, and a great bargain!”
Kamau shook his head. “You really have a death wish, don’t you?”
Before they could strategize an escape, Tayari appeared, her breath heavy but her determination unwavering. Her eyes locked onto D’jeeco’s hiding spot immediately. “You think I wouldn’t find you? Get out here!”
With nowhere left to run, D’jeeco stepped forward, hands raised in surrender. “Now, now, my love, let’s be reasonable.”
“Reasonable?” Tayari repeated, her voice dangerously low. “You spent our money on a goat when we needed food for the week!”
D’jeeco gulped. “But… but I was thinking of the future! The goat can give us milk, and we can sell it for more money!”
Tayari folded her arms, tapping her foot impatiently. “And where exactly is this magical goat?”
D’jeeco hesitated before pointing to a nearby alley. The goat, oblivious to the chaos, was contentedly munching on some discarded vegetable peels.
Tayari took a deep breath, clearly debating whether to strangle her husband or accept his logic. The crowd had gathered now, some stifling laughter, others watching with bated breath.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Tayari sighed. “You are lucky I love you, D’jeeco. But if that goat doesn’t start making us money soon, I will personally cook it for dinner.”
D’jeeco grinned, knowing he had been spared—at least for now. He wrapped an arm around Tayari’s shoulders and kissed her forehead. “Trust me, my love. This goat will change our lives.”
The town erupted in laughter as Tayari rolled her eyes, but a small smile played on her lips. She wasn’t done being angry, but perhaps—just perhaps—her husband’s foolishness wasn’t entirely unforgivable.
And so, under the setting sun of Mzuri, Tayari, D’jeeco, and their unexpected new family member made their way home, with the entire town watching their every step, eager for the next chapter of their never-ending adventure.
