Old man’s day out

By Joseph Muia

The path from his home to the market seemed long as Mzee Zakayo proceeded to the market that early morning. On the way, he met many traders who had camped at the market to sell or buy commodities. "My son, have those traders selling cows arrived?" Zakayo asked a trader, his bicycle squeaking under the weight of heavy merchandise. "Only one had arrived when I left," he answered as he panted. On hearing that, Zakayo hastened his steps as his right hand remained firmly in the pocket holding his money.