flow1759: One bag of cement is to twelve headpans of sand is to Ten headpans of thick gravel, was the ratio of mixture.

Man and Ochagbuorie were to dress the concrete floor, while the rest of us were to mix and pour. It was all man for himself because the number of bags you mix would determine the amount you would be paid at the end of the day. The "international standard" price for mixing and pouring a bag was 600naira.

It wasn't as easy as i tot. Though i was inexperience in mixing, i quickly learnt from "the master" Igbakwambo. I saw from the corner of my eyes that Brainbox was still packing sand, while i had already started mixing. "so naso u lazy" i almost shouted at Brainbox. Madam Ifeoma stood close while we were packing, she counted the number of headpans we carried, making sure no one cheated. Igbakwambo was working as fast as the speed of light, as if he was a graduate of first class in "kponkponology". "Igbakwambo!! N'agba mbo nwanne!!" Ochagbuorie hailed.

Before i could say Jack Robinson, Igbakwambo was on his fourth bag, he did the work with so much dexterity and gusto. Meanwhile, i was on my second bag while Brainbox was still on his first bag.

My legs were getting hot due to the effect of the moisture on it. I was working fast so as to catch up with Igbakwambo, not knowing i would soon regret ever coming to do kponpon.


Mehn!! The mixture was very heavy to carry. Though i was putting on a face cap, it was as if i was carrying it on my bare head. My neck couldn't move again, i was walking like a Robot. I was on my Fourth bag, Igbakwambo was on his Seventh bag, Brainbox was on his second bag. Instead of me to give up the chase oweing to the fact that there was no way i could catch up with Igbakwambo, i was still pulling "Superman" stunt.

I was tired and hungry, but i still endured. As i placed the headpan full to the brim with "rice and beans" on my head, i heard a bone crack in my neck, "abi my neck bone don break?" i asked myself. Before i finished asking myself that question.................................... "puuuuuuuuuaaaaarr" the rice and beans i was carrying on my head poured on my body making me fall to the ground.