Aita Ben Able
Part 5 – The Legacy of Love
As John’s wealth became more visible, whispers followed him everywhere. Some said he must have joined secret societies. Others claimed he had stolen from the rich. A few even spread rumors that he had used witchcraft.
But those who knew him closely shook their heads. They said, “This man worked silently for many years. His reward has come. Do not envy him—learn from him.”
Still, envy is a dangerous seed. One evening, a man from the village confronted John.
“John,” he sneered, “you think you are better than us because you live in the city now? We will see how long your riches last.”
John only smiled. “A tree does not argue with goats that eat its leaves. It continues to grow. Time will prove what is true.”
Elizabeth, hearing this, was afraid. But John reassured her. “Do not fear. God who raised us from nothing will protect us from envy. Our wealth is not our shield—our faith is.”
Years rolled by, and the twins grew into young adults.
Akena, tall and strong, went to university to study engineering. He often returned home with designs and sketches of machines he dreamed of building. He wanted to create tools that would help farmers like his parents once were.
Apio pursued education with passion. She studied literature and dreamed of writing stories that would inspire young girls never to give up, no matter how poor they were.
One day, she told Elizabeth, “Mama, I will write your story. The world will know of the woman who loved her husband when everyone told her to leave.”
Elizabeth’s heart swelled with pride. She touched her daughter’s cheek and said, “Write it, my child. Let the world know that true love is not for sale.”
As the twins excelled, the family’s name spread not just in Mvepi but beyond. Teachers, professors, and community leaders spoke of John and Elizabeth as examples of patience, sacrifice, and faith.
People began to travel to Mvepi just to see the humble hut where Elizabeth once lived. They pointed and said, “From here rose a queen of loyalty and a man of wisdom.”
Some even asked Elizabeth to speak at gatherings. She would tell her story simply:
“I was advised to leave. I was mocked for staying. But I believed that God blesses those who are faithful. Now I see the fruit of my waiting. Do not despise small beginnings. What matters most is love, patience, and prayer.”
Her words were carried on the wind, and many lives were touched.
With success came even more people surrounding John. Politicians wanted his endorsement. Businessmen sought his partnership. Relatives begged more boldly.
But John remained calm. He never forgot the years of hunger. He never allowed pride to enter his heart.
One evening, Elizabeth asked, “John, how do you remain so calm when so many pull at you?”
He answered with a smile, “When a pot of honey is opened, flies will always come. But the wise man covers the pot and shares only with those who truly need.”
Elizabeth laughed, shaking her head. “You always have a proverb ready.”
But wealth also brought tests. A trusted friend once tried to cheat John in business. A relative tried to forge his signature to steal money. The cluster of people around him was not always harmless.
Yet John remained discerning. Each trial only made him wiser. He began teaching his children not only how to succeed but also how to guard their hearts.
“Remember,” he told Akena and Apio, “poverty teaches hunger, but wealth tests the soul. If you lose humility, you lose everything.”
The twins listened carefully, knowing their father spoke from experience.
Years later, when Akena graduated as an engineer and Apio as a writer, John and Elizabeth organized a great feast back in Mvepi. They invited the whole village.
Under the shade of the great trees, food and music filled the air. People ate, danced, and celebrated.
When the time came for speeches, Elizabeth stood, her voice strong and steady.
“My people,” she began, “you once told me to leave my husband. You said poverty would kill me. But I stayed because I believed in love and in God’s blessing. Today you see what has become of that choice. My children are educated, my home is full, and my heart is at peace. Learn from this: never despise humble beginnings. Honor love, honor patience, honor God.”
The crowd was silent, many in tears. Even those who once mocked her now bowed their heads in respect.
In time, Akena built machines that transformed farming in the region. Apio published books that inspired countless readers, especially young women. Everywhere they went, they carried the story of their parents—the story of love that triumphed over poverty.
John and Elizabeth grew old together, their hair turning silver, their faces lined with wisdom. But their love never dimmed.
Often, in the evenings, they would sit together on the balcony of their city house, holding hands.
Elizabeth would say, “Do you remember when we had nothing but faith?”
And John would reply, “Yes. And faith was enough to carry us here.”
When Elizabeth was asked what her greatest achievement was, she never spoke of the house, the car, or the wealth. She always said, “My greatest achievement was refusing to give up on love. Everything else flowed from that choice.”
And John, when asked how he became rich, would smile and say, “By being poor first—and by learning to see who truly loves you when you have nothing.”
Their story became a proverb in Mvepi:
“The woman who loved the poor man became the queen of the rich man,
And the poor man who was despised became the wise man of the people.”
And so, their legacy lived on, not just in riches, but in the hearts they touched, the lessons they taught, and the unshakable faith that turned poverty into abundance….
…AND I WOKE UP FROM THE DREAM
The End
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