Family Stories & Experiences

(Scene opens with Mama Nkechi and Baba Chukwu sitting on wooden stools, sipping palm wine.)
Mama Nkechi: (sighs) Baba, have you thought about what we will do about Chinedu's education?
Baba Chukwu: (strokes his chin) Yes, it weighs heavily on my mind. Obi thrives at the university, but Chinedu seems uncertain.
(Enter Obi, bustling with energy.)
Obi: Mama, Baba! Have you decided to send Chinedu to the university?
Baba Chukwu: (nods) We are considering it, but we must ensure he is ready.
(Enter Ngozi, carrying books.)
Ngozi: Education is vital for Chinedu's future. He deserves the same opportunities as Obi and me.
Mama Nkechi: (nods) Yes, but we must tread carefully. Education is not just about books; it is about character.(Chinedu enters timidly.)
Chinedu: Mama, Baba, I want to learn, but I fear I am not as smart as Obi and Ngozi.
Mama Nkechi: (places a comforting hand on Chinedu's shoulder) You have your own strengths, my son. We will find the path that suits you best.(Enter Aunty Chioma, observing the scene.)
Aunty Chioma: (smiling) Perhaps it is time we seek guidance from the ancestors. They will show us the way.(Scene ends with the family gathered in a circle, offering prayers and seeking guidance.)

Act 2:(Scene opens with the family gathered around a fire, deep in conversation.)
Obi: Chinedu, you have the potential to excel. Do not doubt yourself.
Chinedu: (nods) I will do my best, for the sake of our family.
Ngozi: (offers support) We will help you every step of the way, Chinedu. You are not alone.
Baba Chukwu: (proudly) Our family is strong when we support each other. Chinedu, you carry our hopes for the future.
Mama Nkechi: (smiles) Let us embrace the journey ahead with courage and determination. Our ancestors guide us, and we walk the path together.
Aunty Chioma: (raises her cup) To Chinedu, may his journey be blessed with wisdom and success.(The family raises their cups in unison, symbolizing unity and support.)(Scene fades to black as they continue their discussions, united in their determination to support Chinedu's education.)(End of play.)

Once upon a time, in a small village nestled between rolling hills and lush forests, there lived a humble child named Elara. Elara was known throughout the village for her gentle nature and kind heart. Despite living in modest circumstances, she was always quick to share whatever she had with those in need.

Elara's days were spent wandering through the fields, collecting wildflowers and listening to the birds sing. She would often sit by the village pond, watching the water ripple and dreaming of faraway lands. Despite her simple surroundings, her imagination knew no bounds.

One day, while exploring the forest, Elara stumbled upon a wounded bird. Without hesitation, she tenderly scooped up the creature and nursed it back to health with care and patience. From that day on, the bird became her faithful companion, soaring through the skies beside her on her adventures.

As Elara grew older, her acts of kindness and compassion touched the hearts of everyone in the village. She helped the elderly tend to their gardens, played games with the village children, and even offered a comforting shoulder to those who were troubled.

One evening, a great storm swept through the village, leaving devastation in its wake. Homes were destroyed, crops were ruined, and many families were left homeless. But amidst the chaos, Elara emerged as a beacon of hope. With unwavering determination, she rallied the villagers together, organizing food and shelter for those in need.

Through her selfless actions, Elara taught the villagers the true meaning of community and resilience. And as the village rebuilt itself stronger than before, Elara's spirit of humility and compassion continued to shine bright, inspiring all who knew her.

In the end, it wasn't riches or fame that made Elara special, but rather her ability to see the beauty and goodness in the world, and to share that with others. And so, the humble child who once wandered the fields dreaming of adventure became a legend in her own right, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness that would be remembered for generations to come.

I wanted to talk to my sister after a long day, so I called her this evening. We struck up a casual discussion as soon as she answered, talking about everything from our meal to the most recent developments regarding the condition of the home.

However, while we spoke, the subject of our parents' wellbeing unexpectedly came up in our chat. The thought that I'm witnessing my parents age struck me like a wave bashing on the shoreline, conveying a multitude of mixed emotions in me.

I loved the chance to connect with my sister with our mutual worry for our parents, even though I realized how depressing that was. It served as a moving reminder of how important family is and how quickly time passes. But even while we had a deep conversation, there was something that was bothering me in the background. My original intention was to ask my sister whether there was anything unique I should add to my soup recipe, but the conversation had gotten away from me.

It took me almost twenty minutes into our talk before I realized why I had called. I laughed sheepishly and apologized to my sister for taking me off course. I then hurriedly asked her what component I required.

We exchanged a few more pleasantries before saying our goodbyes and agreeing to speak soon. Even though it occasionally meant straying from the main topic of our chat, I couldn't help but feel thankful for my sister and the close link we had for our family as I hung up the phone.

My brother's voice, sweet and soulful, always serenaded our home. It was a symphony that filled every nook and cranny, his melodic tunes dancing through the kitchen, drifting through the halls, and fluttering into every corner of our modest abode. I cherished every note, every verse that flowed effortlessly from his lips as he went about his daily chores.

I'd catch him humming while he washed the dishes or breaking into song as he took his bath, each melody a passion-filled declaration of his enduring love affair with music. His voice was his constant companion, weaving a tapestry of joy and rhythm into our everyday lives.

My brother, with dreams as vast as the horizon, yearned for the grandeur of the music world, with aspirations akin to the likes of Davy Doe, Wizkid, CK, and Rema. He poured his heart and soul into his craft, meticulously penning down verses, creating compositions that oozed with a professional polish far beyond his years. His notebooks brimmed with dreams and ambitions, each song a testament to his artistry.

I marveled at his talent, so rare and bewitching, and I often pondered if he was already a burgeoning artist. As I navigated through the world of school, his melodious tone wafted through my thoughts, a soothing reminder of his artistic ambitions.

His songs carried the yearnings of a boy on the cusp of greatness, and I, the lucky listener, was privy to every exquisite note. His vocals were a lighthouse in the desolate sea of everyday life, guiding me to moments of joy and solace. With each splendid trill, I could hear the echoes of his boundless aspirations, each verse singing of a future brimming with stardom.

My brother's voice was the heartbeat of our home, a tender reminder of the wondrous dreams that reside in the heart of a boy destined for greatness.

One evening, a man heard his neighbour screaming angrily. She was yelling at her own five year old son. She spanked him several times, until the boy began to cry. He cried for a long time, then stopped. The man was left confused and worried.

The following day, in the evening, the man heard his neighbour yelling at her son again. He heard the boy pleading with his mother for mercy. However, his mother beat him severely and threatened to pour hot water on him. It became clearly obvious to thean that the mother was abusing her own child.

The man quickly left his house and went to the police station in the next town to report the situation. He told them, "my neighbour is a bad mom, a very bad mom. She uses hard objects such as belt, stick and cain to hit her child. She even threatened to hurt the boy with hot water. She should be arrested, and the child be taken away from her!".

The police asked,
How long has this been going on?"

The man replied,
"It has been quite a long time, but i noticed it yesterday. I heard everything with my own two ears. I'm very sure!"

The police needed evidence to proceed with the case, so they gave the man their number and asked him to contact them immediately if the incident happened again.

The following evening, the man heard his neighbour yelling at her son again and beating him.
He immediately called the police who assured him they were on their way.

Few minutes later, th3 police arrived along with the man, they all stormed into the mother's house. Upon seeing the mother and her son, one of the police said to her,
I'm officer Clinton, and you are under arrest for child abuse. "

However, to their suprise, the boy burst into laughter. The mother then looked at her son and they both smiled at each other. She paused for a moment, then said,

" I actually Don't know what you're talking about. Just to let you know, my son has an upcoming drama presentation in his school. I promised I'd help him rehearse which we started two days ago. The drama is about a little boy whose abusive mother would get so drunk and beat him up pretty bad. Did you actually think I was hurting my own child?

The police officers were disappointed and turned to the man who was filled with shame and embarrassment. Then one of them said to the man. We understand that you were concerned about the boys safety, but sometimes in life, things are not always what they seem.

Moral lesson: we need to understand that what we perceived in our minds, might not always be exactly truth. And if we are not careful, we could be sharing false information that can have serious consequences. We should learn to look closer or study situations to know what's exactly going on. We need to do our research and get facts straight before throwing labels on people. False accusations are a serious matter which could be a result of our misunderstanding. "

It was a typical day as I went to work, tackled my tasks and with all diligence, and eagerly anticipated the evening's plans with my friends. As the sun began its descent, I joined my friends at their favorite hangout spot, ready for a night of laughter and camaraderie.

Unknowingly my younger brother, Chukwudi, had found himself in an unexpected predicament earlier that day. While walking home from school, he encountered a group of troublemakers in the atmosphere of fear . Chukwudi's heart raced as they surrounded him, demanding his phone.

With a surge of adrenaline, he refused to comply, unwilling to part with his prized possession. The tension escalated as the ringleader stepped forward, his menacing demeanor sending shivers down Chukwudi's spine. However, luck seemed to be on his side as a passerby intervened, dispersing the would-be assailants before any harm could be done.

While all that was happening I and my friends reveled in the joy of each other's company, unaware of the turmoil brewing in Chukwudi's world. Laughter filled the air as they shared stories and indulged in carefree banter, cherishing the bonds that bound them together.

As the night wore on, my phone rang with an urgent message from my frantic parents, informing me of Chukwudi's unpleasant encounter. Shock and concern washed over me, quickly followed by a wave of relief as I learned of his safety. Without hesitation, I excused myself from the gathering, my thoughts consumed by the well-being of my brother.

Rushing home, i found Chukwudi shaken but unharmed. I enveloped him in a reassuring embrace, grateful for his safety and resilience in the face of danger. Together, we recounted the events of the day, finding solace in each other's presence and the unwavering support of our family.

In that condition I observed that my relationship with my brother has been strengthened and united by a newfound appreciation for each other's well-being. Though the day had taken an unexpected turn, it served as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance, resilience, and the enduring power of familial love.

I've been getting a lot of messages since last night on what I did when I found out my uncle was staffing my daughter.

Well, the daughter he thought was his.
I said I didn't know if I should be angry my uncle was committing such atrocious act with my daughter or I should be vexed that he was indulging in incest.

I was pained. I won't lie to you. My own daughter. My very fine daughter.

"Call me daddy!" He growled.

Slurry, she moaned, "dad-daddyy!"

How ridiculous? How could you call your father "daddy ' in such a position?

I snuck to the kitchen and grabbed a fork. I was too vexed to look at what I got hold of.

I stormed in to see they both had relented.
Soaked in baked bolls of intimidating sweat that stunk moist.

Uncle, how the fuck can you-"

"Can you do what? He cut me short. "Eh,
Michael? Can I do what exactly?" He barked at me. "How can I enjoy your sweet daughter, eh? He was sarcastic as he stroked her braided hair.

My foolish child that came swimming out of me wasn't moved. She gave out gullible smiles like she had been hypnotised?

You think I dunno how you and my wife have been sneaking around? Eh stupid boy!"

Guilt swallowed me. I felt the ground should've opened and swallowed me.

I charged with force and plunged the fork in his throat. The force was so firm the tips came out the other side.

He let out coughs that purged out blood,
Falling headlong to the already stained bed.

"Uncle! You keeled daddy!" Mt daughter screamed out.

Just then , my uncles wife storms in ferociously kissing man. Oblivious of the dire matter at hand.
She turned to see blood stained scene.
We all just stood in awe.

Now, what do I do?" I thought.......

The closing bell rung, as day students, we will all be returning home whether in groups of twos, threes or more. I always went home in the company of my brother but we had quarrelled earlier that day and he went home immediately school dismissed.

I didn't want to walk with him so it didn't matter, I stayed back with a friend who attended our church to watch the boring football between SS2 and SS3 — a punishment I must endure since I couldn't make it through the long and lonely road home, alone.

The pathetic match finally came to an end at 4pm and we set out for home; this journey should've lasted 1½hrs but on reaching where the road bifurcated into three, he suggested a road we've never walked before.

Initially, I refused but he insisted we had no time and it'll get dark soon, left with no option, I followed him. We came across huge terrifying trees, they flanked the path like we were in a thick forest.
The pin drop silence in that area gripped me with regrettable fear for what may become of us, probably some chicken monsters will capture us for breakfast.

Out of distrust in his words, I asked him, "Sammy, do you even know where we are going to?" He simply laughed and reassured me, if we hadn't go far, I'd start running back. We reached an old shrine and at this point, I regretted leaving my brother to follow that guy. Thankfully, he had patience dealing with my fears and dragged me past the shrine — the line of Rubicon; I was already sobbing, after all who would hear me cry?

Meanwhile, at home, my Mum who had gone restless ordered an immediate search at 5.45pm for me. My brother, frustrated just waited outside the compound wondering what took me so long to return.

Alas! We emerged at a familiar stream, I rendered praises to GOD for sparing my life through that evil forest and swore never again, NEVER! I ran all the way home, it was already quarter past 6 when I arrived home.

Here is my own experience with my mom.
At age fifteen I have already slept with different men. My mom would bring men to her room and when she's fast asleep due to drinking, the men would come to my room and rape me. At first I used to cry but as times go on I became used to it. At age twenty I have done two abortions conducted by my mom's friend, a man who always takes his own share after the do..

Since mom took me for abortion I became his regular customer both when I run errands for mom and when he visits mom, most times he would come when mom is not home and we do it endlessly and the last abortion he conducted was his own child.

It was an all round wayward lifestyle for me and mom. One night she pleaded that we do threesome🥺 because her client said he would pay her ( x3). She came to me and pleaded that we do, I think I was 22 then, I gave in to threesome with my mom and the client that was my first threesome, after that it became a norm for us.

I don't know how this makes anyone feel, all I have to say is that being a single parent is the worse thing that can happen to any woman except God is on your side else one would do crazy things for survival to come out of depression.

I wasn't angry with mom, I saw her struggles, she did everything to give me good life that's what she thought and being in the midst of people who influenced her with negativity, she couldn't do much without what she did.

Fast forward to 2016 my mom met with a man who changed our lives totally we did threesome on our first night of meeting, he showered us with millions of naira and after a year of being with the man, mom ended her wayward lifestyle. If you see my mom you would think she's my elder sister, very sexy and tall.

Fast forward to 2018, my mom married a responsible man and I also married the following year.
My mom is everything .🥰
Till tomorrow she is my mom, my number one woman please Don't judge us if you haven't tasted poverty. Though I sometimes feel it wasn't really about poverty, but depression.

This is our past.

Nneka was a young, beautiful and ambitious lady, she had big dreams for her life. She wanted to further her education, she wanted to be a professional Nurse, she wanted to travel the world. She got a good job as a single lady and was gradually following her dreams, and then love struck. She met a charming young man.. David. Nneka had already travelled a few times out of the country before she got serious with David.
David was a loving sweet gentle man, he also had ambitions and big dreams, she loved him and he loved her…. then they got married. Marriage came with different demands and new responsibilities. David asked her to resign while he concentrated on building his career so she can be there for the children and take care of the home while running a business. She was to manage the business.

David never asked if Nneka was a business person or if that was what she really wanted. Nneka on the other hand accepted this request because she wanted her husband to be happy and she wanted her home to be fine (she thought)

Fast forward to 25 years after marriage, David fell sick …it was cancer and he didn’t survive. But one thing was certain, he died fulfilled or almost fulfilled. He was in his place career wise and was getting better just before he fell sick.
Nneka today is almost 60 but she’s kinda sad. She’s always reminiscing on her early years as a young woman, thinking about her aborted dreams and what life would have been like if she had not given up on her ambitions. It’s mostly regret for her, asides that she finds consolation in her children and her grandchildren. They seem to be her major achievements, which to her, doesn’t seem satisfactory enough.
I’m sad because I see this circle repeat every day…. So this is a message to young men and young women out there…

For the ladies

Sometimes you give up your dreams and sacrifice your ambitions in the euphoria of a marriage promise, or a marriage, forgetting that the excitement is only temporary and that reality would hit again soon especially when the chips are down.

When we go into a relationship that would potentially lead to marriage, we sometimes leave out some of the most important points to consider, one of which is our individual life plans, and our potential partner’s commitment in helping us achieve our life goals.
I know when two people get married, they become one… But actually, it’s still two different individuals, with different minds, and different dreams. And of course these individual differences will still play out even when they became one.

Ladies…

Before accepting that marriage proposal, discuss your dreams and ambitions and make sure he is committed to seeing you achieve your dreams, while you also show commitment in helping him achieve his.

Don’t be forced or cajoled into buying his dreams at the expense of yours. You both can support your individual dreams

Men….

It shouldn’t always be about you. Have you asked her what her plans are? Her dreams, her ambitions… she shouldn’t join you in fulfilling your ambition while she gives up hers. Trust me she may seem happy that you are happy and she may not voice out, but she could be full of regrets and unhappiness deep down. There should be a balance because we are all humans.

But of course…

If your biggest ambition as a lady is to get married and have kids, then by all means go ahead and disregard this message.

And if your partner is happy to share homely responsibilities and shows the desired commitment to see that both of you achieve your life goals, appreciate them and be equally supportive.
I know this goes both ways, but we live in a society were men are mostly particular about their wives and girlfriends joining them to build their thing and achieve their dreams without due considerations of her personal ambition… we always say “it’s for us” but what about her, is that what she really wants?

It’s okay to support your husband, infact you should do it… but husbands, it’s equally okay and fair to support your wife and help her achieve her own dreams.

If there is good planning, you both can achieve your individual goals, though it may take a little time. But first, there must be a will to support each other, and both parties must value and see each other’s dream as important.
What has caused so much disaffection in many homes today, especially when its coming from the wife, is the frustration of seeing her dreams and ambitions go down the drain for the marriage.

Encourage and support your angry wife to pursue her lifelong ambitions and see her become the happy and bubbly woman you once knew.

A Short Moral Story.

A scientist and a lawyer lived next to each other. One day, the lawyer said to his wife, Lucy.

"Look how hardworking Kate, the scientist's wife is. You don't work as much as she does. She wakes up as early as 4:30 a.m. every morning. She prepares meals for her husband before he leaves for work. She irons his clothes. She does the dishes after each meal. She attends to all the washing and cleaning. She removes her husband's shoes when he enters the home. She still waters the plants. She can work for up to 15 hours a day. But you can't even spend 5 hours working"

Lucy spoke very gently.
"I may not be of the same standard as Kate... but you do know that I'm doing my best everyday to be a good wife to you"

The lawyer snapped.
"Well, your best isn't good enough! I deserve better than a wife who does very little. You are supposed to be as hardworking as the scientist's wife. You should extend your working hours in a day"

From that point on, the lawyer set rules for his wife. He made Lucy wake up very early in the morning to begin the household chores. He made her scrub all sinks and drains, take out the trash, do the grocery shopping, water the plants, weed the garden and more. She worked all day and had very little time to rest. Somewhere along the line, she became utterly worn out.

One evening, the lawyer returned home from work and found Lucy lying lifeless on the ground. He rushed her to the hospital where she was pronounced dead by the doctor. She died from a heart attack caused by chronic stress.

The lawyer was overwhelmed with grief and guilt. He couldn't deal with the pain he felt in his heart. Then, he went to his neighbour, the scientist. He said to him.

"My wife died because I made her do all the household chores all by herself. I compared her to your wife and wanted her to be as hardworking as she is. But tell me, how does your wife do all that and never suffers a breakdown?"

The scientist paused for a moment. What he said next was a total surprise.

"I don't have a wife. The lady who lives with me is a human-like robot called Kate. I created her to do all the household chores such as cleaning, cooking, ironing, etc. How could you have compared your wife to a robot? Lucy was a human with blood in her veins but Kate is a machine that works with a battery. Do you realize what you have done?"

The lawyer stood frozen in shock and disbelief. Then, the scientist continued.

"You had a good wife who was caring and compassionate. A wife who loved and respected you. Did you even know how lucky you were to have her as a wife? But you killed her due to your dissatisfaction and baseless comparison. Now you've lost her forever. What a shame!"

Many of us have the habit of comparing our life to others. We are fascinated and intrigued by the things others have. We lose value for what we own since what others have might look better, newer or prettier in some way. We often think that our body isn't good enough, our house isn't big enough, we aren't talented enough, our family don't do their best enough. But one thing we fail to realize is that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Comparison can kill a man very easily. It leaves us with negative feelings of envy, low self-esteem, low self-confidence and isolation. Know in your head and heart that you are different from others and not just only in appearance but also everything. Be happy with yourself and find satisfaction in your work. Stop comparing your life to others and be who you are.

It was supposed to be a beautiful morning,but the shouting and insults from father wouldn't even make it so,not like it was something new,but my little head couldn't take it anymore, why,why,just why do I have to wake up most times to fighting and war,just why would my parents not live in peace like every other couple around....

Useless woman,there is nothing good that I have gotten since you came into my life,you are just a bag of bad luck,father wouldn't stop talking...

Could that be true?,is that even possible,I mean, people always say children are blessings,so definitely my brother and I weren't an exception, why would father say such,I wondered...

If you are not a fool, would you be asking me for money this early morning, wouldn't you know that I would have to go to work first this morning before returning in the evening with something,but of course you don't have sense,so there's nothing you know,father continued...

But dear,do you expect the children to starve, there's nothing in this house for them to eat,the last money I had ,was used yesterday,please,you have to keep something,no matter how little for the children, please,mother pleaded....

You see your life,you are just a liability,and so useless,see I have to be at work,so take your useless self out of my sight, father shouted, pushed her and walked out...

Mother thought I was still sleeping,as I was still laying down beside my younger brother who was very fast asleep....

She sat down helplessly hopeless,it was obvious she had a lot going through her mind.as some tear drops went down her cheeks.....

I was hurting,I knew my mother was,but there was nothing I could do,I was just a child after all.....

My younger brother soon woke up, looking so hungry,,it was his usual behavior,he walked up to mother,,, good morning mummy,I am hungry,he said, bringing mom back from all her travels in thought,she looked up at him and smiled, don't worry big boy,you would soon eat something, mother assured, even though she knew that was a lie, good morning mummy,I greeted, pretending I was just waking up....

Good morning uwa,she replied smiling, how was your night,she asked...

It was fine mother,I answered....

She was looking at both of us,like she had so much to tell us,but our young minds were too young for all she wanted to say,if only she knew I had become very matured in thought,I mean who wouldn't in my shoes,I was just 8,,but with an adult mind....

My brother was 5,he wasn't one to endure hunger,he had started to wear a sad face,I am hungry mummy, Samuel said again...

Other children were getting ready to go to school in the compound,but that wasn't the case with my brother and I,we were supposed to resume new classes,but father had said he had no money for our school,mother was a stay home wife, hence there wasn't anyway she could assist,my brother and I had to stay at home....

My brother and I had our bath, mother was unease, walking to and fro,I Know she was confused,father was nowhere around,and it was way past breakfast.

My brother soon started to cry profusely,he was obviously hungry,I was too,but somehow I knew crying wasn't going to help the situation...

When my mother couldn't bear seeing us in hunger anymore,she held my brother by his hand, while I walked behind her, to the small shop down our street...

Good morning mama Chi, mother greeted the woman who gave her a disgusting look in return....mother stood scratching her head not knowing how to begin her request...

Mama Ade abeg commote from my shop if you no know waiting you go talk...the shop owner said in pigin

Mama chichi,abeg you fit give me small foodstuffs make I take make something for my children,I go payyyyyyyy

Taaaa,no even try finish am,no try am,you know how much of my money dey your hand,if na so everybody dey buy and no pay,I for don pack enter house,you dey hold me almost six thousand for this my small shop,how much be everything for my market,abeg Carry your sef commot from my shop,the woman shouted again giving a loud hiss...

My brother was already crying,as he understood there wasn't any hope for a meal...

Mother was pleading in tears,I was heart broken seeing her that way....

I say make una commot for my shop,the woman shouted again.....

Mother took both my brother and my hand, lending us home in tears,when God showed us mercy....

Madam come back,we heard a voice..

looking back it was an unfamiliar face..

Mother didn't know him but she slowly walked up to him with both my brother and I...

Good afternoon madman,the uncle greeted,good afternoon sir,mother replied.i greeted too.

Come and take what ever you'd be needing,he said to mom.

Sirrrrr,mother asked,like she didn't hear properly....

Madam, please take whatever you'd be needing ,these kids deserve to eat,please take anything you need...he said again..

Ahaa!,thank you sir, God bless you,thank you very much,mother said and went to the shop, taking few cups of rice and what she'd need in making it and some garri too....

Thank you sir, God bless you for this,I really appreciate,mother thanked him over and over again....

It's okay madam,the uncle said while mother happily took us home to quickly make the food for us.

In less than 45minutes the food was ready,as it was prepared with fire wood....

Mother served some in a big bowl,while we ate happily, thanking God for provision.....

To be continued..

please don't be a ghost reader 🥺
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Simi was a bright and cheerful girl, but she had one stubborn little habit - she hardly ever listened to her mother's advice to dress her bed before she went to sleep. No matter how many times her mother reminded her of the importance of keeping a tidy bed, she would always find a way to wriggle out of it and just flop right in, blankets all tangled up and pillows everywhere. After all, it's just one of those things that "can wait till tomorrow," she thought.

One fateful night, as Simi snuggled into her untidy bed, she suddenly felt an odd itching sensation on her legs. She brushed it off at first, thinking it was just her imagination playing tricks on her. But as she started to drift off into the land of dreams, the itching turned into a mysterious, relentless tickle. Simi reached down to scratch at the source and... Yowch! She felt a sharp sting that made her jump out of bed in a flash.

To her surprise, she found that she had been visited by a battalion of tiny, mighty ants, who were no doubt looking for an adventure in her unmade bed. In her squeals and flailing, Simi had somehow disturbed their peace, and those little critters had given her the most unwelcome stings on her lovely behind. And boy, did they mean business!

From that night on, Simi couldn't sleep a wink. Every time she tried to settle down, she'd feel another surprise sting, making her roll from side to side just to escape the tiny soldiers of the insect world. She was so busy swatting at the sneaky critters that she completely forgot about her unmade bed. They were having a laugh of their own, it seemed.

Finally, the next morning, Simi stumbled out of bed, bleary-eyed and red-bottomed, but she learned her lesson. From that night on, she made her bed every single day - not just to avoid a visit from the Ant Brigade, but also to restore her peace of mind.

I had been looking forward to spending a lovely afternoon at a restaurant with my aunt and my spirited 7-year-old niece. However, as we perused the menu and eagerly anticipated our meals, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern about my limited budget. The money in my pocket was just enough for a plate of rice and a soft drink, and I silently hoped that it wouldn't cast a shadow over our outing.

As we placed our orders, I smiled to myself, feeling thankful that I would at least have a simple meal to enjoy. My aunt, on the other hand, was able to indulge in a plate of rice, a drink, and a generous portion of succulent chicken. I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy as I glanced longingly at her savory dish while I contented myself with the modest fare in front of me.

Despite my silent longing for a taste of that delectable chicken, I focused on savoring my meal, determined not to let my limited finances overshadow our gathering. However, my aunt's kind heart and generosity unexpectedly turned the tide. With a beaming smile, she tore off a sizable piece of the chicken and unceremoniously plopped it onto my plate, a gesture that filled me with a surge of gratitude and warmth.

I was just about to savor this unexpected treat when my niece, attracted by the lure of the chicken, made a dash for it and attempted to wrestle it away. Her little hands clutched onto the savory morsel, and I realized that I had a mini tug-of-war on my hands. I chuckled inwardly as I gently knocked her on the head, and, with a mischievous grin, she finally released her hold on my precious piece of chicken.

Once the joyous festivities of Christmas had come to an end, I found myself facing the task of packing up for school. As I carefully folded my clothes and placed them into my bag, a sense of unease settled within me. The holiday season had brought warmth, laughter, and the comforting presence of loved ones. But now, as I prepared to return to school, a wave of loneliness washed over me.

I had always cherished the holiday break, cherishing the moments spent with my family and the joyful gatherings with friends. However, the prospect of going back to school meant leaving behind the familiar comforts and stepping into a world where I often felt a sense of isolation.

As I zipped up my bag, memories of previous school terms flooded my mind. I remembered the moments of feeling like an outsider in a sea of classmates, and the longing for deeper connections. The thought of returning to that environment made my heart heavy.
But amid the unease, a flicker of determination ignited within me. I realized that I had the power to change my experience and to embrace the new term as an opportunity for growth and the chance to build meaningful friendships.

Whatever the year brings, I'll shuffle through it, but for now let's set out for yet another adventurous season.

The Unseen Connections of Humanity"

Once upon a time in bustling city, lived a young girl named Maya. She was filled with an innate curiosity about the world and carried the belief that every individual was intricately connected in ways invisible to the naked eye. As she grew older, Maya often found herself observing people and their interactions, seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience.

One day, while sitting in a café, Maya noticed a disheveled man sitting alone in a corner, engrossed in a tattered journal. Intrigued, she approached him and introduced herself. The man, named Samuel, was initially hesitant but drawn to Maya's genuine curiosity.

Over cups of warm coffee, Samuel shared his story. He had once been a successful businessman, surrounded by wealth and power. However, a series of unfortunate events caused him to lose everything he had worked so hard to build. Samuel sank into personal despair, feeling disconnected from society.

Maya listened intently, empathizing with Samuel's situation. Sensing an opportunity to change his perspective, she invited him to spend time with her in search of the unseen connections that tie humanity together.

Together, Maya and Samuel embarked on a path of discovery, journeying through diverse communities, listening to stories, and embracing varied perspectives. They spent time with struggling families, artists, activists, and individuals from different cultural backgrounds, aiming to understand the true essence of being human.

During their adventure, Maya and Samuel encountered people facing various challenges. They met a single mother who had lost her job during the pandemic, yet remained resilient for the sake of her children. They encountered an elderly man who had experienced a lifetime of discrimination, yet chose forgiveness over bitterness.

With each encounter, Samuel's perspective shifted. He witnessed the strength, courage, and resilience of those often disregarded by society. He learned that through the struggles, a powerful unifier emerged – empathy. The ability to understand and relate to the experiences of others, no matter their background or circumstances.

Maya's belief in the unseen connections of humanity was validated time and again. The stories they heard and the bonds they formed taught them that behind every face there was a unique story, waiting to be heard. They realized that everyone carried their own burdens and triumphs, and within those experiences, a common thread of love, hope, and resilience held them together in this complex tapestry of humanity.

Inspired by their journey, Samuel found renewed purpose. With Maya's assistance, he created a foundation to support individuals experiencing adversity, connecting them to resources, and encouraging empathy within communities. Together, they fostered a movement that emphasized the significance of every human life, encouraging people to see beyond differences and recognize the shared experiences that unite us all.

Their story spread like wildfire, awakening an unprecedented wave of compassion and understanding in today's world. Samuel's once shattered life found new meaning, not just for himself, but for all those whose lives he touched. The unseen connections they had discovered became visible and tangible as society transformed, embracing the power of empathy and unity.

And so, maya and Samuel's journey came to symbolize a paradigm shift in humanity, serving as a testament to the transformative power of the human experience, the importance of empathy, and the potential for positive change when we acknowledge the unseen connections that bind us all as one.

I woke up with the intention of having a productive day. However, the universe had other plans to keep me bound. The day unfolded lazily, with each passing hour feeling heavier than the last.

As the clock ticked on, I found myself immersed in a sea of utter laziness, battling the fatigue that clung firmly to my body. My room remained untidy, cluttered with clothes and books that longed for my attention.

With a rumbling stomach and a sense of surrender, I decided it was finally time to eat. The kitchen offered a limited selection, but I managed to shuffle together some peanut butter and bread for what can be called breakfast-for-dinner. As I sat down to enjoy my belated morning meal, a mixture of exhaustion and accomplishment washed over me.

The lazy and rough day, though challenging, taught me to find an aligned way to kickstart the day before unexpected twists come at me. As I sit here feasting on a very late breakfast, I can't help but appreciate the resilience it took to navigate the hurdles of a day that started with lofty goals but ended with a hearty breakfast in the evening.

"Be careful on your way home, so you don't get lost”
Those were mama's words
In my thought, those were mere words
Now I'm grown and I know more
Those words mean more

Home is not confined in those walls
Home is more, home is where I belong
Home is Love
Home is the heart mine longs for
Just like mama's words

On my way home, I hope I don't get lost.

In the cause of our Christmas break I and my younger brother duke decided to have a tour to my grandmother's house, a place filled with charm and mystery. As we explored, we encountered a long bench and dark cooking pots, each holding untold stories. My grandmother, a guardian of tradition, shared the secret of enhancing flavors through the art of cooking with firewood.

Amidst the unfamiliar surroundings, we were treated to a feast of pounded yam and native black okra soup with stew—a culinary journey that left an indelible mark on my taste buds. Every bite became a celebration of heritage.

Yet, the joy of the tour was tinged with a hint of sadness. My grandfather, an elusive figure in our family narrative, had left this world before we could know him. The void left by his absence echoed through the halls, a poignant reminder of the passage of time.

Despite this, the visit became a tapestry of emotions, weaving together the joy of discovery and the sorrow of untold stories. In those moments, we found solace in the shared laughter and the warmth of family, creating a new chapter in the book of our shared history.