Luck refused to smile

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Ibezim had always wanted to make it big, financially, through betting since his early years. All the time, it had been a case of "win today, lose tomorrow". On a balance sheet, he had a negative value because he lost more often than he won.

In all this, his hope of winning the big numbers remained firm. And, his continued interest in betting appeared to have sliped in to addiction.

"I think you should call off this betting habit", his older brother, Jonah had advised on a number of occasions but, Ibezim will not let go.

"One day, you'll see me, and not recognize me", Ibezim usually replied to his brother, and anyone that didn't support his betting.

Ibezim, a tailor by profession was really good in the art of making clothes but, his carefree attitude, and disappointment to his customers (by not getting their clothes ready on time) were pulling him down. Many times he'll be seen arguing with his disappointed customers.

One day his brother, Jonah knocked on his door, very early in the morning to wake him up.

"You know you're my only brother. My purpose of coming is simple". Jonah started.
"I've thought of you, and concluded that your star is not in betting. You have to call it quit.
"I agree that someone may make it through betting but, everyone is not the same.
"I believe you're not among them".

With that, Jonah stood up and began to walk away before Ibezim would tongue-lash him and quote his usual, "One day you'll see me, and not recognize me".

One sunny day, an old friend took Ibezim out, to "Mama's Kitchen" a top ranking restaurant that was popular for their fortune cookies. It was believed by many that their predictions usually come true. Even though there was no verified record of that, the restaurant maintained its popularity on that basis.

However, they were people like Ibezim's friend who had no regard for such predictions. As soon as he opened his cookie, he threw the prediction into a trashcan without looking at it.

Ibezim was surprised he could do that. "You should have considered it first", he said.

"I have no time for such frivolities", his friend replied. "What attracts me to this place are their serene environment and delicacies like vegetable soup".

When Ibezim opened his own, he nodded in agreement with the prediction - "Your lucky number is 101". He held tight to it saying in his mind, "My day has come".

Alone in his house, he began to calculate how to raise money for his next betting. This time around, he was sure to make it. This must be the day he had been waiting for, he thought.

The amount of money he had would not give him the type of money he was aiming at. This made him to sell his sewing machine which was the most valuable property he had. With his winning, he'll not just buy a superior machine but, a whole range of machines that'll enable him to establish an industrial sewing centre where he would employ workers. That had actually been his dream.

One of his neighbours got a hint of his planned big betting and approached him, "Please Ibezim, let me contribute money for your next betting so that you can consider a percentage for me when the winning comes", he begged.

"Are you in your right senses?" Ibezim asked. "You're one of those that have been making a jest of me. Why now do you want to be part of it?" He asked again.

"Who does not want money? Please, I want to contribute".

"Please, go away before you say I've insulted you", Ibezim ordered.

On the D-Day, Ibezim staked all he had with "101" number. Unfortunately for him, the result was negative. He lost everything.

In his sad mood, he thought of what to do. He was full of regret for what befell him.

"With which face would I use to see my neighbours, especially, my older brother, Jonah who had been advising me against betting?" He asked himself.

He made up his mind quickly and left home. He went to another town to live with a childhood friend who incidentally was living from hand to mouth.

Ibezim didn't mind staying with him. At least, there was a roof over his head, and he was sure hunger will not kill him. He could manage to get his daily bread which was all that mattered at that moment. It was better than remaining in his town where he was sure to be an object of ridicule to all.

However, after some time, Jonah heard of the suffering Ibezim was passing through in that distant land. His spirit was troubled. He went in search of him. On seeing him, he persuaded him to follow him back home.

Coming back, Jonah bought a brand new sewing machine for him, and helped him to get reestablished.

Ibezim was humbled by his brother's kind gesture. He made up his mind to abandon betting, and began to live according to his means. Moreover, his attitude to work changed for good. No more disappointments to his customers as he became dedicated to his work. With this, Ibezim transformed to a respected and responsible citizen in the society.