The Visitor Who Knew Everyone’s Secret
My name is Jasmine, and I live in a small town where nothing ever happens. My family is very joyful and welcomes everyone, especially visitors.
One hot afternoon, when most children were playing and adults were working, a visitor came to our house and knocked. When I opened the door, he looked suspicious, but I didn’t fret. I welcomed him warmly and introduced my parents to him. They, in turn, told me to serve him drinks, which I did.
As soon as I was about to leave, he called out my name and said, “Thanks.”
I replied by saying, “You’re welcome,” and went out to meet my bestie. Then I realised that I hadn’t told him my name, and my mom hadn’t called out my name either. I narrated my ordeal to her.
My bestie asked if I was sure I hadn’t given out my name, and I told her yes. The strange thing about this particular visitor was the way he looked at you, like he knew you inside out or knew everything you were hiding.
She was furious when I told her I was going to confront him, and I had to pacify her.
I proceeded home. When I got home, the strange visitor was about to leave. Then I walked up to him and asked how he knew my name.
He said to me, “Jasmine, a magician never tells.”
Just then, my mom walked up to us and asked, “What was going on?”
He said, “Nothing.”
“Thanks for the hospitality, Fatimah. I’m sure your business will be palmy. I’ll be on my way.”
I could see the shock on my mom’s face, which implied she had so many questions, but he left before she could ask.
Soon, the whole town became terrified. He visited some of the people, and each time, he revealed a secret nobody knew.
He told Mr Kemi about the money he hid. He told Aunty Lola about the lie she told. He told my mom about the business she only thought about. She hadn’t even told my dad.
More people became terrified and started saying out what they had hidden. Nobody wanted to go close to the visitor again.
But I was curious, and definitely not myopic. So I walked up to him and asked why he told people their secrets.
He said to me, “Sometimes secrets are heavy, and people need to face them and handle the burden.”
Then he walked away.
The next morning, he was gone, and the town was placid once again. There was nothing for people to yack about, though they learnt to tell each other things instead of hiding them.
As for me, I still bethink the visitor and can’t help but wonder:
What was his secret?
MORAL LESSON
Secrets can become a burden when we hide them for too long. It is important to be honest, face our mistakes, and learn to communicate openly with people we trust.
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