The price of respect

The price of respect

Author: Atecossi M.

Chapter 1: Honor is not a bargain

The sun was barely rising in the Djrègbé district, and already the bustle was in full swing. The horns of motorcycle taxis, the cries of donter sellers, the laughter of children in barefoot in the dust ... everything seemed normal. However, that morning, Yvan knew that nothing would be more so.

Chapter 2: The old man and injustice

Sitting on an old cement bench, Yvan saw the scenes of the past. He remembered Gbékoun smiling, his wrinkled hands sculpting wood, telling proverbs from another time. The empty house was not only a material loss, it was an erased memory.

The neighborhood spoke about it in a low voice. Some said that Dossou had bought the papers. Others whispered that one day he would fall. But no one dared to speak hard. Yvan's courage became contagious, even if he didn't see him yet.

Chapter 3: Silent anger

Since his confrontation with Dossou, Yvan has not had a minute of peace. The looks followed everywhere, the words became heavy. We no longer greeted him in the same way. Even his workshop comrades lowered his voice when he entered.

But he was holding up. Because in his heart, silent anger rumbled. Not destructive anger. Just anger. The one who pushes to get up when everyone is on his knees.

Chapter 4: The voice of a mother

"You're going to be killed, Yvan," said his mother, wiping her hands on his loincloth.

She was not crying. She prayed. She was sometimes crying, discreetly. Because she knew that her son became a man, but at what price?

- I'm not looking for war, mom. I just want us to look in the eyes, without shame.

She hugged him. Even in fear, she read in her eyes something unshakable.

Chapter 5: Aïcha, the faithful shoulder

Aïcha knew him from primary school. She was one of the few not having abandoned her. When Yvan doubted, she spoke to him. When he was afraid, she was silent, but remained there.

- You scare people, Yvan. Not because you are violent. Because you don't look at your eyes.

He smiles. She understood everything, without asking too many questions. A rare, precious friendship.

Chapter 6: a district under tension

Tension was riding. A group of young people had been arrested for denouncing illegal constructions. Another had mysteriously disappeared. The inhabitants became suspicious.

Yvan felt alone sometimes, but he also felt a spark in some. A desire to speak. To act. It was enough to spark to light the fire.

Chapter 7: The first threats

One morning, a word was slipped under his door: "We know where you sleep."

Her mother trembled while reading. He remained calm. Fear wanted to stop it. He looked her opposite.

He went to file a complaint. But at the police station, he was answered:

-Maybe it's a joke. Be careful.

He then understood that justice did not always go with uniforms.

Chapter 8: The school of tests

In high school, rumors circulated. Some called him "the rebel". Others said he was going to finish.

Yvan focused on his studies. He wanted to become an engineer, build solid houses, not steal from others.

Every day, he noted in a small notebook what he learned - not just lessons, but life lessons.

Chapter 9: The fear market

The neighborhood market had become a place of surveillance. The saleswomen were talking less. Customers avoided looks.

Yvan passed between the stalls, observing everything. He knew ears were dragging. But he also listened. Fear spoke. And fear often revealed the truth.

Chapter 10: Uncle and loyalty

His uncle, master carpenter, had raised him like a son. But even began to worry.

- Yvan, we live here. You can't change this world.

- If we don't change it, he's the one who will change us.

The uncle looked at him for a long time. Then he began to work. Without a word. But that day, he offered her his best tool: a wooden, smooth and old varope. A silent symbol of support.

Chapter 11: Laughter of Dossou

One evening, Yvan passed not far from the Dossou refreshment bar. He saw him sitting, surrounded by his followers. He laughed hard, as if nothing could reach him.

-You see, even the dogs bare, but the lion walks, he said, alluding to Yvan.

This laughter resounded like a slap. But Yvan did not look away. He understood that Dossou sought to provoke it, to push him to react with rage. But he chooses the silence. The thoughtful silence. The silence that speaks stronger than the cries.

Chapter 12: Respect for inheritance

At home, rummaging through an old trunk, Yvan found a notebook of his father. Thoughts, proverbs, memories written by hand.

- Respect is not what is required. This is what we inspire, said a page.

That day, Yvan understood that his struggle did not co