You Are the Gift

Nonso Ezebuiro

 
 

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Dedication
Dedicated to the Nigerians who still find reasons to
celebrate Christmas

 
 

***

Duke moved so swiftly, it seemed like something he had

done time and again – like a routine.
“Hold up Duke? Why are you in such a hurry?” Skrello
uttered as he struggled to get as much air as his nostrils
could admit.
“Do you even have any idea how late we are? That is my
problem with you Skrello; you never know when to be
serious”.
“And you’re always too serious”, Skrello muttered.
A new decree had recently taken effect in the North Pole.
Santa had just realized that he could no longer deliver
gifts to all the kids on His nice list. The ​planetzones were
expanding alarmingly. His lead reindeer, Rudolph had
grown weary from running across the planet yearly. Santa
knew that one more complete trip could mean the end for
Rudolph. He had to find an alternative way to get these
gifts to kids across the various zones. After much thought,
he had made a resolve- To solicit for assistance from the

 
 

Elves. One here, one there, and they could go everywhere.

This was also going to expose the elves to life outside the
Pole as no elf had ever crossed the portal before now.
The North Pole was at the edge of the world, which
opposed the beliefs of the planet’s spherical form. It was
similar to what the other ​planetzone people would call a
closed system. No form of foreign energy or matter had
passed through the portal for as long as the elves could
remember. One thing was certain though; there was life
outside this frosty space of a place and it seemed to be a
wonderful, beautiful, zone. Why else will Santa choose to
take this trip so frequently?
Duke had worked so hard all year round hoping to get a
well deserved ​planetzone. ​He had been so excited when
he was transferred to ​Operatia earlier in the year, leaving
Skrello - his roommate and other elves at the toy
production plant.
The operations office - popularly referred to as ​Operatia
by the elves, which was just one door away from Santa’s
dome, was every elf’s dream workplace.

 
 

The elves that worked in ​Operatia were a revered group.

Not only were they clinical in their activities, they also
had access to the Clinkstone. The Clinkstone was a
mystical rock that granted access to other ​planetzones. ​By
spinning the rock on its axis, it was possible to see what
was happening in other zones across the planet. This was
the one thing that had Duke overwhelmed with
excitement when he had been promoted.
But this was not the end result he had expected. Yes, he
was up for the challenge. He had taken out time to study
Nigeria, spent several days looking through the
Clinkstone. He had acquired adequate enough knowledge
to accomplish the task – at least he thought he did – but to
become a babysitter to Skrello in a foreign land? No way!
Nigeria was a planetzone many elves never wanted to
visit. The little the elves had gathered from the Clinkstone
was enough information to deter anyone from
volunteering to go there; Santa however, had kids on his
list this year from Nigeria and someone had to bell the
cat. Duke wasn’t so excited with going to Nigeria – as
the ballot results showed – but he had felt a lot more

 
 

frustrated, when through the loud furry amplifiers, he had

heard Santa say “...with Skrello as partner”.

Duke sped up with the intent to lose Skrello but was

surprised at how the slow Skrello managed to keep up
amidst incessant murmurings.
On getting to the border, Duke had noticed the vestibule
–just the way he had seen it in the Clinkstone. He
immediately entered the passageway, punched the
coordinates, 01-10-1960-NGR and watched back with
awe as the Portal opened.
He had been observing so keenly, every nuance to the
mechanism of the portal that he had not noticed when
Skrello jumped straight in.
I only hope you don’t end up killing me Skrello, ​Duke
thought, as he took a leap into the unknown ​planetzone
that is Nigeria​.

 
 

***

“Comot for road, abi you dey find who go kill you?”

Duke and Skrello jumped in shock and turned around to

get a view of the face behind the voice and boy, it wasn’t
a pleasant one. The driver had a huge scar across his face
and enough spaces in places where teeth were meant to
occupy. Duke was lost in surprise at the look of this
creature. He, like the phlegmatic elf that he was, had
slowly observed this being in this yellow bus. He was
just about to compare the driver to the creature sitting
next to him when suddenly –

whoop

With a heavy force, Skrello had swooped down on him,

pushing him off the path of the on-coming yellow bus.
The bus zoomed past almost immediately.

“Do you want to die?” Skrello screamed.

 
 

Duke was speechless. This same Skrello, the lethargic

and reactive one had just saved his life and seemed to be
adapting so fast to this new planetzone.

“Where are we?” Skrello asked,

Lagos, Nigeria. Duke responded, squinting at the

hologram illuminating from his enabler.

The enabler was a device that connected the elves to the

Pole. The elves wore it on their wrists like watches and
could use it to perform various tricks- from conjuring
items from the pole, to knowing what was happening at
the Pole.

Skrello could not read the map so he always had to ask

Duke for directions.

“We have to go now!” Skrello said.

“Oh no”...Duke exclaimed with a shaky voice. “I forgot

the gift bag at the North Pole.”

 
 

“Err Duke”

“I had just one task to accomplish, and I failed”. Duke

was now sitting on the floor, backing Skrello and sobbing.

“Duke”

“All I ever wanted to do was to be a good elf, doing my

job efficiently”. Duke was now crying aloud.

“How would I face Santa and the other elves that look up
to me?” he continued

“Duke I have the bag”

Duke continued sobbing, and then paused. “Skrello,

what did you say?” Duke sat up straight, turning his face
towards Skrello. He had now seen the big bag on
Skrello’s shoulder. How did he miss that? What was
happening?

 
 

“What do you think slowed me down on the way to the

border” Skrello said “You may have the brains but you
know I’m stronger” he added.

Duke knew Skrello was right. Skrello was not heavily

built. He didn’t look like the guy you’d run to for help
when you were challenged to a fight, but he had
endurance –a high amount of it. Duke immediately ran
towards Skrello and hugged him in appreciation. It was at
this point they noticed that they had now taken human
form.

clap clap clap clap

They were being cheered by bystanders and commuters

who had thought them to be stage actors. “We have to get
going; the Kids are waiting”, Duke said “and this is not a
safe place” He added. They both ran into a corner, far
from public eye and using their enabler, conjured a
tricycle – known by the Nigerian people as ​Keke napep –
from the North Pole to Nigeria. The only difference being
that this one from the Pole could fly

 
 

If all went well, they were going to complete their

mission. Duke had done all the calculations-
permutations, combinations and time dependent equations
– and was certain they could make it in time for the
performance assessment meetings and celebrations
happening later that night at the North Pole.

They immediately got into the flying ​Keke napep and

soon disappeared into the clouds.

Their journey had just begun.

 
 

***

“You better not disturb me with all your silly stories of

Santa. As old as you are, you’re still thinking like a child”
Chiamaka seethed at her much younger sister Desire.

Desire had heard about Santa in School the year before

from a friend. Her friend had told her that Santa had
appeared to her in a dream, telling her of his proposed
visit to Nigeria. Desire had since then been anticipating
the Christmas Eve with so much eagerness that everyone
around her could feel her excitement.

The Year had been very rough for Chiamaka and her
family. She had recently graduated from the University
and had been unsuccessful at getting a job despite the
several interviews she had attended in the last eight
months. Her father had just retired and things were getting

 
 

really tough financially for them. Her mother was the

only pillar of support that kept the family together.

The little salary her mother got was stretched so thin,

leaving next to nothing at the end of the month. Chiamaka
had been hoping for a miracle, but after a few months
passed with no improvements, she had stopped believing
and had resigned to her fate. Now her sister kept
disturbing her with fairy tales, and she was not
determined to play along. Things were hard and it was
time Desire grew up!

“Why don’t you believe in Santa? He is going to come

with my gift this night and by tomorrow you’d have to
admit you were wrong...”

“You have a deal. Now go find something useful to do

and stop whining in my ears” Chiamaka shrieked.

Desire immediately went to her room to arrange her bed

in anticipation of Santa’s visit. She could barely wait.
Santa was just six hours away but it felt like forever.
Desire had always been a bright kid. At age 8, she was the

 
 

youngest kid in her class, Primary five. She didn’t know

the full details of what was happening with her family but
she knew all wasn’t well.

Desire had made two special wishes this Christmas. They

weren’t the regular things the average kid would demand
for. She had also asked for some chocolate, but she didn’t
consider that a wish. To her, the chocolate was something
she wanted from Santa if he had extra to spare, that is.
She concluded that it was better for her to sleep the next
few hours out. She could sense a strong field around her
–like Santa was close. Now she only had to wait a few
more hours. She, after making her bed, laid on it and soon
fell into a deep sleep.

Madam comfort had just returned from work, with smiles

on her face and a bag of rice, some oil, and a big mug in
her hands.

“Welcome mum. How was work?” Chiamaka said

“It went well my dear. They finally decided to give us a

little something for Christmas at the office today” she

 
 

responded, stretching her arms forth in a bid to show the

gift items to Chiamaka.

Madam comfort could easily be mistaken for a single

lady. She was tall, with high cheekbones and a fair
complexion. Her skin had no wrinkles and her hair was
long and curly. She had attracted a large number of
suitors as a student but chose to settle with Julie’s father
because he seemed like a man with prospects. She wasn’t
wrong. Mr Daniel Ebemehor was a hardworking and
responsible man. He didn’t earn so much, but had spared
nothing to ensure his wife – who was always moody
because she had no kids at that time – stayed happy.

They had already given up hopes of having children

when Chiamaka came and Desire’s birth several years
later was far from expected. Mr. Ebemehor who was
already advancing in age had retired from the civil
service. His pension was barely enough to afford a decent
meal for a month. Mrs. Comfort was now left with the
bulk of financial responsibilities and the lines across her
neck showed she was beginning to wear out.

 
 

“Where’s your father?”

“Sleeping”

“And Desire?” She asked

“In her room o, waiting for Santa” Chiamaka teased and

they both laughed

“But Chiamaka, You need to let your sister be. This is her
time. Things are already bad as it is. If the thoughts of
Santa bring her joy, let’s give her the opportunity to be
happy please” Madam Comfort said

Chiamaka paused – as if to think, then replied “She can

believe in whatever she wants to but I won’t fuel
anybody’s fantasy “

 
 

***

12:45am – December 25​th​ 2017

Skrello had been awesome so far. Duke had never

imagined that Skrello could be so resourceful.

While Duke used the map to navigate the flying ​keke

napep, ​Skrello was actively unpacking the gifts and
arranging them in order of proximity of shipping locations
and dropping them off.

Within a space of forty-five minutes, they had been able

to cover over sixteen million houses across Nigeria and
were currently at their last stop.

Duke was just about to apologize to Skrello for poor

judgment and unfair treatment at the start of the journey
when...

“Are you sure we’re at the right house”- Skrello asked for
the umpteenth time.

 
 

“I got the last 16,000,000 addresses right, didn’t I? I took

us straight from the duplex at Sule Abuka in Ikeja, Lagos
to the hut in Ogidi-Oloje – Kwara and we did not miss our
way. We are now in Port-Harcourt and I’m sure this is
NTA road, Rumuokwuta area” Duke replied.

“Okay then. We’re here for Desire Ebemehor, our final

recipient” Skrello said.

The name rang hard in Duke’s head. A week ago, there

had been a meeting in ​Santa’s dome ​where he and the
other ​operatia workers were present. Santa had brought
up the Issue about a young girl who had two almost
impossible wishes. He still remembered all the wordings
on her ​thoughtscroll​-

“Hello Santa,

My sister says you don’t exist but I know you do.

 
 

Please I do not want much for Christmas. I want my

parents to no longer have money problems so they do not
have to worry all the time.

I also want my sister, Chiamaka to be happy. My teacher

told me in school that being around people you love
brings about happiness. Please give her someone to love
who will love her too

That is all I ask.

Your friend,

Desire Ebemehor

PS:If you have any spare chocolate, I would love a bite”

“Did you say Desire?” Duke said in his usual manner,

trying to show no emotions.

“Yep”
 
 

“So what does her gift look like?” Duke was curious.

“I don’t know but I’m guessing it’s a big box of

chocolate” Skrello, now getting impatient, replied

Santa did the best he could. Her demands were almost

impossible, Duke​ thought.

“Do you mind if I drop this one off?” Duke asked. “That
was funny” Skrello replied looking rather confused than
amused. “You are a brainiac. You hate anything that
doesn’t require intellect. Why now?” Skrello added.

Duke was starving of curiosity. He needed to see this little

girl and her sister too.

“Everything in life requires intellect, especially when

optimal performance is the goal” Duke said defensively as
he took the present and stepped out of the flying ​keke
napep ​and into the Ebemehor’s residence through the
living room window

 
 

***

Chiamaka had just heard of the new opening for a

communications and digital marketing personnel at ALIP
oil. She had tried to apply earlier in the day but the
company’s server was down as there were so many
applicants trying to apply for the same position at that
time. She had decided to wait till after midnight to apply
in a bid to avoid the network interruptions.

Somewhere in her mind, she wanted to prove her sister

wrong. She had seen her mum sneakily put a new dress
under the Christmas tree in the living room. She picked
up the gift and boldly wrote “​from Mum” ​all over the gift
after her mum had left​. ​If Desire was going to get a gift
from Santa, then It’s either Santa comes or she gets
nothing. ​She thought.

She continued filling in her details when she heard a

sound from the window. Then it stopped.

She heard the sound again, this time even louder.

 
 

She ran to the kitchen, picked a table knife and ran back
to the living room.

The intruder had entered the house. She could feel the
breeze from the opened window through which the
“burglar” had come in.

“Who’s there? I have a weapon and I will use it” She

shrieked

In a swift routine-like manner, Duke snatched the blade

and covered Chiamaka’s mouth to prevent her from
screaming.

“I’m going to let you go now but please don’t scream” he

said as he let her go.

Discretion was the second most important rule in Santa’s

book. The first was delivering the right present to the
right house.

“What are you doing here?”, she turned to face him.

 
 

“My name is Duke. I am an elf from the North Pole and I

have been sent to this ​planetzone ​to deliver presents to the
kids who are in Santa’s nice list.”

“This belongs to Desire Ebemehor” he added as he

stretched forward the neatly wrapped chocolate box
towards Chiamaka.

“Look. I’m going to give you one last chance to tell me

who you really are or I’m going to scream” Chiamaka
was almost shouting now.

“If you look outside the window through which I came in,
you will find my flying tricycle. That should serve as
enough proof. I am not allowed to use magic outside the
Pole” Duke said, in a calmer manner.

Chiamaka peeked through the window and was

astonished by what she saw. She was beginning to see
Duke in a different light. He seemed like an Alien and she
wanted to find out more about him and the Pole.

 
 

“First, drop the gift and then come tell me more about this
North Pole” She said teasingly while holding her knife
firmly.

He had dropped the present and returned to her.

“Please, I have to go now or I will not make it in time for

the celebrations at the Pole” He begged

She ignored his plea.

“Won’t you take off your Jacket?” she said

“Elf’s not hot” He replied coldly, taking a seat on the sofa

adjacent to Chiamaka.

He doesn’t pose any threat, and he actually brought gifts.

I might as well shoot my shot,​ Chiamaka thought

“Okay, I’m Chiamaka by the way” she stretched out her

hand for a handshake

 
 

The elf stood and for the first time, he had seen her face in
bright light.

She was the prettiest thing he had ever seen. She had
shiny white teeth; smooth caramel skin and her perfume
had that perfectly baked cheesecake smell. He wanted to
know her. No, he ​needed ​to know her.

“I’m Duke –again” he responded, taking her hand.

She chuckled.

She thought he was cute. He didn’t look different from

every other regular guy, only that he was strikingly
handsome and he had an accent she couldn’t put a finger
to.

They had talked extensively on different matters, from

life on earth to the Pole and their personal encounters in
both zones. Duke, now relaxed, took off his jacket. He
enjoyed talking to her – so much that he forgot about
Skrello, who was supposedly waiting outside for him.

 
 

***

Skrello had waited for fifteen minutes and Duke was

nowhere to be found. He was not one to sit still for long.
He immediately jumped off the tricycle and onto the
ground.

The whole place was lit up with fireworks. He could hear

voices of people at every corner. It was Christmas Eve
and Everrest, a big club in Port Harcourt had thrown an
open party in celebration of the holiday.

Skrello went in, filled with scepticism.

Several minutes after his entrance, he still had suspicion

written all over his face.

It wasn’t until after he was given a free bottle of cold

beer by the bar attendant that he settled fully into the
party, throwing caution to the wind.

He loved Port Harcourt.

 
 

Most of the other regions they had visited were very

rural, work inclined or deserted. Port Harcourt was
different. The atmosphere was welcoming and he wished
he could stay for an extra hour or two but then...

It was 3:00am

The enabler beeped once, then thrice, then like an alarm –

beeped continuously

Duke knew what this meant.

Skrello was tipsy, but was conscious enough to recognize

the beep on his watch.

It was time to go.

In the space of two hours, Duke and Chiamaka had

connected on so many levels.

Duke took off his elf ring and placed it on Chiamaka’s

finger.

 
 

“I have to go now, but I’ll return for you. Keep this ring
so I can find you when I return.”

“You better do” she replied, smiling as she gazed at the

ring

They kissed

He took his jacket, went through the window and

swooshed into the air.

Chiamaka looked on with teary eyes. This wasn’t a

dream. ​Desire was right all this while, she thought as she
caressed the ring.

 
 

***

“What were you doing there?” Skrello asked as Duke

entered the flying ​keke napep​.

“Nothing, and what were you doing here?” Duke replied,

using gestures that clearly showed he knew what Skrello
had done.

“Nothing too” Skrello said, gritting his teeth to avoid the

stench of alcohol from spreading.

None of them spoke as they moved past Nigeria and into

the North Pole. They were both reliving their experiences
in their minds. Theirs was a true case of serendipity.

The North Pole was as busy as it could be but this time,

everyone wasn’t busy working. It was time for some fun
in the cold.

Santa had sighted Duke and Skrello from Afar when he

beckoned on them to come see him in his dome.

 
 

Immediately they were behind closed doors, Santa gave

both of them a big hug.

“I gave you an impossible task but you were able to pull

through” Santa said

“And conveniently I must say” he added, fixing his gaze

on Skrello as a sign that he reeked of Nigerian beer

“How about your ring” Santa asked Duke this time.

“My ring? Errmmmrrmr”

“You gave the girl?” Santa’s eyes lit up

“I just wanted to be able to see her through the

Clinkstone.” He said shyly

Santa smiled.

“Can you still remember Desire’s ​thoughtscroll?​” Santa

asked

 
 

“Yes. I do. I understand that Desire’s demands were

outrageous and that she couldn’t get all she wanted” Duke
quickly replied, stammering as he spoke.

“But she did” Santa laugh-talked

“I personally delivered the gift. It was just a big box of

chocolate and nothing more” Duke Insisted

Santa smiled, and Skrello joined him

“No you didn’t. Skrello delivered the gift” Santa said

”You are the gift”

Santa, having cleared his throat, spoke in a soft tone.

“You see Duke; I had noticed how deeply you care for
the ​planetzone ​people. I was always seeing you through
my dome glass, and how you would spend several hours
trying to understand the life of these people. I saw the
way you took up Desire’s case when I had said nothing
could be done about it and I knew you were the one. This
 
 

was why I assigned skrello to you. I wanted you to

understand the role of friends and loved ones in the grand
scheme of things. I needed you to see life beyond the
basic brain work. I guess it worked. I mean, she has your
ring. As it stands, you’ve already granted one of her
wishes. The elf ring you gave to Chiamaka brings about
good fortune once wielded by a ​planetzone person outside
the Pole. What this means is that you have solved their
problems of poverty. Whether you stay at the Pole or go
back to her, that’s your Choice to make. Your heart will
guide you.”

Duke stayed still. Silent

He was about to make a big decision.

Nigeria, Chiamaka, the Pole, the Clinkstone.

He tried to look as though he was thoroughly weighing

his options.

But Santa could see that deep down; he had already made
up his mind.

 
 

​***

“Desire, are you going to finish all of that Chocolate by

yourself?” Chiamaka teased

“Why would you want a chocolate from someone who

you consider to not exist” Desire gave a sharp reply, as
she scooped up another spoon into her mouth.

“I was wrong, I admit” She said, now smiling

“Guess what? I got the Job as the head of communication

at Alip Oil. We no longer have to worry about money
“she added

The attention of Desire, Who was deep in the

chocolate-eating, had been won. Desire quickly hugged
her sister while saying “I told you Santa was real; I told
Santa to help solve our money problems and also to get
you somebody to love” desire said

 
 

“Somebody to love?” Chiamaka laughed so hard, she

almost fell off her chair

The doorbell rang almost immediately. Madam Comfort

opened the door and Duke was right outside. Chiamaka
on sighting Duke, smiled shyly to her eight year old sister.

“Your wishes did come true after all”

 
 

​Acknowledgements
I’d love to thank my siblings for giving me the much
needed freedom to complete this book. Festive seasons at
my home come with chores- lots of them. Ada cooked
and Desmond tidied up after while I just wrote. Many
thanks to all the wonderful folks who have in no small
way groomed and polished me to perfection....near
perfection, I meant to say. To my awesome friends Desire
and Ebemehor Maro, you should know that the names
were entirely coincidental. To my coach, Sunkanmi Ola,
your player will one day win the golden ball. I will not
forget the awesome team at my workplace. Too much
talent.
Finally, to my parents, for caring so much about me and
proving it – even if it meant hiding my computer so I
could rest, I say thank you.

 
 

About the Author

Nonso Ezebuiro was born in Nigeria to two Igbo parents.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Physics and
materials science and is currently a content writer at
Syracuse Digital, a leading digital agency in Nigeria. He
has not won any awards or acquired any professional
certification in the literary and creative writing fields. He
has however proven to be one of the fast rising writers to
look out for in the African literary scene. He has written

 
 

several articles across various subject matters and now

has his content spread all over the web. He hopes to
introduce a different style to writing, infusing fictional
characters in real life scenarios. Nonso lives in Lagos,
Nigeria with his family.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

 
 

Copyright Page
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organization and
events portrayed in this book are either products of the author’s
imagination or are used fictionally.
You Are the Gift
Copyright ©2017 by Nonso Ezebuiro
Cover art copyright ©2017 made on canva by Nonso Ezebuiro
All rights reserved
First edition: December 2017
Please contact the author should you have any comments on the
book or require to use this book for promotional purpose at
donaldezebuiro@gmail.com