Christian Nwachuku @sorano

Lately, I've been having this thought of what life will look like after graduation. Honestly, it's been giving me series of sleepless nights, and the deeper I thought, the more confused I became. So yesterday, after a stressful class and a boring lecture, I and my two friends were just walking back home, discussing how the class went and how we'd just waited our turn only to come and sign attendance.

As usual, we stopped by our normal food stall to buy some plates of food, particularly beans and plantain (bolle). While we waited for the woman to serve the food, my friend called our attention, and he asked the big question: "We're about to graduate; what are your plans?" It was as though he was in my mind, and I became aware that I hadn't been able to answer the question myself. I kept mute, just to hear what others had to say, and they were as confused as myself.

We ended up trying to share business ideas within ourselves. It was then I realized that even starting up a business on a small scale is still not easy and is still capital-intensive. And the worst thing to do is to depend on the government for employment, so we only left our fate to God. We were yet to have a solid conclusion when the woman serving the food called for our attention. We forgot everything and just dived in to satisfy our hunger first.

The last time I traveled home, I decided to bring a big music box back to school. I was so excited because I love good sound and music, and this box delivered both perfectly. However, the problem with it was that it had only two options: either it played very loudly or it was too low. Once I increased the volume by even one inch, it became unbearable for my neighbors. As students living in a lodge, it’s important to be considerate, and I didn’t want to disturb anyone with loud music.

Often, my neighbors would knock on my door, politely asking me to turn the volume down. They never shouted or got angry, but I could tell they weren’t happy. I felt bad because I wasn’t even enjoying the music myself at such a low volume. It became clear that the music box wasn’t practical for my environment. Instead of creating good vibes, it was becoming a source of stress, both for me and my neighbors.

Eventually, I resorted to using a smaller music player. It wasn’t as powerful as the big box, but at least I could enjoy my music without worrying about disturbing anyone. Today, a friend of mine came over and noticed I wasn’t using the big music box anymore. He asked about it, and I explained the situation with the loud noise and how it wasn’t allowed in our lodge. Surprisingly, he asked if he could have it. I paused for a moment, wondering if his place allowed loud music, but I didn’t overthink it. I just gave it to him.

Later in the day, he sent me a text. He said the music box was amazing and that he was enjoying it. His excitement made me smile. I was happy it was finally being put to good use instead of sitting idle in my room. At least now, someone was benefiting from it, and I no longer had to feel bad about owning something I couldn’t fully enjoy.

It all began two years ago when I met her. There was an instant spark, a connection that felt undeniable. We laughed, shared secrets, and quickly began to spend more time together, getting to know each other's thought on destiny and purpose. It was a blissful time filled with youthful excitement and hope.

I've known mercy for quite some time now and there is know need snicking around, we both decide to be more official and by implications we started visiting each other's homes, not longer the formal way of waiting behind after lectures but this time around she can come to my house and me to her place as well.

My first visit to her place wasn't a bad one, as her parents thought I was just a school friend and probably came to have some home lectures with her. Little did they know that something fishing is going down 🤣 trust me I was looking cool and gentle all true my stay.

Things has been going so well but not this time around, I visited and she went to the market, it was just her dad at home. Cheerfully the old man offered I stay with him while I wait for my friend. Hmm 🤔 I was left with know choice but to sit, the man was not just interesting to be with but also very funny. I could not help but become very free with him.

I know you love my daughter he questioned? at this point I knew the man it's becoming very interested in our relationship, on a first thought I wanted to lie but on the other hand I knew he had seen us more offen than expected if i claim of just being a friend. I only said nothing but the truth.

Just like every other Nigerian man his next question was who are your parents and what is your family name. The atmosphere changed immediately I answered him. I suspected something was wrong, but just couldn't pick point what the problem was. Unfortunately my friend is home and our conversation was interrupted.

I wasn't surprised to see mercy with her dad in my place the next morning. I could sense the gravity of what was coming. Somewhere wetin my spirit I knew I had not done anything wrong and besides I and mercy hasn't bounded so there is no way she could be pregnant.

My dad was already in the sitting room when they entered, I was suprise to see both parents exchange pleasantries as though they've known from somewhere. With heavy hearts, they revealed the truth we were distantly related. Not close enough to be considered immediate family, but the connection was there a thread that tied our families together in a way that made our relationship complicated and, ultimately, unacceptable.

The news wasn't a good one. All at once, the joy we had shared turned into heartache. We were faced with an impossible decision to end what had blossomed between us. It was as if the universe had conspired to tear us apart just as we were discovering the depths of our feelings. In that moment, we both understood that love sometimes comes with boundaries we cannot cross.

I had been looking forward to my trip for some days now, planning every little detail. Tomorrow was the day I would finally set off on my journey just as planned. I had everything arranged my traveling bag, and my phone fully charged so I can be busy while on the trip. But there was one thing I overlooked, my clothes!

My mom had warned me about this countless times advising I wash my clothes early enough. I totally did not get the take her advice, thinking, It hasn’t rained in days; what are the chances it will rain now I questioned myself.

Just as I finished washing, the weather changed and the sky opened up. I watched helplessly from my window as the rain poured down, soaking everything in sight. My heart sank as I realized my freshly washed clothes were now hanging outside, still very much wet with water.

I ran outside, trying to save clothes from further disaster, but it was too late. My clothes were wet, and there was no way they would dry in time for my early morning departure. I stood there for a moment, feeling the weight of my poor decision.

At this point it is safe to say that I won't meet up with my schedule to travel on the morrow, but who is to be blame if not myself. How I wish I had listened to my mum

The first time I went to a swimming pool, it was one of the most embarrassing days of my life. Here I was, a grown man, thinking I could at least manage, only to realize I had no idea what I was doing. My sister had dragged me there, insisting I needed to learn, but honestly, I thought swimming would come naturally as everyone makes it look easy on TV.

My sister, of course, knew how to swim like a pro. She’d been doing it since she was a kid, so she was floating across the pool like she was born in the water. Meanwhile, I was splashing around, struggling just to stay afloat. I could see her trying not to laugh as I desperately kicked my legs and waved my arms, hoping something would happen. But instead of swimming, I was basically just creating waves.

Eventually, I decided to swallow my pride and try to learn the basics like my sister showed me. But no matter how hard I tried, it felt like my body just wasn’t meant for water. After a while, exhaustion took over, and I decided I’d had enough.

That experience was more than enough for me. I just couldn’t see the point of torturing myself when I could happily stay on land. But the worst part? My sister wouldn’t let me forget it. She joked about my “swimming skills” for days.
I can laugh about it now, even if it was pretty humiliating at the time. Maybe one day I’ll give swimming another try but definitely not with my sister as my instructor

Today began with a sense of purpose. I left my house determined to make the most of my day checking one or two in school, despite not having secured food before heading out. On reaching my class, I quickly realized my writing pen had run dry. I headed to the nearby store, hoping to find a replacement.

At the store, I asked for a pen and a notebook, which cost 400 naira. I reached for my phone to transfer the money just as usual, only to find out that my bank was undergoing maintenance. Oh Jesus you need to see how frustrated I was. Seeing that it's a situation I couldn't help i contemplated leaving empty-handed.

As I turned to leave, a woman caught my attention ,looking lost and overwhelmed. She called out for help, and I approached her. She needed directions to the shuttle park. Initially, I thought about just pointing her in the right direction, but something compelled me to take her there myself.

At that point I needed no prophet to tell me it was her first time coming around my school. When we reached the shuttle park, her face lit up with gratitude. She quickly searched through her bag and handed me 500 naira. It was the last thing I had expected but to be honest I needed the money and it was like God coming through for me.

With my heart filled with appreciation. And with the money in hand, I hurried back to the store, and was able to pay for the pen and notebook I desperately needed. That simple act of kindness not only provided me with the means to continue my day but also reminded me of the power of helping others.