As if Joe had anywhere he had in mind to go. He had just been released from prison, he didn't have a single cash nor had he been in contact with anybody.
To make situations worse, he doesn't have a cell phone even if he was to call a person.
The bright day light dimmed into the night and Joe was stranded on the street. He had nowhere to go and that was where reality dawned on him.
It came to his mind to go back home; maybe to beg his father. He would probably insult him but he would take him back.
Joe breathed out. He could feel his heartbeat. He snapped out of that thought.
'Nah. Going back home means I would have to admit to what I didn't do. Never."
Joe was determined. That night, his determination led to a grave decision.
He stood on his feet and he raised his head. He watched the cars passing by. His heart was heavy.
"Even if it means my death. I am not going home."
After that decisive word, he wandered around the city until he was tired and he laid on the ground to sleep.
The next day. Honks of passing cars woke him. Joe stood up. He decided to look for a house.
From where he stood, he walked down a little distance and he was held by surprise when he saw an apartment that he could rent.
But Joe's situation took a toll on him when he met with the landlord. The landlord made him realize how crucial it was to make an upfront deposit.
Joe was caught between his breaths. There was no way he had the money. He pleaded with the landlord and the landlord agreed with him.
"Okay. After one year, if you don't pay up. You will be kicked out. Did I make myself clear?"
Joe was happy. Delightfully he responded. "Yes."
Joe thought he would have seen a job in the space of a year. He doesn't know what horror awaits him.
He moved to the apartment and he started living his life until he realized another reality. Joe was famished. He doesn't have any cash on him. It was as if he was going to starve to death.
On a brighter side, it gave him the necessity to start a hunt for a job.
After many days of searching, Joe had to beg in the street for food. It was as if all vacancy was shut at him. Life was unbearable.
One day, Joe got a job at a coffee shop.
"Congratulations, Mr Joe. Please, start working immediately."
Excited Joe worked his ass off daily and soon, he was loved by the owner of the coffee shop. The treatment he started giving Joe paved the way for other employees to be jealous of him.
"He just came in recently and our boss is already favoring him…" One of the employees made that spiteful statement.
"I don't know what the boss saw in him, but I am starting to dislike him."
Hatred began to well in their hearts. It would have been good if this was where it stopped.
Joe's fate was decided when the CEO of an oil and gas company picked interest in him.
"Joe. You are such a good man. I would love you to contact me after this place. I want to know you." He stroked his shoulder and he gave him a card.
"Thank you sir. I will definitely contact you."
Other employees who beheld this were filled with intense hate for Joe.
"How could he come in a month and he already has this opportunity… we mustn't allow this."
The employees ganged up against Joe. They stole his card and trashed it.
As if that wasn't enough, Dathan; one of the employees went in the back. He stole the boss's money and he hid it in Joe's bag.
When he found out that his money was missing, he called an emergency meeting. Everyone was gathered. Joe seemed unbothered.
"I kept eight thousand dollars here and I can't find it again. Anyone know its whereabouts?"
Silence fell for a moment. A woman working in the coffee shop stepped forward.
"Boss. I saw Joe come to your office earlier today. I am not sure what he came to do, but I saw him open your drawer."
Joe was taken aback by that statement. It came as a shock to the owner of the coffee shop.
"What! Joe. Is that true?" Joe wanted to deny it until he remembered he actually came to the drawer. But he was there to pick up a document.
"No. I only came to your drawer to pick some documents. How would I steal your money?"
Joe was unsettled and the boss found it difficult to believe.
Larry stepped forward. "Why don't we check his bag? That will clear our doubts."
Joe was happy with that suggestion. He thought Larry was on his side. Unbeknownst to him that it was a planned strike.
"That's a good suggestion. Sir, please let him check my bag. I know I didn't take your money. I will at least prove my innocence here."
Larry looked at Joe with mischief. "Should I go ahead? sir."
The owner of the shop nodded his head. "Joe. Let me give this warning. If the money is found in your bag or any of the employee's bags, that person would be relieved of his duties."
Joe wasn't moved by those words. He was rest assured he didn't take the money.
Larry took Joe's bag from him. He started his search. Few minutes later, he raised his head with a shocked expression on his face.
He gently brought out the money from Joe's bag. "I found your money, sir."
Joe was struck with shock. The owner of the shop couldn't believe his eyes. All the employees' eyes widened with bewilderment.