Roses

Julius extended an arm from under his beddings to retrieve his phone. The faint glow of the screen read:

04:18

More often than not, he managed to rise before his 04:30 alarm. He sat upright and began dialling a familiar string of numbers. His dialling was abruptly interrupted by an incoming call. The caller ID read:

“Maggie Dearest”

Julius promptly picked up the call.

He let out a warm laugh, “It looks like you beat me to it today.”

“You’re getting old”, she retorted in jest.

The two had been married for 23 years; known each other longer. Yet they maintained a youthful playfulness. The doting couple conversed a while longer. Julius reassured Margaret he would be travelling to her over the weekend. She had gone to care for her sickly mother in law. A minor operation could easily remedy her ailment. Money, however, was tight. Despite the prevalent circumstances, the two exchanged warm goodbyes.

Julius examined his reflection in the bathroom mirror. Grey accents highlighted his once jet black hair. Wrinkles, from a lifetime of laughter, progressively extended their network across his face. The warmth in his eyes remained; vibrant as ever. A bit worse for wear, but still standing was the assessment.

Julius set about his morning routine with military precision:

Shave.

Shower.

Lotion.

Roll-on.

Dress.

Eat.

Brush.

Shoes.

Leave.

A familiar cycle; like clockwork.

Julius strode down the well beaten path to work. He had gained a hitch in his step over the years. His gait, however, was not yet irreparably laboured by the ravages of time. He gave hearty greetings to familiar faces along his journey. Pausing momentarily to give each his undivided attention as he engaged them earnestly. There in lay a paradox: Julius never cut an idle figure; perpetually tasked with purpose. Yet he seemed to always have a spare moment: to listen, to encourage, to laugh, and to advise.

06:15

Julius had arrived. The bold letters on the main gate welcomed him back. He paused for a moment to take the calligraphy in:

Montessori Academy

Julius had faithfully watched over these grounds for the best part of two decades. He unlocked his guard box and placed his worn bag down. He fished his wallet from his pocket. A picture of Margarete smiled at him. Julius smiled back; he was ready to welcome the early arrivals.

Julius went about his duties joyfully. Greeting parents heartily. Marshalling children across the road. Sharing a laugh with fellow staff members. His interactions were a well-orchestrated dance. Fleet of foot, swift of wit; Julius effortlessly fluttered from task to task. Addressing all earnestly.

The morning rush slowed to a trickle. The bell rang. The choreography drew to a close. The role of conductor; well executed. After a catch up with his colleague, Peter, Julius opted to stretch his legs. He left the guard house to stroll the school grounds. Making conversations with the occasional staff member he encountered.

Upon returning to his post Peter informed Julius that the headmaster was looking for him. Julius set off to the principal’s office with his characteristic gait. He enthusiastically greeted the secretary and took a seat as he waited to be seen. Moments later Principal Wameyo’s door swung open. A parent walked out.

“Hello, Julius!” Mrs Omondi exclaimed.

The two exchanged pleasantries. Mrs Omondi departed, Julius entered the headmaster’s office.

“Please, have a seat Julius”, Principal Wameyo instructed.

Julius obliged.

“Now, Julius.” He began “You’ve been a faithful steward here for what is it? 18 years?”

“Yes sir, 19, this July. Sir”

“That’s something rare these days.” Wameyo paused thoughtfully.

Julius acknowledged the fact with a nod.

“I remember how you welcomed me with open arms a decade ago when I started my tenure here…”

The two reminisced on shared moments over the past 10 years.

“I’m going off on tangents.” Principle Wameyo said with a chuckle “The reason I asked to see you this morning, Julius…”

Principal Wameyo proceeded to express the warm sentiments of the staff, student and parent body at large. Julius had always cheerfully gone about his business. Never making a fuss about praise or recognition. He did what was right because it was right. He did what was good because it was good. He went the extra mile whenever he could.

Julius stifled a sheepish grin; averting his gaze to the ground.

Principal Wameyo broke the silence, “Let’s take a walk, Julius”

The two rose from their chairs. The Principal led the way as Julius was escorted to the staff room.

Principal Wameyo gestured Julius inside, “Welcome”

Julius crossed the threshold into the staff room. The banner immediately caught his attention:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JULIUS!!!

Julius broke out in a toothy grin. His eyes were then drawn to the cake and an envelope placed by its side. He turned to the Principal who urged him to open the envelope. Julius obliged. His gaze was met by a cheque with a sizable sum written on it. Julius was speechless.

“A contribution from all of us” Principal Wameyo said kindly.

Julius was filled with gratitude. He shook the Principal’s hand with vigour.

“Let’s have a seat!” he said back to Julius with a hearty laugh, “There is one last surprise.”

The gentlemen nestled themselves in a pair of seats. A laptop lay positioned in front of them. A video had been queued up. Principal Wameyo pressed play. Introductory music began. It was abruptly interrupted by an energetic chorus of voices belting:

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. JULIUS!!!”

The clip was a recording of the entire class one group. After the initial boisterous greeting a single class representative stepped forward to address Julius on behalf of the year. The young lady gave an emphatic vote of thanks. Julius was beaming once more, a tear of joy streaked its way down his cheek.

The video proceeded in a similar fashion for each subsequent year group: a group greeting, followed by a heartfelt address by a single representative. Julius was deeply moved. The penultimate address came from the chairperson of the school board. Finally, Mr. Opiyo, one of the class seven teachers gave his address on behalf of all the staff members.

Julius was overwhelmed. He profusely thanked Principal Wameyo. Expressing his deep gratitude for the gesture. For the lump sum of money. Words felt inadequate. The principal reassured him that it was a pleasure on everybody’s part who was involved. It was a privilege to do a kind deed for an unsung hero.

The staff members had organized to have a meal together over their lunchbreak in celebration of Julius. Julius floated around the room engaging the various groups. He had a knack for getting on with people. Furthermore, He received cheerful “Happy birthday, Mr. Julius!!!” well wishes from the students; now that the video had been played to him. He was elated.

The school bell rang. Julius was dutifully posted at his guard house; poised to orchestrate the end of day choreography. As the students poured out of their classrooms, eager to go home, Julius went about his duties joyfully. Greeting parents heartily. Marshalling children across the road. Sharing a laugh with fellow staff members. The afternoon rush slowed to a trickle. The last set of students were collected. Duty fulfilled, Julius bid farewell to his colleague; Peter.

The phone rang, once, twice…

“Heeee! Maggie!”

Margaret eagerly inquired what was going on.

“My Dearest, let me tell you about my day…”

Julius strode down the well beaten path home. The hitch in his step, momentarily, replaced by a youthful spring.