Angel Chidiebube Mbaoma @angeltalented

Once upon a time in a community in Imo state, there lived a boy named Dave. He grew up in a humble family, where his parents did their best to provide for him and his siblings. However, when the time came for Dave to continue his education after secondary school, his parents couldn't afford to sponsor him for university. Understanding their financial limitations, they enrolled him in a trade school instead.

While his friends prepared to attend lectures and pursue higher education, Dave's days were filled with learning and honing his skills in his chosen trade. Despite facing taunts and ridicule from his friends, Dave remained focused and committed to his aspirations. He knew that education was important, but he believed that success could be achieved through hard work and dedication, regardless of academic qualifications.

Five years passed, and all of Dave's friends seemed to be doing well. Some of them bought cars and would occasionally tease Dave, throwing #50 notes at him as they passed by. Though it hurt him, Dave never let their actions discourage him. He was determined to prove that success was not solely dependent on educational achievements.

One fateful day, an unexpected event shook Dave's world. An asteroid fell from the sky and crashed through the roof of his home. In an instant, Dave's thoughts raced, contemplating the damage it had caused. He worried about how the rain would make his family restless and the financial burden it would impose on them to repair the roof.

To his surprise, a week after the incident, a group of foreigners arrived in the community. They had heard about the fallen stone and were willing to pay a million dollars to acquire it for scientific research. It turned out that the asteroid had valuable properties that made it highly sought after by researchers around the world.

Dave's life changed in an unimaginable way. The unexpected fortune that came from the sale of the fallen stone not only allowed him to repair his damaged roof but also transformed his family's future. With newfound financial stability, Dave decided to invest in his trade and expand his business.

I woke up this morning with the realization that my hair was becoming unruly and in desperate need of a trim. The thought of my upcoming test and the school authorities' strict policy against untidy hair compelled me to make an immediate trip to my favorite salon.

As I entered the salon, I noticed the absence of my usual hairdresser. Panic set in, as I had grown accustomed to his skills and trusted his expertise. The other stylists seemed competent, but I couldn't help but feel unsure about letting them touch my hair.

Reluctantly, I approached one of the available stylists and tried my best to articulate how I wanted my hair cut. However, the anxiety gnawed at me, and doubt lingered in the back of my mind. Nevertheless, I took a deep breath and decided to place my trust in the hands of the stylist.

To my dismay, the haircut turned out to be a disaster. My hair was uneven, with jagged edges and an overall sloppy appearance. I could barely recognize myself in the mirror. Frustration welled up within me, and in a fit of anger, I paid the stylist only half of the usual cost of the haircut. I wanted to express my dissatisfaction but couldn't find the words to do so.

The next day at school, my worst fears came true. My fellow students couldn't stop laughing at my funny haircut. Everywhere I went, their snickers and pointing fingers followed me like a shadow. Even during the exam, as the room fell silent, a student sitting next to me burst into laughter after catching a glimpse of my hair. My face flushed with embarrassment, adding another layer of distraction to an already challenging test.

The laughter hurt, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of humiliation that clung to me like an unwanted accessory. Yet, deep down, I knew that I couldn't let this setback define me. I had to find a way to rise above the ridicule and reclaim my confidence.

In the following days, I sought solace in the support of close friends and family who reminded me that hair grows back, and this too shall pass. Their words of encouragement and genuine care helped me regain my perspective. I also took the opportunity to experiment with styling my hair in different ways, embracing the unique aspect of my new look. Slowly but surely, I began to rebuild my self-assurance, realizing that my worth extended far beyond my appearance.

As time passed, the laughter subsided, and my funny haircut became yesterday's news. The incident taught me a lesson for real.

It was a hot morning, and was already hungry.
I found myself in possession of just #300. Determined to satisfy my hunger, I dashed to the store, desperately seeking three eggs to fry and quickly tackle the hunger.

But as I stood in my kitchen, a bold idea popped into my head. Why not try something new? Feeling a surge of inspiration, I cracked the eggs into a bowl, ready to embark on a new inventory adventure.

In a professional manner, I added a splash of milk, a sprinkle of sugar, and a pinch of salt to the egg mixture. The kitchen was soon enveloped in an aroma that could rival the finest restaurants in the world. I couldn't wait to get this heavenly stomach inside my stomach, I thought.

I eagerly picked up my fork, imagining the fabulous flavors that awaited. But as soon as I took a generous bite, my smile quickly morphed into a contorted frown. It was a disaster!

The taste that greeted my unsuspecting taste buds was a catastrophe beyond belief. It was as if the eggs had turned into a chaotic culinary circus, where milk, sugar, and salt were performing wild acrobatics that left me utterly bewildered. My mouth was assaulted with contrasting flavors that could only be described as comically disastrous.

Sitting there, perplexed and disappointed, I realized the gravity of my mistake. Trying something new had led me down a culinary rabbit hole, and now I was left with an unappetizing disaster. It was a hilarious reminder that sometimes, it's best to stick to the tried-and-true recipes and leave the culinary adventures to the professionals.

In between laughter and disappointment, I made a solemn vow to myself. Never again would I risk my last bit of money on such an outlandish experiment.

Omo, I just carried the whole mess to the kitchen, emptied in my trash bad and went back in to think about my life.

Maxwell was a handsome boy who always caught the attention of girls wherever he went. He had striking features and a charming personality, and it wasn't long before girls started admiring him. However, Maxwell wasn't interested in flirting around. Instead, he focused on his studies, sports, and personal growth.

People often misjudged him as being snobbish and proud, but that was far from the truth. He was simply someone who believed in discipline and hard work, choosing to stay focused on his goals rather than wasting time chasing girls. While he maintained cordial relationships with people, he was never one to indulge in small talk or idle gossip.

One day, Maxwell met a girl named Ozioma, and it wasn't long before he was drawn to her. She was smart, confident, and had an unpretentious charm about her that he found refreshing. They started spending time together, and Maxwell found himself opening up to her in a way he had never done before.

As they got to know each other better, Maxwell realized that Ozioma was someone he could be himself around. She appreciated his dedication and hard work, and encouraged him to pursue his dreams. He also discovered that beneath her confident exterior, Ozioma had her own share of insecurities and vulnerabilities..
Let's continue this story next time friends

As she was walking down the quiet street towards her apartment, she noticed a man walking towards her. Instinctively, she crossed the street, hoping to avoid any confrontation. But the man followed her, and before Kosiso knew it, he had snatched her laptop and disappeared into the night.

Kosiso was devastated. All her hard-earned money had gone to waste, and she felt violated that someone had taken something she treasured so much. She felt afraid and betrayed that someone could steal from her so easily.

The next day, Kosiso mustered up the courage to file a police report. Although she knew it was unlikely that she would ever see her laptop again, she still felt a sense of relief that she had taken the first step in seeking justice.

As she left the police station, feeling exhausted and deflated, she noticed a group of children playing with makeshift soccer balls on the street. Despite her sadness, she couldn't help but smile at their laughter and enthusiasm.

Kosiso approached the children and started a conversation with them. Before she knew it, they had invited her to join in their game. Kosiso gladly obliged, forgetting about her worries and immersing herself in the joy of the moment.

In that moment, Kosiso realized that although the laptop was valuable, it was the experiences, the memories, and the connections she built with the people around her that truly mattered. She may have been robbed of material possessions, but she had gained something far more valuable: a renewed appreciation for the little moments of joy and connection that make life worth living.

Always be conscious when you walk.

I will miss my granny, I thought while leaning back on the dusty squeaky grey seat. The bus still produced a lively humming sound which pointed out that the engine was still in a good state, unlike the interior.

My granny had selected the seat for me after she took me to the motor park.
"Go in Nonso, drop your bag on that row", she said to me, gesturing at the position she wanted me to assume.
For a moment, I glanced at her and instantly, I missed her and the people, the friends I made in the village. I stayed with Granny throughout the long vacation and should return home when it's only a few days before school begins

Let's not make it look pathetic; staying with my grandmother was fun. I did have to eat all varieties of local foods and enough beverages, and most importantly, the whole experience was filled with love and warmth.

Granny had a small but cozy house, tucked away in a serene neighborhood, the walls were adorned with family photos and colorful paintings, giving the space a nostalgic charm.

The days spent with Granny were filled with laughter, stories, and endless adventures. We would explore the the far lands that the family possessed, either to harvest crops or till the soil. It was not adventurous per say, but worth it.

Her cooking was legendary, and I eagerly awaited each mealtime. From delicious soups to mouthwatering stews, she knew all the secretes of the pots and luckily I learnt as I helped out in the cooking.

But it wasn't just the food that filled my heart with joy; it was the love and care Granny showered upon me.
I was still in deep thoughts with a smile on my face when the ratty vehicle fell into a pot hole jolting me back to reality.