Never Judge People By Their Outward Appearance
When I came to my new area, everything was new and complicated, it took me time to understand the environment. I am someone who doesn't love talking much, that attribute has so much helped me to study people around me and also to stay out of trouble.
One of my neighbors would always complain that I don't talk, I don't feel free around them, and so on, but I know too well that as soon as I start interacting with them, it will open the door to something I am not ready for. Moreover, I have studied them to some extent and I know what they are capable of doing.
So, I resolved in my mind that, it's just greetings that would be joining us. There is also this neighbor of mine, his house is much closer to mine, people have been complaining that he doesn't relate well with them and that he is harsh. What I have been hearing from people affected my mind so much that I also concluded that the man was harsh.
Prior to that time, I had not seen him physically because he was serving in another state. Lucky enough, one morning I was going out, and I saw him, he looked very strict, serious, and tough on the outside.
Normally, I believe that people who look strict and tough are always harsh and hard to go with. When I drew near to him, I said "Good morning sir," and his response was "emm , morning" and he passed
"I knew it, are you sure I and this man would be able to live well in this community?" I pondered as I walked away to where I was going.
A few days, later, I was passing and I said I was not going to greet him again in case I saw him around because I didn't like the previous response he gave me and the looks on his face, at least smile when responding to greetings. But on my way out, I heard, "Good morning, I turned around and I was surprised it was the man," I quickly responded, "Good morning sir, I didn't see you please forgive me for not greeting you".
"No problem, how are your parents?" He inquired, I said "Fine" and walked away avoiding further conversation. One of those days, I was desperately in need of water, and there was nowhere to get it from. The man had a well in his house but I just didn't want to go there because I was scared of him. So, I just concluded that I was going to go home and wait until the woman who has a borehole in the community returns home.
On my way back home, the man saw me with my containers and asked why I was coming back without water. I explained to him and he said "Why not come and fetch from my house?" Huh? I looked at him, and smiled, you know I won't reject that offer, right? "Okay, thank you sir" I replied.
The next day, I heard a knock on my door when I went out to check who was it, it was the man, "Good morning James," he greeted me, he loves using my last name, "morning sir, how may I help you?" I asked, "I brought food for you, sorry it's small, my wife isn't at home. I cooked the food and it seems I won't be able to finish it and I don't want it to waste." "Thank you so much sir", I appreciated as I took the food from his hands wondering if what I was seeing was true or not.
So, the toughness and lack of smile on this man's face isn't who he really is? The person who said "Don't judge a book by its covers" didn't lie at all. Someone can look harsh on the outside but sweet at heart. That was the genesis, this man became like a father to me. Except he was not in town, he would always come and check up on me to ensure I was doing well.
He later gave me the key to his well and free access to his house. I and his family became one. His wife and children all liked me and his children call me brother instead of neighbor. His family made the place very sweet and to date, we are still united. I call them my second family.