The Debt of Gratitude: A Flash Fiction

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy

I have written a couple of fictional stories in the past without fully knowing what type of story I was writing. But today, I will be writing a proper flash fiction, a type of fictional story that should entirely be about 1000 words or less. Nothing more.

Today’s flash fiction piece is centred on the theme of gratitude, and it draws inspiration from the Igbo Apprenticeship System. Writing this piece allowed me to reflect on the importance of acknowledging the people who have played a role in shaping our lives. In just a few hundred words, the story explores the journey of a man who was once an apprentice, guided and supported by a mentor who helped him succeed. Now, as a successful business owner, he carries the same spirit of generosity forward, committing to lift others as he was lifted.

This story captures the essence of paying it forward, a concept that runs deep in the apprenticeship tradition of the Igbos. It’s a system that is grounded in more than the personal success of one person, but a recognition of the value of community and mentorship in achieving the individual goals of members of a collective. I wanted to highlight the idea that no one truly rises alone, and by showing gratitude and extending a helping hand, we keep the cycle of support and empowerment alive. Which is truly what ‘obi nwanne’ and the culture of the Igbos is about.

I hope you enjoy my first proper flash fiction.

The Debt of Gratitude

Obinna stood at the entrance of his new electronics shop, the sign above gleaming in the morning sun: Obinna & Sons Enterprises. It had taken years to get here, and as customers began trickling in, he couldn’t help but think back to where it all began.

He came from nothing—a poor family in a small village in Enugu, where his parents barely made enough to feed him and his five siblings. When he was fourteen, his uncle sent him to Lagos to be an apprentice at Ifeanyi & Co., a small electronics store in Alaba International Market.

For seven long years, he swept floors, ran errands, and learned the trade under the watchful eye of Ifeanyi, the man who took him in as if he were his own son. Ifeanyi didn’t just teach him how to sell, he taught him the value of hard work, integrity, and patience. There were nights when they closed late, and Obinna would watch Ifeanyi count the day’s earnings with precision, always reminding him, “In business, honesty is the best capital.”

When Obinna’s ime afu—his freedom day—finally came, Ifeanyi gave him something beyond expectations: a handshake, a smile, and enough money to start his own shop. He sent Obinna off with blessings and the words, “Go and make your own path, but never forget those who helped pave it.”

Now, as Obinna watched his first customer of the day walk in, he felt the weight of Ifeanyi’s words. He would never forget where he came from. He would never forget the man who gave him a chance.

“Welcome,” Obinna said, with a proud smile. “How can I help you today?”

He silently promised himself that one day, when the time came, he would pay the debt of gratitude forward to someone else in need, just as Ifeanyi had done for him.

As I continue to experiment with different forms of short storytelling over the next two weeks, I hope this flash fiction piece is a good reminder of the power of gratitude and the way of life of a people that has led to collective growth. This story is a call to appreciate those who have helped us along the way, and an encouragement to do the same for others.

P/s: If you have any questions about creating content, writing, or the story above, please leave a comment below or DM me on Instagram!