I screamed in shock when I received the alert.

+500,000 naira.

I stood, staring at her, speechless.

"Evely... Evelyn," I stuttered, before finding the right words to say. "Evelyn, I'm so grateful for your..."

She didn't allow me to complete my statement before she cut in, "Please, you don't need to thank me, Israel, just keep up with the good work. I enjoy reading your write-ups and stories, and in so many ways, they have inspired me and educated me. 

Do you remember the write-up you wrote, encouraging one not to commit suicide?" 

"Yes, I remember, I posted it about some months ago." 

"I'm glad you remembered, that piece saved my life, I had determined that I was going to commit suicide that day, I was tired of life, I just wanted to end my life by drinking sniper.

So, I logged into Facebook and was scrolling mindlessly to see the posts of my family members and friends for the last time, but the next second, your write-up popped up on my screen, with the headline powerful yet striking, written boldly, 'DON'T COMMIT SUICIDE!' 

I read everything you wrote, and that single piece changed my life, the thought of committing suicide left me, and I prayed the prayer of faith you wrote at the end of your piece. Since then, I've been living a good life. 

I sent you a direct message, but I'm not sure you saw it, I've always wished that I saw you physically, and here you are with me, please just manage the money I sent to you, it is the little I can give you to appreciate you. You deserve more than this, Please keep it up," she said, smiling.

"Wow! I'm so thrilled to hear this, I never knew that write-up saved a life, and I'm so glad it was posted at the right time. Thank you so much for the money" I replied, "I'm so grateful," I added.

Evelyn was a long-time Facebook friend. We had met on Facebook when I opened an account in 2015. We always chatted, and since then we became online buddies. But over time, I stopped logging in to Facebook, so we lost connection.

Not until today; we had closed for the day at work, so I was on my way home, when suddenly, I heard someone yell my name from a distance, "Israel!" The person shouted. "Israel," the voice repeated. 

I doubted the person was referring to me, so I didn't bother to look for the person that yelled my name, then the voice called out again, "Israel writer," the 'writer' added to Israel was what made me know the person was referring to me. 

I turned around and saw Evelyn at the park. I recognized her, and she also recognized me. She was smiling, and I was smiling. She was so amazed to see me, and so was I.

When we met, we exchanged pleasantries, and she asked for my account details. "What for?" I asked her. "I've been reading your posts on my Facebook timeline for a long time, and I've been wanting to see you. I'd love to appreciate you with a little token," she said.

I called out my account details and to my surprise, she sent a whopping sum of five hundred thousand naira.

"... Before I take my leave, I'd love you to meet a friend of mine. We came from the US together, and we're studying for our master's degree, we only came to Nigeria for a business summit, and we'll be returning soon," Evelyn said. 

"wow! That's nice to know. I wish you success in all your endeavors, and that of your friend." I said. She closed her eyes, and joined her both palms together, like someone who was praying to God then she said, "Amen! Thank you, my pastor and writer." We both giggled, then she opened the front door of her Lexus RX 350 car and beckoned at the young white man to come say hi.

"Hello, Mr. Israel, I'm Jasper Austin. It's nice meeting you," he said as he extended his hand for a shake. I stretched forth my right hand, and we had a handshake. "I would need you to work on a ghostwriting service for me, Evelyn told me you're a talented writer, "Jasper said.

"Wow! It'd be a pleasure writing for you, sir," I said, as my face brightened up with a smile. 

"Evelyn, thank you for recommending me to Jasper, it's really an honour," I said. "Don't mention, Israel," Evelyn replied.

Jasper and I talked about the writing gig, and then he asked, "Would you want the payments in dollars or naira?"

"I prefer dollars," I told him.

He asked for my Payoneer account, and right there he sent me 500 U.S dollars. My joy knew no bounds. I hugged him, and we snapped some shots together.

"Let me give you a lift to wherever you're going," Evelyn said.

"You shouldn't bother, Evelyn."

"No! I insist," she persisted.

"Alright, thank you," I replied.

I made my way to the car, and Evelyn drove me to my destination. "This is my business card, have it please, you can reach me on this line," Evelyn said. I collected her business card and thanked her again for all she did.

"I'll always inform you whenever I come back to Nigeria." She said. "Alright, thank you, Evelyn." She embraced me, and we bade ourselves farewell.

I went to my study room and sat on the chair, reminiscing over all that had happened, I was so euphoric, I never imagined this happening, I was so grateful for my writing journey, the process, the progress, the bad times, the good times, and the hard work. They were all paying off.

I remembered a quote made by Jonas Salk- "The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more."  

The gifts, and praises made by Evelyn, and other readers who have had the opportunity to read my works, have propelled me to do more, I would continue to bless lives through my pen.

The end.

©️ Israel Odoko