The Plantain That Ended A Fight - 94403

Two Nigerian roommates in San Mateo. Chidi and Emeka. Living in 94403, by Hillsdale Mall.

Best friends from Enugu. Came same year. Sharing one bedroom apartment to save money.

Problem started because of plantain.

Chidi bought 1 bunch plantain, $12 from Ranch 99. Kept it in fridge. Wrote his name: CHIDI DO NOT TOUCH.

Emeka came from night shift, hungry at 2am. Saw plantain. Fried 3 pieces. Ate with eggs.

Morning, Chidi saw plantain don reduce.

World War III.

"You no get respect!"
"Na only plantain!"
"Na my money!"
"You stingy!"

They didn't talk for 3 weeks. In one small apartment. Cooking separately. Wearing headphones to avoid each other.

Landlord - Chinese man, Mr. Lee - noticed. He said, "You two, what happen? Before you dey laugh like brothers."

Chidi said, "He thief my plantain."

Mr. Lee said, "Aiya, plantain? Okay, I solve."

Next day, Mr. Lee brought 3 bunches of plantain from Costco. And a small grill.

He said, "Tonight, we make plantain party. Invite all building."

That night, 4th floor of 94403 apartment smelled like Enugu. Fried plantain, suya spice Mr. Lee bought from Amazon because he Googled "Nigerian plantain recipe".

All neighbors came - Mexican family from 3B, Filipino student from 2A, white lady from 4A who always complains about smell.

Everybody eating plantain, laughing.

Emeka looked at Chidi. Chidi looked at Emeka. Both started laughing.

Chidi said, "Na plantain cause fight, plantain still settle am."

Emeka said, "Sorry say I chop your own."

Chidi said, "Sorry say I do like say na gold."

They hugged. Mr. Lee took picture.

Now, every last Saturday, 94403 building does "Plantain Night" at Mr. Lee's balcony.

Moral: Sometimes hunger dey cause fight wey pride dey extend. But plantain go still bring peace.