Family Stories & Experiences

My dad loved listening to the radio, but ever since the last one got damaged, he hadn’t replaced it. With so many necessities competing for money, and the rising cost of everything, buying a new radio just wasn’t a priority for him.

So on the last day, I decided to surprise him. I went out and purchased a quality radio, one that I hoped he would love. Despite our family’s habit of keeping things low-key—my dad isn’t one for big birthday celebrations—I thought this would be a perfect way to show him a little appreciation for all the sacrifices he makes to provide for us, his children.

When I presented my gift, a brand-new radio, you wouldn't believe the joy on his face. He was so taken aback, his eyes lighting up with disbelief and excitement. He examined the radio carefully, then looked at me and smiled. It was a moment filled with gratitude and warmth, a reminder of how much he valued even the simplest gestures of love.

The next morning, we were greeted with the heartwarming slow hymes from the popular 92.5 dream FM. These songs formed our childhood and I was glad that I had bought the radio despite the large cost.

Today’s meal was a mix of egusi and ogbono soup, all thanks to my friend, who said combining them makes the soup go a long way. I decided to give it a try and added beef, stockfish, and a few soup spices to give it the perfect taste. The pot was bubbling nicely, and I was already looking forward to tasting it.

While the soup was cooking, I remembered another tip my friend shared about frying eggs in a flat and tasty way. I cracked a few eggs, whisked them up, and poured them into the pan with just the right amount of oil. My aim was to get it evenly fried without burning or making it too thick. For someone trying this style for the first time, I must say it turned out really good.

It was tricky managing two things on the stove at the same time, but surprisingly, I didn’t mess up either. The soup kept simmering just right, and the egg came out golden and flat, just how I wanted it. I felt like a chef multitasking in a busy kitchen.

The egusi and ogbono soup is packed and ready for tomorrow, but tonight’s dinner will be simple. I’ll pair the fried egg with bread and wash it down with a chilled soft drink. Cooking today was fun, and I’m glad everything turned out great

After I returned from holiday, I noticed that one of our five banana plantations had mature fruit in it. I was admiring this fruit, and I kept it in the back of my mind that once I returned from school, I would have a bunch for myself to enjoy at school. Well, it was about three days before I was to resume school, so I told my mother about my intentions to harvest the bananas and then have a bunch for school. I really enjoyed bananas, and I loved the taste. I particularly enjoyed them with groundnuts. Enjoying bananas, especially with groundnuts, gave me a satisfaction that was simply out of this world. Well, it was finally time for me to go and harvest the bananas, and I engaged in a bit of a struggle with my mother over it. I had never wanted something as much as this, and it required a lot of effort. My brothers weren't around, so I had to manage the harvest myself.

First, my mother told me that bananas should not just be cut carelessly. We had to handle the tree, or should I say the plantation? or the stem? carefully, so that it wouldn’t break off and squash the bananas on the ground. So, I began by cutting a circle around the stem of the banana plant, bringing it closer to me. Once I did that, my mother held the bunch while I swiftly cut it.

After all the hard work and stress, I decided I wasn’t going to go back to school with just one bunch of bananas. Instead, I took three bunches with me, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction after the jumping, holding, and carrying the weight back. I figured that three bunches were just the right amount, a good reward for the effort I had put in.

had just informed my mother that I would be returning to school in a week's time, but the comfort and relaxation I was hoping for will last only a brief moment, as the new resumption date has been announced. School is set to begin again on the 6th of this month, which is just a day away from the start of intense academic activities. This sudden change unsettles me, and I feel genuinely unhappy about it.

My sister, mocked me immediate after I read out the date and new schedules to my family, for thinking I would have a full week to rest and enjoy more of their food. Now, with everything cut short to just one day, I am feeling disappointed and sad right now.

Now we have to go back to school, a land for no one, a school where no love is shown. I've had to prepare my food, clean my clothing, do everything by myself, think for myself—everything, even the comfort of home. I know it's good, ah yes, it makes an adult be an adult, but I just needed more time; a week wasn't too much to ask. Now I'm forced to come back.

If it were just the normal school activities, it would be better because I could still enjoy my extra week here at home, but this time, they have scheduled some seminars, presentations, and all sorts of intense academic activities that force students back to school. Well, see you guys later. Let me go and sleep first to clear my head.

I was never a fan of herbal remedies, but after I tried synthetic drugs for some time, I resorted to my grandmother's concoction. She had just started preparing it and told me that it would help reduce my stomach ache, which was caused by an ulcer. I doubted her. I doubted the herbal remedies, and I doubted everything—in fact, I even doubted if the ulcer would really go away. I didn’t actually know the composition of her concoction. This is what school had taught us: not to believe in anything without facts to back it up.

However, after experiencing so much pain, I decided to give the herbal remedy a try. I tried it for the first time on that day, and to my surprise, the pain subsided a little bit. I didn’t immediately give credit to my grandmother’s herbal concoction, though. It wasn’t until the next day when the pain began to decrease significantly that I was truly amazed. This change caught my attention, and I asked my grandmother about the composition of her herbal concoction.

She gave me the names of a few trees that I recognized, along with some wild plants that I didn’t know about. My grandmother described them to me, helping me identify about two from the long list she provided. It was quite fascinating to realize that we have so many natural resources around us, yet we often wait for synthetic drugs to solve our problems.

Even after my experience, I still wasn’t completely comfortable taking herbal mixtures. If it hadn’t been for my grandmother and my own frustrations with synthetic medications that didn’t work, I wouldn’t have turned to herbal concoctions at all. Uhmm, we all know that many of our natural plants contain vital compounds and nutrients.

I gently and very cautiously picked out the onion slices from my rice. Everyone in my family knew that I didn’t enjoy eating onions, especially when there were too many in a dish. But then, this Jollof rice was so sweet, and the aroma filled the air; I couldn’t resist the urge to dive in, even though I felt discouraged when I noticed the slices of onion spread throughout the rice.

The onions were cut into round shapes, making them look beautiful, but I never enjoyed them, especially since they weren’t cooked through. They were just slightly heated, retaining that raw texture. I had heard that it was better and had more health benefits when the slices weren’t fully cooked, but that didn’t change my feelings about them.

Carefully, I picked out the onions and savored my rice, determined not to let those pesky slices spoil my meal. I enjoyed every bit of it, indulging in the rich flavors and satisfying textures of the dish.

My siblings mocked me, claiming that I was picking one of the most nutritional components of the food out, but I wouldn't listen to them. I was more focused on my careful picking before I spoiled my mood, my taste, and my appetite. I couldn’t risk that.

My siblings mocked me, claiming that I was picking one of the most nutritional components of the food out, but I wouldn't listen to them. I was more focused on my careful picking before I spoiled my mood, my taste, and my appetite. I couldn’t risk that.

After I finished eating, I gave accolades to my sister, who had, over the years, improved her cooking skill which had improved greatly.

Today, we decided to sort through the storehouse in our family house to find old items we could sell to the scrap buyers. The storehouse was filled with random things we hadn’t used in years, and it felt good to clear some space. As we packed things out, I saw an old DVD player we hadn’t touched in over six years. It was still in good condition because we had kept it well-packaged all this time. Seeing it brought back a bit of memories.

Curious to see if it still worked, I took the DVD player out for cleaning. After wiping off the dust, I decided to test it by playing a disc. The first movie I found was an old Pawpaw and Aki film, which felt like the perfect choice for testing. The disc played, but the video was glitching so much it was unwatchable. I tried a few other discs, but the problem remained the same. It was disappointing, but I wasn’t sure if it was the discs or the player itself.

I thought about selling it to the scrap buyer, but I hesitated. Something told me my dad might not be pleased if he came home and found out we had sold the DVD player. After all, it could still hold some sentimental value or be useful for spare parts. So, I decided to return it to its original spot in the storehouse and leave the decision for another day.

In the end, the scrap buyer gave us a fair price for the little quantity of items we were able to gather. It wasn’t much, but it felt good to make spacd and make some money at the same time.

I noticed that my auntie was having chronic hair loss. The hair that framed her face was almost gone, and she was starting to go bald. For a lady to be growing bald was so awkward, so I decided immediately that I should help her. After I touched her head and hinted at my concern, she asked me, as a science student, if I knew something that could help her regrow her hair. I told her yes with all the confidence I could muster, but deep down, I didn’t really know. That was the spoiler.

Instead of allowing her to think I was dumb or not well educated, I decided to Google it. After all, what do we have the internet and AI tools for? I quickly searched for natural remedies for hair regrowth. When I was done, I came up with several options, and she decided to try them for about a week. To our surprise, her hair began to grow back! It was wonderful to see her confidence returning along with her hair.

She called me on the phone that she was noticing traces of hair, but she wasn't sure because it had taken some days to grow. It didn't seem like she was almost clearly bald in those areas on her head, but she was noticing some growth, and she was telling me that my remedy prescription was effective. Although I couldn't help but just smile at myself, I had now invented what I didn't. Now I've gotten some sort of respect from her, and she called me almost every two days to ask about my welfare. She had even sent me about #10,000 for my school support, which she had never done, and I appreciate it. This was simply done, and this favor was simply gained just because I looked up some things that are on Google and on AI, thanks to Google.

I had already decided with about five of my neighbors from the lodge that we were not going to travel home for Christmas. We planned to stay back in the school area and enjoy the holiday together—just the five of us. However, in the last three days, things began to change. One by one, my friends started to leave. First, a friend departed, then two more left, and finally, just three of us were left. Now, it's only me and one other friend remaining, which feels really disappointing.

This isn’t what I had planned. I was anticipating a fun and joyous Christmas, but with only one neighbor left, it seems impossible to enjoy the holiday spirit as I had hoped. Today turned out to be quite futile; I spent the day packing up my clothes and washing everything in preparation to leave the next day.

It’s going to be a long journey, and I'll have to spend money on transport, but that doesn't really matter now. What’s important is that I’m going home. Home, sweet home. I'll be home soon, and despite the unexpected changes, I know that being with family will bring me joy.

Abeg guys, see you all later, first let me pack up my remaining belongings that will escort me home.

Just across the tarred road side, around the new market axis, stood the decent house. I had rang the electronic bell two times now, and was about to enjoy the fun of pressing a button again, when my ears recognized some footsteps approaching the modern wooden door from the inside.

It was undoubtedly nice inside, with the large chandelier hanging gloriously from the tall P.O.P ceiling, radiating its whiteness to all around the large living room. The lighten wasn't just the only beautiful thing about my uncle's place, the walls were one of a kind - it was made to shine like glass which threw me in awe.
"How can walls be made to look like they were made of glass?".
I was pondering on my self-afflicted question and answer when Aunty Mary beckoned on my consciousness

Her stomach wasn't as big now, and in the loose gown that she wore, she looked older.
There were dozens of large portraits lined at the hall way, and I wanted to study them.
Trailing Aunty Mary step was more vital than the distracting paintings that called put to me. Aunty was taking me to the baby's room.

The baby was snuggling up to my uncle's fatherly arms as I made to carry her. She was a living beauty. Brushing the curly hair that dropped down to her brows with a finger made her widen those magical eyes that one would mistake as unreal.
She smiled at my finger, clutching tightly to it as if she had just been gifted my index finger as toy.

My day started well, and I was determined to make the most of it despite having limited funds. Shortly after waking up, my phone rang. It was my sister calling, urgently needing money. I knew I didn't have much, but I sent her the money via my Opay account.

However, two hours later, she called back, saying she hadn't received the money. For one seconds I was like after two hours, thinking she was ungrateful for not confirming receipt earlier. Upon investigating, I realized I had sent the money to the wrong person, Blessing Nwangwia instead of Blessing Nwachuku.

Thankfully, it was an Opay account, so I copied the account number and contacted the recipient. Unfortunately, he denied seeing any unusual transactions on his account. I decided not to pressure him, hoping the money would eventually reflect, but I'm skeptical due to the country's high level of corruption.

While I wait for a refund, I quickly sent my sister another money, so shome could be happy, and at least give me a breathing space to concentrate on the current situation at hand.

Do you think he'll return the money or should I involve VDM?

There was an incident that I witnessed in my short time of stay in a particular community, nobody has really been able to explain why till today. A guy named Robert left home for 18 years, to work in a far place that no one knows, and he didn't communicate to his family throughout the 18 years. His parents and siblings thought he's dead, so many years without hearing from him is more than enough to have solidify their thoughts.

During this times, someone reported to the parents that he saw Robert somewhere, but Robert ran away immediately he recognized the person. The parents and siblings didn't believe that one of them would be life and decide to abandon his family for no reason, so they didn't believe it. Others thought that the guy must have gotten frustrated in the place he went to, and maybe got into a lot of mess with his life, and that might be why he disconnected himself from home entirely.

One day, on a chilled evening, I heard that Robert has been brought back home, I went to their compound to see how he looks like, being that I was told about him. He didn't come back willingly, the guy that reported to his parents before, tracked him and forcefully brought him back home, with the help of some guys. Robert refused to say why he rejected home and chosed to live waywardly, he lived poorly like an outcast, when his parents had a house. He needed a very intense haircut, change of clothes and enough food.

Few hours after he was brought back, his family made him look like a human being again. The family was happy that he's alive and back home, but it wasn't up to a month when Robert ran off again, leaving everybody in shock. Nobody could reach him, no one knew why he didn't want anything to do with home. Few months later, he was found again and forcefully brought back home, this time the family decided to seek solution to Robert's mysterious exile life. Pastors and therapists were invited into the case.

It didn't still change anything, Robert ran away again, never to be found till date, this happened in 2013, I left the community in 2014, I don't think the family are still expecting his return. The guy obviously doesn't want to be home and doesn't want to be part of a family, nobody knows why. I see it as a big loss to the family, giving birth to a child, and then the child run aways from you completely without any reason. The fruits of that labour will never be reaped, that's the bitter truth.

As I walked down the road, I realized I hadn't been here in five years. With each step, old memories came rushing back to me and I smiled at each childhood picture clouded my mind.

I remembered how I would run home from school with my school bag bouncing on my back. But then I had a motive. I usually stopped at the special place full of fruits.

Let me describe this spot, I called it the green compound with the big trees. I smiled as I saw the mango trees filled with bright yellow mangoes that looked so sweet. Next to the mangoes were orange trees, with bright oranges hanging down and tempting me. Though I couldn't now got for it now (big girl things).

I also remembered the cherry trees, with their pink and red fruits, my junior sister preferred that to mangoes and I can't tell why.
There were also German mangoes, not my favorite. The sweet mangoes was the best, I loved them.

When I walked this road before, I would quietly pick fruits to share with my brothers and sisters. I wasn't being naughty, I was just being clever. The family who owned the trees knew me, and they said I could take some fruits anytime I felt like, and with that kind of opportunity, I made it a routine. They trusted me, which made me feel good inside.

As I walked past the compound, I took a deep breath and let the happy memories fill me up. This road as part of my childhood.

I knew returning home from school for a short holiday or a short break wasn't such a great idea. But my home is my home, as they always say.

I returned home about a week ago, and I must say that I'm already tired of everything.
It no longer feels like a home for resting. It's been from one work to another, from one chore to another, from one errand to another. I do not blame the family or my mom or dad. I actually just blame it on time and development, and I'm partly happy about this. Except that everything domestic work now rests on me.

My elder sister has gotten married. My brothers are all in school far away. So I, as the last born, I think it's just my duty naturally. But sometimes I just feel like things could go back to normal like the way things had been- when chores were shared between other elder siblings and then I get the easiest task.

Looking back, all I can say is thank you God, for the progress thus far.

Mrs Rachel couldn't' believe her eyes after seeing her husband but her main concern at that moment was her daughter . She hugged Tina and ignored Mr Raymond who remained speechless immediately after he saw his wife.

"Oh God, thank you so much. Welcome pastor. Mrs Catherine said with so much excitement and hugged her daughter.

Where have you been my darling, you make me feel so worried. Am sorry i know you left the house because i couldn't give you the money you asked for. Mrs Rachel said looking into her daughter's eyes. and what happened to your head, why do you tighten your head with bandages?.
Tina feel bad when she heard her mother apologising to her. She don't know how her mother is going to react after she would tell her what happened to her. Tears streamed down her face.
Rachel, nothing we human beings can do, God did it and we give him the praise. Hallelujah!!!
And also, Thanks to this my brother here, Mr Raymond Pastor Drill said gesturing towards where Mr Raymond was.
Mrs Rachel countenance changed when the pastor said the last statement. She was trying to avoid Mr Raymond not to have anything to do with him.

Ermmm I think......

Rachel? Mr Raymond called interrupting pastor Drill when he saw how Mrs Rachel was acting as if she don't know him.

Tina, pastor Drill face Mr Raymond when they heard him called Rachel.

"Do you know her?" Pastor Drill asked Mr Raymond but he don't really know what to say.

Rachel, do you know him? Pastor Drill turned and asked her.
Tears roll down from Mrs Rachel eyes. They sight of Mr Raymond make her to remember what she went through after his disappearance. I don't want to set my eyes on you Raymond ,leave my house now because we won't like what will happen if you don't. I don't want to see you. "Leave my house' Mrs Rachel barked at Mr Raymond angrily.
I don't know how you people met and I don't want to know, just leave here now.

Please Rachel I can explain, please. I look for you everywhere but it seems you disappear from the earths surface. Please just listen to me. Mr Raymond pleaded with her but Mrs Rachel ignored him and turned her attention to the pastor.

Wait first, do you know him? Pastor Drill asked Mrs Rachel.

Sh..she's is my wife pastor.

What!!
Pastor Drill exclaim

Yes sir. Please help me talk to her. Its a long story. Mr Raymond and immediately fall on his knees and started pleading with Mrs Rachel to forgive her.

Mom,is he my Father ?Tina summoned the courage and asked her mother the question she was scared of asking.

That's your father my daughter. He's the one who ran away leaving us to suffer. I don't even know what wrong I do to him that makes him ran away with no trace and suddenly appear from no where. I don't want to see him.she said and enter the house leaving them standing outside.

"What really happened my brother?" Why do you leave your family? Pastor Drill asked

As I said, its a long story sir, I was deceived by a friend who later sold me out. Please help me talk to her, my life hasn't been the same since I left her. I really need her forgiveness.please talk to her sir because i know she will listen to you. Mr Raymond said to pastor Drill sounding remorseful.

For how long have you been away?.

15 years sir.
Are you serious now? Pastor Drill trying to understand what he was hearing.

Yes pastor, that's why I said its a long story.

Well, I think you have to tell her what happened and why you ra.........
Pastor Drill was interrupted by a call on his phone.

He picked the call and it's was Cynthia and told her that Tina has been found, and she should come to the house.

After the call ended, pastor Drill asked Mr Raymond to follow him inside the house, for them to plead with Mrs Rachel to see if she can find a place in her heart to forgive him.

They both entered the parlour of Mrs Rachel and found her sobbing bitterly. Tina was touched, she became more afraid as of what will be her mother's reaction if she tell her that she engaged into Drug dealers.

She walked slowly to where her mother was sitting, she knelt in front of her and joined her mother in crying.

My siblings and I went to visit our grandmother in her village. Whrn it was alrwady evening and the moon was shown a little of its head making everything look warm. Granny, abii grandma ordered that we come around for dinner

After we ate dinner, Grandma looked at us and said- Why don’t you all come sleep in my room tonight?
My siblings' eyes lit up with joy. I thought it was a great idea too, even though I pretended to be grown-up about it. We moved our pillows and blankets into her big room, excited to be close together.

When we were all settled in, my siblings started asking the old lady to tell them a story.
I wanted them to be quiet and sleep instead, so i tried to instruct them to sleep, like a responsible older sibling wey I be. But Grandma just smiled and said- Oh, let them be..

She sat in her chair, and we all focused on her. Grandma began to tell a story about a magical animal kingdom srory. My siblings listened carefully, their eyes wide with excitement, if it was to learn their book, they won't give that kind of attention. I tried to act like an adult and not show how much I enjoyed it, but soon I couldn't help myself. The story was so good!

As she told the story, I found myself laughing and getting lost in the adventure along with my siblings. It felt nice to be a child again.

There is this incident that whenever I remember it, I feel very awkward, it happened years ago, but I still feel bad till date. It was during Christmas, my cousins came to spend the holiday with us, we had lots of fun and explored places together. Everything would have still went on smoothly if I admitted that I couldn't do a particular at that time, other than try to impress somebody, hmm.

One of my cousins that was around my age could drive, he drove his father out, and when he returned home, he asked me if I could drive, he was around my age and I didn't want to feel embarrassed, my father was still teaching me the basics, so I answered yes. He told me his father wants him to get something for him, so he will be going with the car and I should be the one to drive. How could I object.

I only knew how to start the engine and put it into gear, I felt I could get myself to do what I have never done, just to make sure I avoid the embarrassment. What followed next horrible, I ignited the engine, I can't even remember what I did next, I drove directly into my father's car, damaging the head light, the wind screens, the bumpers and many other things. Two cars damaged at the same time, now the embarrassment I was avoiding came to me in 100 folds.

My parents and my cousin's parent were shocked at what just happened, I was heavily scolded, my parents spent a lot of money to repair the damages done. It's not an embarrassment to admit that you can't do something, it's better than to try doing it just to impress somebody. Now, I'll always be myself no matter what, I won't admit what I can't do and I won't do something just because I want to impress somebody. The money is still very fresh in my head.

Well, I've always wanted my auntie to allow me to try out driving the car. She would not let me even try it out, not even when I sat in the front seat behind the steering wheel. She would always warn me not to turn on the ignition. She constantly discussed its dangerousness.

Well, today, while she was parked and went into a shopping mall, I decided to try something that I had been watching online. I had been looking at some tutorials just to know how to start the car and maybe move it a little. So, I turned on the ignition, and then I was able to move the car a little bit and park it back, turning it off like nothing happened.

I had thought before that driving required a lot of skills and years of experience because of the way Aunty exaggerate driving, but it didn't feel harder than playing with some toy.

I returned home after a very stressful semester, it was a very tough semester with lots of challenges, but I thank God that I wasn't consumed. After the conclusion of our exams, I didn't want to travel home for the holiday because some of my colleagues were going to be around, but my parents insisted that I must return home and so I couldn't refuse, I saddled up and travelled back to my state.

I had been away for months that I even forgot the kind of reception I always receive at home, I should have been the one to insist that I must travel home. Immediately I arrived home, I was served a very delicious rice and stew, compared to what I eat while at school. Life at school is a very different one, you can never see a free food, you will starve if you don't cook. I wish my colleagues would know what they are missing by not traveling home.

Back at school, I live alone, so I'm literally bored almost all the time, but here, you can never get bored with siblings and parents around. About three hours after I arrived, white soup that I have been craving for in school was served again, I would have said that it feels like I'm dreaming, but that is the reality of home. Just imagine my mum saying if the food isn't enough I should let her know, meanwhile at school I measure the portion of food I eat to save money. Ha!

And then I thought to myself, imagine a person without a family, without a home, you can't enjoy these things then. The joy and love that is shared in a family, you can't feel alone in a family. I have some rest now from the stress of looking after myself, at least for now, it will ease the pressure and give me strength when I return to school. The musician that sang the song " wherever where you go, remember the road that will lead you home" know the feeling. It's good to have where to go and rest up for a while after series of stress, and that can only be home, family.

A while ago, I sent my uncle some money to buy an external hard drive and waybill it for me, he deals with computers and so it was just like patronizing him, because I paid him for everything. He is a young man in his early 30s, not yet married, but he was certainly doing well in his business. Not as if I couldn't buy the hard drive where I was, but I was very sure that he will get the best hard drive for me.

While on my way to go and pick up the hard drive from the transport park, I was communicating with my uncle on Facebook, and he told me he has paid the driver for the waybill, of which I sent him money for it. This was 8:30pm in the night, that is the time the drive arrived the park. But I was shocked when I called the driver and he said that I should not forget to come with my waybill fee, that he has not been paid.

I called my uncle and told him what the driver said, and he ended the call on me immediately after I told him. I called back several times and he didn't answer the calls, I was even more shocked at this kind of behavior. On getting to the park, even the driver called my uncle on phone and he didn't answer, I chatted my uncle on Facebook but no reply, he was online and was seeing my messages.

I understood at this point what was going on, my uncle has used my head. I had to pay the driver again, collected the hard drive and boarded a taxi home. I was very angry, and sad at the same time that my own family member would do this kind of thing to me. I started doubting if the hard drive was even good, considering the kind of game he just played with me. And it turned out that the hard drive wasn't working, it was damaged and yet he sent it to me.

He knew that the hard drive wasn't good, because I sent him a message about it, which he never called back or replied. And now, that same uncle of mine is getting married in few days, my parents wants me to help in the preparation, something that will take my time, energy and sleep. I'm still wondering why I should get myself involved in anything concerning my uncle, he turned me down, big time. Even if I decide to pretend as if he never did what he did, some things will just never be the way it was before, not even in the nearest future.

My father always warned me about one thing whenevet I was playing with stones. He always warmed me never to throw stones up in the sky He would repeat this every time he noticed a stone in my hand.
But I loved it, There was something magical about picking up a stone, feeling its weight in my palm, and then throwing it high into the air. I would watch it fly, with excitement as I aimed for the bright blue sky. The joy it brought me was like nothing else. One of my friends was the one who taught me the bad habit.

I remember those afternoons spent in the open field near our house, sunlight pouring down like liquid gold. I'd stand there, surrounded by tall grass swaying gently in the breeze, and pick up stone after stone. Each one had a different shape, size, and color. I would imagine that if I threw them hard enough, maybe they could reach the clouds. It was a simple thrill, just the feeling of freedom and my own little adventure, aiming for the sky and nothing else.

But my dad never liked seeing me throw stones, maybe because I was a girl but he tried to make me understand that a stone thrown too high can come down with great force and it might land on someone’s head or it could hit something important, like a glass window, and then I'll have to deal with the consequences. He always told me this.

Despite his warnings, I couldn’t help myself, I would hide when my Dad wasnt looking and continue with my habit, but deep down, I knew my dad’s words were wise, just didn’t think it would happen to me.

Then one afternoon, everything changed. I was playing in front of our compound after throwing my selected stone high up in the sky, I saw it go above the tall palm trees and above roof tops.

I stood there in shock, my heart was pounding as I processed what had just happened. That crash sounded all too familiar like a shattering glass.
Till today, I cannot tell all that my buttocks saw in the hands of my father.
After the inhabitants of the house that I broke their glass window came to report to my parents.