Patrick Emeka Odo @patrickodo

Last night, just as I was getting ready to step out and buy food, something strange happened. I had just finished dressing when I noticed my light bulb shining unusually bright. It didn’t feel right, and I immediately knew something was wrong.

Without wasting time, I turned off the light and quickly unplugged my socket. I didn’t want to take any risks. Just as I finished, I heard the sound of the outside bulb exploding. That confirmed my suspicion, something was definitely off with the power.

Later on, I found out that the voltage had suddenly spiked. It wasn’t just my place; many people in the area suffered damage to their appliances. Fans, TVs, and fridges got destroyed, almost like a joke.

Thankfully, my quick reaction saved me from any damage. I couldn’t stop thanking God for the wisdom to act fast and avoid what could have been a very expensive mistake.

Early in the morning, I set up my table where I could enjoy the view of the sunrise while reading. For about four hours, I was completely engaged in my books, feeling productive and at peace. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until an unexpected incident ruined the mood.

At the far end of the compound, there are always small boys playing around. I don’t know what got into them, but suddenly, I heard a loud thud on my table. A stone had flown over the fence and smashed right into my lamp, shattering the LED lights. I was annoyed, staring at the broken pieces.

I tried to turn the lamp on, hoping it would still work, but all my efforts were in vain. Frustrated, I rushed outside to find the culprits, but the boys were long gone, probably laughing and hiding somewhere. I stood there for a moment, angry that I couldn’t catch them, but there wasn’t much I could do.

When I returned to my seat, I realized just how lucky they were. The stone had narrowly missed my phone, which was sitting right next to the lamp. If it had been my phone, I’m not sure I’d have been able to stay as calm. The boys got lucky this time, but they’ll hear from me the next time I catch them playing their careless games.

I went to buy some rice from the market. When I got there, the price was actually like two times the former price, but I already had an idea of this because I had bought rice in the small market on my street. I expected that in the larger market, the price shouldn't be that costly, but I was puzzled to find out that it was almost the same price as those selling in my street.

After I got my rice, I made sure to ask the seller if the rice had any dirt or stones in it, and she assured me that it did not. Then in the evening, I was feeling hungry, so I decided to cook some jollof rice for myself. I had just washed the rice properly and put it into the pot when I noticed that some rice husk was floating on top of the rice. It surprised me because the seller had assured me there wouldn't be any dirt. I scooped out the floating bits, thinking it wasn't a big deal.

I used a sieve to strain out most of the husk and hoped that would be the only problem. Once I was done cooking my rice, it actually came out very sweet, and the aroma filled the air. I was about to eat when I took my first bite, only to realize that there were about two stones in the spoon of rice I had taken. It shocked me; I took another bite, and the stones made it impossible for me to really enjoy the flavor.

I had paid a higher price for this rice, expecting it to be fine and free from any impurities, especially since it was costlier than the one that had chaff or husk. Now, I found myself having to pick through my rice before cooking it, even though I had already paid for the one that was supposed to be picked and fine.

Now that I was dressed up, I heard my father say from the bedroom, "dress up let’s go." He was already getting ready, and I had no idea where he was headed. Hearing him tell me to dress up was unfamiliar, but it excited me. Whenever I dressed up to go somewhere with him, it was always a fun experience. Places like the kingsman meeting, youth gatherings, etc.

So, I dashed into my bathroom, had my bath, and put on one of my favorite casual outfits—just a bit of white and black paired with my flat shoes. I was waiting for him, and when he came out, he was smiling as he told me to get in the car. I entered the car, still unsure of where we were going, and shortly after, we made a turn and entered a beautiful space. It was like a restaurant but larger.
It was bigger than a restaurant; it was quite large, like a hotel but without all the big apartments for lodging. I sat down, and then surprisingly, my dad told me that I could order anything from the menu—anything at all, he said. I was feebly smiling; I couldn't even control it. I wanted to ask my dad, but I couldn't. I was all smiles as I murmured a thank you to him.

I quickly gestured to the waitress and gave her my order. I wanted pepper soup; the aroma of the pepper soup was all over the place, and I think immediately, even before looking at the menu, that was what I wanted with a drink to go with it. My father also collected the menu and made his order.
After some time, he gave me some advice and explained the reason for our outing. It was for a father-son advice talk, and it was memorable

I went to a cafeteria to buy some fries, my favorite snack. I was really excited to finally get to the front of the line, but then I opened my Wema bank app to make a transfer and it kept saying "error in transaction." I felt so frustrated!

While I stood there, I could see all kinds of delicious fries being served. The smell made my mouth water, but I couldn't buy any because my bank was giving me trouble. I had to step aside from the queue, while others continued to get their food.

I waited for about 10 minutes, hoping my bank would start working again. Finally, I was able to make the transfer! But when I tried to go back to the queue, I realized I couldn't just jump in. I had to wait until someone let me back in.

It was a little annoying, but in the end, I got my fries and It was worth the wait, and I learned to always check if my bank is working before I go out.

After that event, I hardly stand or wait to purchase anything outside without first testing if my bank is working fine

It never crossed my mind that I would have issues with my neighbors, but today changed all that. The workers from the electric distribution company arrived to disconnect our power. Despite our notifications to settle the bill a week ago, some of us had managed to make payments, while others came up with various excuses and were let off the hook.

In response, we had to adopt stricter measures to ensure everyone contributed their share. Still, only 6% of residents managed to pay the NEPA bill, and the remaining 40% were unwilling to cooperate. Once they cut our electricity, I felt a wave of frustration wash over me. I had stretched my budget to scrape together 3,000 Naira, choosing to set aside a loan just to cover that amount. And now, I found myself facing the harsh reality that because of the stubbornness of others, I would be left in darkness tonight as I write this.

After we disconnected our wire from the main power source, we quickly called a meeting. Every roommate and occupant of the lodge was expected to show up. That’s when I let loose the anger that had been boiling inside me. I had to confront most of my friends who hadn't paid on time. I spoke to them honestly, without partiality or sentiment, allowing my emotions to take the lead. In hindsight, I regretted my approach, but in that moment, my frustration got the better of me.

Surprisingly, my outburst had an effect; some of those friends finally agreed to contribute towards the bill. Now, we’re all waiting until next Tuesday to make the payment. It feels like an eternity to me.

We have been getting ready for a special sports week at school. Every department was going to play matches against each other and I’ve been training very hard and haven't missed a single practice. I was excited for our first match up with other departments.

When the match started, I was sitting on the bench. I thought I would get to play, but they didn’t let me. Even though I know I’m a good player and can play better than some of the guys on the field, they kept me waiting on the bench.

The game ended with both teams scoring 1 goal each, so we decided to pause the match for the day and fix another daye for a rematch.
The next day, we were told to come for practice again. I was called to the football field with the ball, but then I felt like I disappeared. It was like I was a ghost for the whole day. They all called and called but iyaaa, if I no frustrate them no be me.