The Voice Within

THE VOICE WITHIN

In the small community of Kali lived a young boy named Victor. He was known for being exceptionally responsible. His parents had taught him to be helpful and respectful, qualities he embraced wholeheartedly, endearing him to his community members. Kali was a quiet place with a modest market offering just a few necessities, so everyone went to the neighbourhood market to do large scale shopping.

Victor and his mum usually went to the large neighbourhood market together on the first saturday of every month, unlike his friends he was not allowed to go on his own.

One day, Victor's mother called out to him, "My baby, you're 13 now. I believe you're mature enough to handle purchases from the neighbouring market on your own."

Victor was thrilled. He had eagerly awaited the day he would be permitted to venture to the big market alone. Most of his peers had been making solo trips since they were eight; after all, it was merely a ten-minute walk.

Yet, Victor's parents had always deemed him too young for such independence. Whenever he mentioned the market's proximity, they would caution him against traversing the bush path alone, even for a minute. Victor, ever the obedient son, never heeded his friends' urgings to sneak out.

"Everyone has gone by themselves, except you. Let's go together," his friends would say. But Victor stood firm, trusting his parents' judgment over his friends' suggestions.

On the day he was finally allowed, Victor burst out of his house, brimming with excitement. He carried his favourite bowl, a market bag, his mother's shopping list, and the money for the market. Humming worship songs, he cheerfully made his way along the bush path to the large market.

As he neared the centre, a loud cry for help halted him. It echoed from deep within the bush. Accustomed to aiding others, Victor instinctively moved toward the source of the plea. That's when he heard an inner voice, "Don't go, son, head straight to the market." Initially, Victor dismissed the voice, attributing it to fear. However, the voice persisted, more urgently, "Son, go to the market now." Heeding this second call, Victor swiftly turned and dashed toward the market.