Kingsley Ukwueze @kingsleysom

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.

In the quiet hush of the evening, Timothy and Benjamin, two brothers with worn-out backpacks, strolled down the dimly lit path from school. Little did they know that lurking in the shadows were three strangers, their faces obscured by the approaching night.

Laughter and banter gave way to an unsettling feeling as the strangers closed in, demanding more than the boys were willing to give. In that moment, Timothy, the older and bulkier of the two, stepped forward, a protective big brother ready to shield Benjamin from any harm.

Using his strength, Timothy tried to hold off the attackers, creating a barrier between them and his younger brother. But the odds were against him, and the three strangers, fueled by a darker resolve, overpowered him. The blows fell, and Timothy struggled to keep his feet.
Hope was coming when, out of nowhere, the sound of heavy boots on ground echoed nearby. A soldier appeared, disciplined and resolute. His uniform marked him as a guardian in the night.

With swift and practiced movements, the soldier confronted the assailants. Their courage crumbled in the face of his authority, left with no option, they retreated into the darkness they had emerged from.
As Timothy caught his breath, battered but alive, the soldier turned to the brothers with a nod and a few reassuring words, "You're safe now, lads." In that moment, he wasn't just a soldier; he was a protector, a symbol of safety in a world that had momentarily lost its balance.

Ekeh, a young and curious village boy, had grown up listening to tales of the grand city from his parents and elders in the village. The city seemed like a mythical place filled with wonders and opportunities. Ekeh had never seen the city, let alone met his uncle who had migrated there many years ago. But all that was about to change.

One day, with great excitement and anticipation, Ekeh embarked on a journey to meet his uncle in the city. The hustle and bustle overwhelmed his senses as he set foot in the vibrant city streets, adorned with towering buildings and bustling crowds. The unfamiliar noise, the honking of cars, and the bright city lights made his heart race with a mix of anxiety and exhilaration.

After what felt like an eternity in Ekeh's mind, he finally arrived at his uncle's house. As he entered the premises, the first thing that caught his attention was the tiled floor. In his village, the houses were made of mud floors, smoothed and swept daily to maintain their cleanliness. Ekeh had only ever known that type of flooring, and the sight of tiles was a revelation to him.

In awe, Ekeh cautiously walked forward and extended his hand to touch the gleaming tiles. He could hardly fathom the smoothness and coolness beneath his fingers. He had never imagined that something as simple as a floor could be so different from what he knew.

Caught up in the wonder of the tiled floor, Ekeh couldn't resist the urge to explore further. He removed his worn-out shoes and felt the coolness of the tiles against the tips of his toes. It was an extraordinary sensation, as if a whole new world had just unfolded beneath his feet.

As Ekeh continued to marvel at the tiles, his uncle, impressed by his curiosity and innocence, invited him to take a seat on one of the comfortable chairs in the room. But Ekeh hesitated. He argued that the tiles were delicate, just like the one special ceramic plate his village preserved for special occasions. Surely, sitting on the floor would cause the tiles to break, or so he believed.

His uncle smiled warmly and assured him that the floor was sturdy and wouldn't break under his weight. But Ekeh remained skeptical. To convince him otherwise, his uncle stepped onto the tiles, demonstrating their strength and durability. The look of astonishment on Ekeh's face was magnified as he watched his uncle confidently standing there without any fear of the floor giving way.

Ekeh's eyes widened with amazement, and a smile slowly spread across his face. Realizing that his apprehensions were unfounded, he shed his doubts, removed his shirt, and lay down on the cool, tiled floor. He beckoned his uncle to join him, gesturing to the newfound joy and comfort that lay in this simple act.

His uncle stood there, astonished and moved by the sight before him. He could see the profound impact that this small encounter with the tiles had on his nephew.

I went to church today feeling excited and hopeful. As I listened to the priest's words, I felt blessed and inspired.

When I got back home, something inside me urged me to try something new. Instead of the usual rice, I decided to prepare soup. It felt like an adventure in my small kitchen.

I gathered all the ingredients, chopping the vegetables and adding them to the pot. The aroma began to fill the air, making me even more eager to taste the final result.

After a while, the soup was ready. I carefully poured it into bowls and took a small sip. It was heavenly! The flavors danced on my tongue, and I couldn't help but smile.

Just as I was enjoying the soup, two of my dear friends showed up at my door. They could smell the delicious aroma from outside. Curiosity piqued their interest, and they asked for a taste.

As they savored the soup, their eyes widened with delight. They immediately pleaded with me to reveal my secret recipe. They wanted to experience this deliciousness themselves.

Seeing the joy on their faces, I couldn't resist sharing my recipe. We spent the rest of the evening talking, laughing, and enjoying the soup together.

Oh, let me tell you about my irrational obsession with people who slide their feet noisily on the ground while walking, especially boys. It's like a grating sensation to my ears, you know? I can't help but cringe every time I hear that dragging sound echoing through the halls.

I mean, seriously, who walks like that? Are they auditioning for some sort of modern dance routine? It's like their shoes have an uncontrollable vendetta against the smooth pavement beneath them. My theory is that they secretly believe they're tap-dancing champions, tapping away to an imaginary beat only they can hear. But let me tell you, their rhythmic talents remain undiscovered.

In my wildest dreams, I imagine putting these noisy foot sliders in zoos for display. Picture it: a vast enclosure filled with these audibly challenged individuals, shuffling their way through designated paths. Visitors could watch them as if observing a rare species of clumsy penguins, marveling at their inability to walk in a civilized manner.

I can imagine myself as the esteemed zookeeper, armed with a megaphone, educating the masses on the unconventional walking habits of these peculiar creatures. "Behold the Clatterfootous Boyus! Observe as they gracefully slide their feet on any surface, creating a symphony of unintentional noise!"

Oh, the hilarity of it all! Just thinking about it brings a mischievous grin to my face. But alas, I know that it's just a wild fantasy, born out of my own peculiar annoyance. I should learn to lighten up and not take the simple acts of others so seriously.

After all, everyone has their quirks, their unique idiosyncrasies. Perhaps I could find a way to appreciate the symphony of sliding feet as a form of unintentional entertainment. Or maybe, just maybe, I can finally learn to let go of this irrational pet peeve and focus on more important things in life.

But until that day comes, let it be known that in the deepest recesses of my mind, I still harbor a secret desire to build that zoo of clattering foot sliders, for the sake of amusement and the preservation of proper walking etiquette. Who knows, it might even become a tourist attraction!

I decided to begin the day with a rejuvenating yoga session. With each graceful pose and deep breath, I felt a sense of calm wash over me, preparing me for the day ahead.

After my peaceful morning routine, I treated myself to a delicious homemade breakfast. As I savored each bite of fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, I couldn't help but appreciate the simple joy of a hearty meal.

Feeling energized and ready to explore, I laced up my hiking boots and embarked on a nature adventure. I drove to a nearby trailhead, surrounded by lush green trees and the sound of chirping birds. The crisp air filled my lungs as I wandered along the winding path, marveling at the vibrant colors of wildflowers and the majestic sight of towering mountains in the distance.

As I hiked deeper into the wilderness, I found a serene spot by a shimmering lake. The rhythmic lapping of the water against the shore was the only sound that broke the silence. I sat there for a while, basking in the peaceful solitude, observing the dance of dragonflies on the water's surface.

With a camera slung around my neck, I couldn't resist capturing the beauty around me. I snapped pictures of the picturesque landscape, hoping to preserve these precious moments forever. Immersed in this natural oasis, I felt a deep connection to the world and a profound appreciation for its wonders.

After a few hours of exploration, I made my way back to civilization, but my day was far from over. Wanting to nourish my mind as well, I settled into a cozy corner of a local café. With a cup of steaming hot coffee in hand, I delved into a book that had been waiting patiently on my shelf.

As I flipped through the pages, I lost myself in a world of imagination and storytelling. The hours slipped away unnoticed, and soon the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the city.

With a contented heart and a soul replenished, I made my way back home. As the night grew darker, I reflected on the wonderful day I had experienced. It was a perfect balance of exploration, relaxation, and self-discovery.

Tonight, as I lay in bed under a blanket of stars painted across the sky, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to spend this Sunday in such a fulfilling and enriching way. With a sense of peace and contentment, I drifted off to sleep, eagerly anticipating the adventures that await me on the next sunny Sunday.

Chide, a student in the SS2 class, was known for his infectious positivity and ever-present smile. He was always the first to crack a joke and sprinkle the classroom with light-hearted banter. However, there was one aspect of Chide's persona that everyone found particularly amusing - his love for being called a "politician".

Whenever his friends jovially referred to him as a potential "future president" or "minister in waiting," Chide would beam with pride. He would take on an air of importance, often launching into dramatic speeches about his "political prowess" and his "vision for the future". His classmates soon caught on to the fact that the quickest way to brighten Chide's day was to playfully dub him "Mr. Politician".

But everything changed when it was time to appoint new functionaries from their set. As soon as the announcement was made, Chide's eyes lit up. He believed that he was destined for something significant. With an unwavering confidence, he immediately rushed to apply for the post of senior prefect, eager to assume a position of leadership that would validate his ambitions of being a "politician".

Amid cheers and support from his friends, Chide began his tenure as senior prefect with high hopes and grand ambitions. However, reality quickly caught up with him. The second day into office, Chide developed a ferocious headache from the stress of his new responsibilities. His once energetic strides were replaced by sluggish steps, and his cheery disposition transformed into a pale, worn-out semblance of his former self.

As the days passed, Chide's ailment only worsened. Despite his fervent belief that he could handle the demands of the office better than anyone else, the toll of senior prefect duties took a significant toll on his well-being. It became clear that the role wasn't the glamorous, stress-free position he had envisioned.

On the third day, he stood in front of his fellow students, declaring his decision to step down as senior prefect, citing his health as the primary reason. As he publicly renounced the responsibility he had been so eager to embrace, the students present couldn't help but stifle giggles at the sight of the once proud and confident young man.