Christian Nwachuku @sorano

In September, my friends and I decided to take on a challenge through the Sweatcoin app, which required 150,000 steps for the month. We all saw it as a fun way to make memories, so we agreed to do it together. On a Saturday morning, we kicked things off, starting our walk at 7am.

By 11am, I had already reached 70,000 steps. But as much as I wanted to keep going, my body had other plans. I told my friends I couldn't continue, and they quickly agreed that it was time to stop before any of us fainted in the name of winning.

We found a nearby restaurant and decided to take a break. We ordered rice, ate, and rested there until about 1pm. It was a well-needed break to rest after the long walk. Feeling somehow refreshed, we trekked halfway back home before catching a tricycle for the rest of the journey.

When I finally got home, I checked the app and saw that I had managed to hit 76,000 steps for the day. Even though I didn’t reach the goal, I felt satisfied with my effort. Most importantly, I cherished the time I spent with my friends.
At the end of the day, the challenge wasn't just about contest anymore but the fun and memories we created together.

I had this important event at school that I was told I absolutely had to attend. But, at the same time, I was waiting for a client of mine to give me the final go-ahead to start his work. It was a confusing situation because I didn’t want to miss out on the event, but I also didn’t want to delay the client’s project.

After weighing my options for a while, I made up my mind to head back to school. The trip itself took about five hours, and I was much tired by the time I arrived. I decided to take some time to rest and prepare for the next day, thinking everything would go as planned.

Later that night, I got the frustrating news that the school event had been canceled. That alone was disappointing enough. But to make matters worse, my client finally reached out, right after the event was called off and gave me the signal to start working on his project.

At that point, I was beyond frustrated. I had already made the long trip to school, which now felt like a total waste, and I realized I’d have to make the stressful journey back just to get started on the work. The timing of everything was worse.

It’s hard not to feel a bit annoyed by the whole situation. If I had just known about the event cancellation a little earlier, I could have avoided all this unnecessary stress and stayed where I was, ready to begin the client’s work as soon as he called.

Today was one quiet Saturday morning. The sun was already out, but everything still felt slow, like the city wasn’t fully awake yet. I sat outside on the veranda, sipping garri and just looking around. I checked the clock again, 10 a.m. on the dot. Weekends used to be something I looked forward to, but lately, they just felt long and empty. I wasn’t even sure what to do with myself most of the time.

I could hear some kids playing football across the street, shouting and arguing over whether someone fouled or not. It reminded me of when I was a kid back in Delta. Every day after school, we would play football until our mothers shouted at us to come home. I smiled at the memory. Life was different now, though. At 23, everything just seemed harder and more complicated. Those carefree days felt like they belonged to someone else.

These days, I’m working as an installation agent for a many clients. It’s not exactly what I imagined for myself, but it’s what pays the bills, at least some of them. The way things are going in the country, it feels like my earnings disappears before the month is even halfway done. Right now, I’m down to my last cash, just enough for bread and maybe some Indomie to last me till Monday. It’s rough, but I’ve gotten used to it.

Just as I was lost in thought, my phone buzzed. A WhatsApp message from Jekwu. "Guy, wetin dey happen this weekend? Make we catch small cruise na!" I laughed a little when I saw the message. Jekwu was always up to something, always looking for where the fun was. But I wasn’t feeling it today. I quickly replied, "Baba, nothing dey o. Just chilling for house." I hit send and continued resting in my chair.

As if planned, the power went out. "NEPA!" I heard someone shout from down the road. I shook my head and laughed quietly to myself. This power issue had become part of life, so normal that nobody even complained anymore. I wondered if things would ever get better, maybe a better job, more money, or even a relationship that felt safe.

Later in the afternoon, I decided to stretch my legs and take a walk around the neighborhood. As I passed by the akara seller, even though I wished to buy, I only waved and kept going. For now, this quiet afternoon was enough for me.

It's weekend again and just as usual no office duties and more excitingly no school activities, we all woke up with our phone on our hands nobody was ready to help with any of the house chores. My mum having seen our mood pretended as though everything was fine knowing fully well that we will soon be hungry and request for something to eat.

Though we're not ready for food at that moment but my mum can suspect so for my dad so she just had to prepare something for her lovely husband, when we saw her moves it was a relief but I can't necessarily tell why she decided to cook all of a sudden. Then out of curiosity we asked her what her reasons were, she answered with a smiling face and side "outside having you all as a blessing from God I was also blessed by a caring and a loving husband"

Dad settled into his favorite armchair, with his Bible , preparing for Sunday's sermon. My brother slipped out to grab some snacks, and we dive into it just like a hungry lion while focused on a video game competition. Meanwhile, Mom worked her magic in the kitchen. The tantalizing aroma is something else and none of us could afford to miss.

Just as we were about to sit down to eat, Mom ran out of the kitchen, all we could hear at the moment was her shouting voice. "Jesus! Oh Jesus!" repeatedly as she runs. My heart skipped a beat. What was wrong? The gas cylinder had malfunctioned, shooting a massive flame into the air. Mom was frantically calling for Dad.

Dad dropped his Bible and rushed into the kitchen. I followed, my heart racing. But incredibly, the fire had gone out, despite the gas still leaking. Dad immediately removed the cylinder, and we all exhaled in relief. Mom was shaken, repeating, "How did the fire just go out?" Dad wrapped his arms around her, his eyes closed. "It's the hand of God," he whispered.

We stood there, frozen in gratitude. The near-disaster turned into an impromptu prayer session, thanking God for saving us. Afterward, we sat down to enjoy Mom's delicious meal.

I got off my bike and noticed the smell of roasted corn from the woman across the street by the Post Office. I could hear market women talking softly as they finished up for the day. In the background, a church choir was practicing for tomorrow’s service, with the pianist hitting the wrong notes but it didn’t bother me much as long as people were praising God. I also heard a child crying, and I knew it was just a typical African mom doing her thing.

I looked straight into the small barbershop that had seen better days, the mirrors were so dusty you could barely see your own reflection, But no wahala sha, the men wey dey there no come for clean mirror, na hair we come barb. I walked in, ready for my normal lowcut, no tapers. The air was thick with the smell of aftershave and one other foul smell (E sure me die say person mess for that shop true-to-god! But all man lock up), The evening sun was peeking through the tiny window, casting long shadows across the faded Nollywood posters on the wall, so faded you could barely make out actual faces. I could swear I saw Hitler on the catalog.

I sat down, looked the barber dead in the eye, and said, "Oga, I want make my carvings show!" He nodded like he knew exactly what I meant. So, I relaxed in the chair, feeling the cool metal of the clippers glide over my head. The sound of the buzzing clipper was almost soothing, like a lullaby. But then, something felt off. I opened one eye and caught a glimpse of the mirror... CHRIST!!!

I turned and stared at the barber, speechless. He was still nodding, as if he had just delivered the masterpiece of the century. "Oga na you talk say you want make your carving show na," he said with a grin, clearly proud of his work. And show they did-every single one, in all the wrong places! I opened my mouth to speak, he blow powder fuuuuu for my face so I swallowed powder and kept quiet immediately In my full life I have never felt so

After taking a break from working out for about two weeks, I finally decided to hit the gym again. After the workout, I rewarded myself with a plate of fried rice and washed it down with a bottle of Fayrouz. Satisfied and a bit tired, I went to bed, thinking nothing of it.

The next morning, I woke up to the worst body pain I've ever felt. Every muscle in my body ached, and I could barely move. It was as if my body was punishing me for taking that long break. I tried to get up, but the pain was so intense that I ended up just lying there. I couldn’t even think about leaving the house in that condition.

By noon, the pain was still unbearable, and I hadn’t eaten anything since the fried rice the night before. Just when I thought the day couldn't get any worse, my friend showed up unexpectedly. She had bought me a Nutri Milk and a fish roll, saying she just felt like getting me something on her way over. It was like a blessing in disguise because I was starving, but too weak to make anything for myself.

As I slowly ate the fish roll and drank the Nutri Milk, I felt a bit better, both physically and mentally. The food gave me a little strength, and I was thankful for my friend's kindness. It was exactly what I needed at that moment, and I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of her timing.

By the time I finished eating, the pain was still there, but it was more manageable. I knew it would take a few days for the soreness to go away completely, but I felt more hopeful knowing I had such a thoughtful friend to help me through it.

With big relief of finally finishing my exams. I had planned to travel today to avoid waiting until Tuesday, and I was excited for a change of environment. But little did I know, my day was about to take an unexpected turn.

Out of nowhere, someone tried to snatch my side bag but I quickly grabbed hold of it, and the thief managed to tear the leather before running off. I was shaken but grateful that nothing was stolen. I quickly folded my side bag into my traveling bag and continued on my way.

When I arrived at the bus park, I paid for my ticket and boarded the bus. Exhausted from the morning's drama, I closed my eyes for a bit. But when I woke up, I was surprised to see a familiar face staring back at me (my old friend) We hadn't spoken in years, and I wasn't sure what to say.

I broke the silence by asking how she was doing, but she just replied "nevermind" and sat down. The atmosphere was awkward, but I figured there was no use dwelling on the past. We were both on this journey now, and I might as well make the most of it.

So, I decided to just enjoy the ride and not let the awkwardness get to me. Maybe this chance encounter would lead to a new beginning or a closure. Either way, I was determined to make the most of this journey and not let the past define it.

I really feel overwhelmed by the three major tasks that have been weighing heavily on my mind. First and foremost, I have a critical exam waiting just three weeks away, and I still have a massive textbook to get through. The thought of it is intimidating.

Adding to my stress is the pressure from my client, who's been waiting for me to deliver a job that's long overdue. I can sense their frustration and anxiety, and it's only making me more anxious. I know I need to get it done, but somehow, time keeps slipping away.

But it's not just about work - my family is also on my mind. My sister's phone was stolen over two years ago, and I've been meaning to get her a new one ever since. As a job seeker, not having a phone can be a huge disadvantage. I feel terrible for not being able to get it done sooner.

Despite my best intentions, the week is ending, and I've only managed to scratch the surface of these tasks. It's disheartening to see how little progress I've made. I'm starting to worry that time is running out, and I might not be able to get everything done.

I know I need to stay focused and motivated, but it's hard when it feels like the tasks are piling up. I'm trying to prioritize, but each task seems equally important. I'm hoping for a miracle to happen before the month ends
Wish me the best my people 🙏🏽