Mindviewers Stories

I was scrolling through my social media feed when a dazzling pair of red shoes caught my eye. It was love at first sight. The shimmering red color and elegant design beckoned me, and I knew immediately that I had to have them. To my delight, the post revealed that the seller was located just a few blocks away from my place.

The next day, eager and full of anticipation, I set off to visit the seller's shop. As I stepped inside, I couldn't contain my excitement. I scanned the assortment of shoes on display, searching eagerly for the one that had captured my heart. Finally, there it was, the gorgeous red shoe that had captivated me online.

With a sense of joy and hope, I tried it on. However, my heart sank as I realized that the shoe didn't fit me well. It was a disappointment to say the least. The seller, noticing my disappointment, suggested I explore the other options she had available. There were several beautiful and high-quality shoes, but none of them held the same allure as the red pair I had set my heart on.

As I left the shop, I couldn't help feeling a little disheartened. It was a shame that such a beautiful shoe didn't come in the right size for me. Perhaps another time, I thought to myself. I knew that I would consider revisiting the seller in the future, as she had an impressive collection of quality shoes for both men and ladies. Even though I didn't leave with the shoe I had hoped for, I admired the seller's dedication to providing top-notch footwear and left with a glimmer of hope for finding the perfect pair in the future.

Last week, the scorching heat became unbearable as the electric supply in my area started fluctuating. I relied on my trusty fan to keep cool, but alas, it fell victim to the power fluctuations, leaving me in a sweat-soaked predicament. The fan, my cherished life-saver during this period of heat, was now out of commission.

After the initial heartbreak, I resolved to economize so I could purchase a new fan. I meticulously budgeted my money for food, savings on transport, and every penny I could save. My budget was tighter than ever, set at a modest fifteen thousand naira.

On Friday, I set out to the market with hopes of finding a replacement fan within my budget. However, to my dismay, I discovered that the lowest price for a reliable fan was twenty-four thousand naira. I couldn't afford to make the purchase on the spot.

Disheartened but undeterred, a newfound humor kindled within me. Pocketing my hard-earned money, I made my way back home. Along the journey, I decided to treat myself by buying some much-needed food supplies. Though I couldn't afford the fan I desperately needed, managing to secure provisions lifted my spirits.

As I returned home, I felt a sense of accomplishment despite the setback. I resolved that the fan would have to wait; I would make do with the stifling heat for a little while longer. After all, the highest I could do was to sleep outside should the nighttime heat become unbearable.

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.

When will things come back to normal in Nigeria? Could you believed I went to market to purchase some food items with the aim of getting what I intended to buy, but when I got there what I met on ground was so disappointing. Hmmmm, firstly I went to aboki where they are selling rice so that I could get it at cheaper price and he told me that custard rubber is 6500 naira 🙆🙆 and I thought he was just joking and I started to tell him aboki kai now me wet be correct customer I no go pay am for that price and aboki wanted to change it for me inside market to the extent that I have to control my self before aboki start to disgrace me publicly.
Because of that I couldn't ask him the price of beans because I don't know aboki intention. I went to buy beans and other items in another place and the price was as well disappointing.
And out of 20k that I took to market, I only buy few things that I almost cried in the market. But with the help of God I was able to control myself.
Nigeria don call obey ooo, I beg who get TINUBU number make he give me ooo before hungar finish me😃😃😃😃😃
Could you be

I saw a woman today , she was on bike and she stopped me, so I had to cross to the other side to meet her thinking she wants to ask me to give her directions cause the bike man that was carrying her is a hausa man...........
On getting to her, I noticed that it seems she's blind but when I look at her closely it's only one of her eyes that is blind..
Behold he grab me by the hand and start asking me some questions that's irritating, asking me what's my tribe, the type of work I do, where I came from, have I married.... After answering all those questions, she said I should give her money for her medications and transport fare... I was like shey me myself I don get medicine for myself... She is still holding my hand oooo, I didn't even know that some old women even get strength pass we youth ganseff, cos all effort to get rid of her hand from mine went in vain.........
I decided to summon courage even though am scared deep down,. I ask her where she was going and where she is coming from, I also ask the bike man how much is her fare,,,, the bike dey tell me Hausa.. deep down i said temi bami....As all this was going on am trying to remove her hand from mine but I couldn't, she hold am as if I owe her money........
I have 1k with me , so I told the bike man to give me 800, as I payed the bike man.... Guess what the woman say....
She said I should give her apomeji abo ( 500) for her medication,,, I was now asking her that how much is apomeji abo, cause I didn't know the actual amount, I even thought it's 200,, not until when I get home before I know it's 500... I couldn't laugh....
So I told her quickly that the money was not mine , saying that, I use scope remove her hand from mine...As I was turning back to leave like this, she grabbed my hand again..
I was shocked, my mind is telling me that, Daniel you don enter this one already.... She told me to please give her the 500....
The money that I just borrowed from loan app yesterday, I don't know how to pay it back....
I told her that the money is not mine even though am not lying, cos it was my brother ( David) that called me to come and give him key with the money before I met the woman..........
When I see that she won't hear , I remove her hand and she look at me with her one eye and frown and hissed and told the bike man to move ...
I was Scared like!!!! even though its kind of funny............
Still scared whenever I remember the incident, cos I don't like having encounter with old women.......

BUT ITS KIND OF FUNNY 😂😂😂

Good morning.
Have you ever asked yourself the question, "why do we work"?
Some will say they work in order to avoid hunger. Some will say they work in order not to just stay idle at home. Some will say they work in order to fit into the society.
There are several other reasons why we work.

Until you start to ask questions about your building towards the future, then you are on the right path.
Have you ever asked yourself, "When a man is too old to work," what is my plan towards that phase?

You can't work forever, so now that you are still much younger, I hope you are working towards that stage and not just working to eat and survive the present moment or economy?

That job you are currently engaged in, is it a temporary or permanent solution? You should be able to identify a permanent solution or a temporarily solution and not confuse them.

I am trying to find a permanent solution and sacrificing my convinience at this stage. I hope I find it soon: a permanent solution to my human needs and questions. Because when I am too old to work, I hope I have something better than a pension.

(You tell me after reading what kind of intelligence is this?)

For unknown reasons I stepped out of my apartment late that night, before I knew it, a conversation ensued between me and my night guard, who was a migrant from Mali, hear him talk:
"Oga, I nor be Hausa o, I come from Mali".
I had mistook him for one of our country men.
"Money dey for Nigeria plenty, the reason most of us dey here"?
I was taken aback at this, so I mentioned other countries like Ghana, Egypt, Cotdvoire, South Africa and many others.
"Oga, life easy for Nigeria pas all of them. Look Lagos money plenty well well".
He paused, to tell me the secret:
"Look that pure water nylon for floor, if you pick am, na money". He said pointing at a used pure water sachet on the floor.
" Every where, everything for Nigeria, na money". He said in excitement. I became speechless wondering how one could be surrounded by so much wealth and still be wallowing in lack.
Come to think of it, these guys migrate through thick and thin to Nigeria, not as expertriates, but as fetchers of water, security guards, petty traders and more. They travel back home with money on vacation and return back to Nigeria, while many of us cannot fend for ourselves, talk less of the shame we are afraid to face if we dare travel to our villages for vacation.

In reminiscing about a momentous encounter after quitting my job, I found myself engaged in an unexpected conversation with a friend working for a prestigious bank. Upon extending my heartfelt congratulations, I was taken aback by his disillusioned response, which shed light on an intriguing paradox. Like an agric chicken held captive, he expressed feeling confined and spoon-fed within the walls of his workplace. The provision of every necessity, from sustenance to water, appeared to limit his freedom. Comparing our contrasting lives, he acknowledged the genuine struggle I faced in meeting my needs outside the confines of his "cage."

This introspective encounter forced me to contemplate the subtle nuances of freedom and captivity. We, the "free" individuals outside the structured environment, were hustling relentlessly to fulfill our aspirations and desires. Every day marked a renewed battle for survival, where our skills and aptitude were constantly tested. Yet, my friend suggested that our struggles outside the cage rendered us formidable competitors, whose resilience and resourcefulness eclipsed those sheltered within.

It was a somber realization that the confinement which catered to their every need also limited their ability to thrive once released. The very constraints that seemed so restricting ultimately resulted in a form of stagnation. Accustomed to dependency, their potential for independent action and initiative diminished. In contrast, we outside the controlled environment had honed our ability to think outside the box and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the world.

This insightful episode left me pondering the delicate balance between comfort and growth. It highlighted the inherent need for individuals to be challenged and confronted with adversity in order to unleash their full potential. While the "freedom" we relished outside the confines of the corporate world may be burdensome, it invariably cultivated essential skills that allow us to thrive even in the face of uncertainty.

As a biogas specialist, I was contacted about a year ago when a prospective client who later turned to my client seeks for my expertise to set up a biogas plant for him. He negotiated and I accepted his proposed offer.

The installation took us about three days to complete, we did all the necessary things and left.

Four (4) months later, the same man called for urgent help.

Why?

During the period we were setting up his own personal biogas plant in his farm. I noticed his eyes were fixed all through on us, so this man was trying to actually tap our knowledge so he can fix for his farmer colleagues and get paid for the job done. So when he contacted me the second time he revealed what happened, how he got a contract and could not get the desired results. He pleaded for help so as not to spoil his face among his colleagues, but you know what? I charged him double the amount because he had already damaged everything.
He was too greedy and played too smart. He could have humbly approached me to train him how to set up biogas.

Yesterday, I excitedly brought home a brand-new Oraimo headset, looking forward to immersing myself in the groove of my favorite songs. As I unpacked it, carefully untangling the wires, a sense of anticipation filled the air. Little did I know that this headset would soon surprise me in an unexpected way.

This morning, as I prepared to enjoy some music, I picked up the headset, only to realize that one of its earpieces was completely dismantled. Disappointment washed over me, shattering the excitement I had felt just a day before. It seemed my new purchase was flawed, and my heart sank at the thought of having to replace or repair it.

Determined to salvage what I could, I decided to seek the help of a technical specialist. With a glimmer of hope, I carefully placed the dismantled earpiece in a bag and made my way to a nearby repair shop.

Stepping inside the shop, I was greeted by a friendly technician who noticed my disheartened expression. I explained the situation, my voice tinged with disappointment.

To my surprise, the technician's eyes lit up with a knowing smile. He reached for the earpiece and examined it closely, his fingers deftly navigating the delicate components. As he worked, he began explaining that the ability to dismantle the headphone was actually a unique feature, designed to allow easy repairs and customization.

Paying close attention to his skilled hands, I marveled as he demonstrated how each part could be detached and put back together effortlessly. His passion for technology and his expertise were evident in the way he handled the intricate pieces.

After a few moments, he successfully repaired the earpiece and handed it back to me, good as new. I was amazed at how effortlessly he had fixed it, and I couldn't help but express my gratitude for his invaluable assistance.

With a smile, the technician refused to accept any payment, explaining that it was his pleasure to share his knowledge and skill. He wished me well and encouraged me to explore the endless possibilities of customization with my newly discovered feature.

Today, as I went about my day, I had the pure delight of encountering a little girl who was as fine as an angel. Her sparkling eyes and innocent smile lit up the world around her, captivating my heart from the moment I laid eyes on her.

With a heart full of platonic admiration, I couldn't help but be drawn to her playful energy. We quickly became fast friends, as if we had known each other for a lifetime. The sheer joy and innocence that radiated from her was contagious, filling the air with an undeniable warmth.

In that moment, I couldn't help but wonder if she had an older sister who possessed the same extraordinary beauty and charm. The thought made me smile, envisioning a harmonious duo that could light up any room they entered.

Her mother, engrossed in her grocery shopping, kept a watchful eye on her precious daughter while she browsed through the aisles. Every now and then, she would check on Angel, ensuring her safety and happiness, just as a loving mother does.

As we continued to play and explore, the time came for her mother to leave. With a touch of sadness in her eyes, she gently called out to Angel, signaling that it was time to go. However, Angel was reluctant to leave my side, clinging to the beautiful moments we had shared.

Witnessing her reluctance, her mother approached and, with utmost patience and tenderness, gently coaxed Angel away. Understanding the bond we had formed, her mother smiled at me, grateful for the genuine connection her daughter had experienced.

I bid Angel farewell and watched as they walked away, hand in hand. With a sense of contentment, I turned my attention back to my own grocery shopping, happy to have crossed paths with such an extraordinary little girl.

No sooner was I on my way leaving the market, after buying all what I needed than a stranger came out of the blue to accuse me of stealing his manhood.
I won't say the state where this happened.
At first I didn't clearly understand what he meant because he initially said, I should return what left his body.
What looked like a funny claim to me turned serious as he started shouting and calling the attention of passers by. People started encircling us and the guy who accused me said we are going to the police station, I was like why will I follow you to the station when I didn't do anything wrong?
One of the passers by said I should just follow him if I know I am truly Innocent and since the station is not far. I had no choice but to follow them to prove my innocence ( the accuser and the passer-by) with many thoughts on my mind.
On our way I resolved to call all the important people I know that can get me out of this mess. I first dialed my dad's number and started explaining what was going on before the guy said I should cut the call that we must go to that station or else he will collect my phone.
On arriving there, and meeting two police men at the station, my accuser started laying claim of his stolen manhood story. I was called to narrate what happened and I told them I just left the market gate after purchasing all I needed from the market only to be falsely accused.
The officers asked us to write out statements. After the accuser narrated his story once more, one of the officers was laughing.
The policeman asked me what I do for a living and I told him I am a school teacher and the school where I work. He asked the accuser same question who said he is a university student and doesn't stay far from the market. He asked of both our phone numbers and also gave out his number to us. Then he asked the accuser to put his hand in his trouser to confirm if his manhood is there, the guy touched and said the manhood was there.
He then started saying that initially he didn't feel anything there that there have been cases like that in his school and that he was shocked that the thing happened to him that's why he dragged the case to the station.
One of the policemen said that he has been hearing about stealing of manhood and that people can do diabolical things for money. However, it could also be that his mind might be playing tricks on him as such he felt his private part might be missing when it was actuality still there.
The policemen said I should go since the guy has confirmed his penis is intact, there is no case and I shouldn't be annoyed that if I were in the guy's shoes I might as well do the same . They also said that it could be that it actually happened but me being there at the wrong time and being there when he felt such that he will easily take the person close by as the culprit. I felt relieved but at the same time angry for been falsely accused and for my wasted time for something as dumb as this.
When we were going outside the station, the guy who falsely accused me was dragging his feet and kept working very slowly such that I was at a far distance in the front. The passer-by that followed us was apologizing to me, that I shouldn't be angry.
Damn, I was just having different emotions. However, I thank God nothing happened to me ( I could've been mobbed you know), nothing was missing and I came back home safe and fine but annoyed and angry.
My dad who is in another state got worried when I called earlier. If something had happened to me that guy would've had the worst day of his life. The kind of people wey for come for am eh.
There were 2 things on my mind. It's either that guy did it intentionally to put me in trouble or he is delusional (superstitious) and/or actually suffering from Koro syndrome.

"How I Was Falsely Accused Of Stealing A Guy's Genitals Yesterday" by Kalatium

Last week, I had an encounter that left me both puzzled and contemplative. It started as a normal day, and I had no idea that it would lead me to witness something extraordinary. As I went about my usual routine, I heard whispers about a pastor who possessed the power to heal the sick. Intrigued, I decided to see this phenomenon for myself.

The news of the pastor's arrival had spread like wildfire, and a crowd had gathered in a local park. Curiosity got the better of me, and I made my way through the people, eager to see what was unfolding. As I approached, my eyes fell upon a woman who was raving mad, her disheveled hair and torn clothes a testament to her troubled state.

I couldn't help but wonder how this pastor was going to heal her. I had seen many individuals claim miraculous abilities, but something felt different this time. What puzzled me even more was that none of my friends or neighbors seemed to recognize her. It was as if she had appeared out of thin air, a complete stranger.

As the pastor took center stage, a hushed silence fell over the crowd. He began to speak with a commanding voice, invoking the power of God to heal the afflicted. The crowd watched intently, their eyes filled with anticipation.

Slowly, the pastor approached the woman, his hands outstretched in a gesture of compassion. The atmosphere crackled with a mixture of skepticism and hope. As he laid his hands on her, a profound sense of calm washed over the woman. To my astonishment, her frenzied state began to subside, and a serene expression replaced her distorted features.

I stood there, my mind racing with thoughts. Was this some well-orchestrated act? Was the woman a mere pawn in a grand scheme? It seemed unlikely that no one in the crowd recognized her. But at the same time, I witnessed a change in her, a transformation that couldn't be denied.

Despite the doubts swirling within me, I couldn't help but recognize the power of God at work. Whether it was orchestrated or not, the impact I witnessed was real. The healing touch of the pastor had brought peace to a tormented soul, and that was undeniably powerful.

As the crowd erupted into applause and thankful prayers, I couldn't shake the conflict within me. On one hand, I questioned the authenticity of the arrangement and the hidden motives behind it. On the other hand, I couldn't deny the true power of God that had touched that woman's life.

A Short Moral Story

There lived a man and his wife in a city. The man worked as a messenger in a growing company.

Despite his low position in the company, he gave his best, he was honest and had integrity which he wouldn't trade for anything else.

At home his wife would mock him because he rejected offers to compromise so he could upgrade his living condition. Though educated, he could not get a good placement in the company his qualifications deserved, so he decided to settle for the position of a messenger.

There are days his wife would mock him, "don't you see your mates? why can't you just do what they are doing and bring enough money to the house so we can live a better life?, where will this integrity of yours get us to?"

He would reply, "everything will turn out well, there's reward for everything, it might take time but I will rise to a good position very soon." His wife scoffed at him, "you're just deceiving yourself, do the needful and stop acting like a saint".

At work, there were a lot irregularities as many of the staff kept stealing money to enrich themselves, even those in top positions were not excluded but the man kept to his conviction even though he was greatly tempted as well.

One day, his boss sent him to deposit a huge amount of money in the local bank. The amount was very tempting, if he decided to run away with the money, his whole life will change, his living conditions will change for the better.

On his way to the local bank, different thoughts kept flying through his mind but he encouraged himself that he wouldn't do anything to be a part of the corrupt system and even listen to his own wife despite her continuous ranting and increased pressure.

When he got to the bank, something unusual happened. He discovered a note inside the money bag which read that, "this money is yours, it was given to you as a reward for your integrity and dedication to our company's value", the account he was to deposit the money was his own, it had his name written on it!

He was promoted to the position of deputy branch manager of the company with all the benefits that comes with it by his boss who revealed he has been watching his excellent work ethic for many years and his time for elevation had arrived.

His life changed!

In a world where people with integrity have become very few, never assume that no one is watching you.
No matter how corruption seems to be thriving, there are still men with unbending values, though they will be rejected, mocked by even their own families because of what they stand for, if they keep hold of their good morals, they will be surely rewarded.

Thank you so much for reading through.

Early today (Sunday afternoon), the sun gently warming the the toewn, birds cheerfully chirping melodies, and I, nervous, waiting for my crush, Doofan, to arrive for our first date. I had been crushing on her since the moment I laid eyes on her during my first year at my current work. Her infectious laugh, her brilliant mind, and her ability to make even the most difficult tasks seem like a piece of cake had me completely smitten.
When Doofan finally arrived, looking like a celebrity actress, I could feel my heart doing somersaults in my chest. We headed to a popular park. As we strolled along the winding paths, I tried my best to impress Doofan with my wit and charm, but my anxiety kept tripping me up. I stumbled over my words, made awkward jokes that fell flat, and even managed to step in a puddle, soaking my shoe and sock.
Despite my clumsiness, Jessica seemed to be enjoying herself. She laughed at my silly jokes, listened intently to my stories, and even found my nervous ramblings endearing. As we sat down, waiting to be attended to, I decided to take a chance. I looked into Doofan's sparkling eyes and blurted out, "I really like you, Doofan."
Doofan's smile widened, and she replied, "I like you too, you silly goose."
Relief washed over me, and I couldn't help but let out a goofy laugh. I had just confessed my feelings to my crush, and she liked me back! The rest of the date was a blur of laughter, shared stories, and stolen glances. By the time we said goodbye, I was walking on air, feeling like the luckiest guy in the world.
As I walked home, I couldn't stop replaying the day's events in my head. I had managed to survive a date with my crush, despite my clumsiness and nerves, and she actually liked me back! It was a Sunday I would never forget, a day filled with sunshine, laughter, and the sweet beginnings of a budding romance.
Honestly, I would love to know if you also had fun this Sunday.

I made my way to the market today after imagining all the possibilities that awaited me. I was so proud of my budget, convinced that with the amount, I would have a wide range of high-quality options to choose from.

However, my enthusiasm quickly turned to disappointment as I realized that the prices of the music players were far beyond my reach. The sellers, with their knowing smirks, refused to budge, claiming that durable and high-quality music players only came at a higher cost.

I pleaded and bargained, but it seemed like all my efforts were in vain. The sellers were adamant that there was no way I would find a durable music player within my budget.

Feeling defeated, I was about to give up and head home empty-handed. But just as I was about to turn away, a small stall caught my eye. It had an array of music players neatly stacked, but they were much smaller than what I had fantasized.

With a mix of curiosity and desperation, I approached the stall owner, explaining my predicament. To my surprise, he listened attentively and smiled, offering me a deal that I couldn't refuse. He had a smaller music player, but he assured me that it packed a punch in terms of sound quality.

With my hopes slightly renewed, I handed over my hard-earned #8000 and left the market clutching my new music player. Despite its size, I couldn't shake off a sense of disappointment. It wasn't what I had initially wanted, but it was all I could afford.

When I finally arrived home, I plugged in the music player to charge, wondering if I had made a mistake. But as soon as I switched it on and selected my favorite song, all doubts dissipated. The loudness and bass that emanated from the small device perfectly satisfied my taste. It was far better than I had hoped for.

Not only was the sound quality impressive, but the battery life was exceptional. It seemed like this little music player had defied all odds and exceeded my expectations. I couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and gratitude, realizing that sometimes, the best surprises come in the most unexpected packages.

Last week, after a heated argument with my elder sister about her excessive time spent at the market and her tendency to loiter around even after finishing her shopping, the family decided that it was my turn to take on the grocery-shopping duties. Reluctantly, I accepted the challenge and prepared myself for an evening of chaos at the market.

As I stepped into the crowded marketplace, I was immediately overwhelmed by the sheer number of people bustling about. It seemed like the entire population had decided to converge on this one spot, leaving no breathing space in sight. My heart sank as I realized that navigating through this chaotic sea of bodies would be no easy task.

I found myself lost among the endless rows of fruit and vegetable vendors, desperately searching for that elusive breathing space. With each step, I was met with wailing sounds from the hawkers shouting out their prices, to the chatter of shoppers bargaining for a better deal. This was war in disguise.

Not only were the people overwhelming, but the distribution of food commodities also seemed strangely scattered. To make my shopping list, I had to hop from one end of the market to the other. I would buy tomatoes in one corner, then embark on a seemingly endless journey of a hundred miles to find a vendor selling vegetables. And just when I thought I was done, I had to take another turn and walk another hundred miles to find a place where rice was sold. It was as if the market itself was playing a cruel game of hide-and-seek with me.

Time seemed to elongate as I spent double the amount of time my sister usually spent at the market, desperately hunting for each item on my shopping list. The evening grew darker. With a sigh of relief mixed with frustration, I finally managed to gather all the necessary items and maneuvered my way out of the people's zoo.

As I arrived home, completely drained, I offered my apologies to my sister and the rest of the family. It was a humbling experience, to realize the challenges and frustrations that come with grocery shopping in such a public market. I vowed to myself then and there that I would never subject myself to such chaos again.

While my siblings laughed at my exhausted state, I rushed to the racks, picked a plate, and arranged for myself a large mountain of delicious-looking noodles from the pot.

I remember the day when I went to the market with my close friend, Victor. We had decided to go shopping for clothes, looking for something stylish and affordable. As we entered the clothing store, we came across a rack of shirts from a popular brand that we both liked.

While going through the shirts, I noticed that the ones with the originality tag were significantly more expensive than the ones without it. I decided to opt for the cheaper shirts, knowing that they were of the same brand and quality, minus the inflated price and the originality tag.

However, Victor had a different approach. He insisted on buying the expensive ones, stating that he wanted to showcase his preference for quality and authenticity. He made fun of me for choosing the replicas, calling them cheap imitations. I tried to advise him, explaining that the only difference between our shirts was the tag and the price. But Victor wouldn't listen. He ignored my advice and insisted on his choice.

Days later. By coincidence, we both ended up wearing our newly bought shirts on the same day. As we walked through the streets, I couldn't help but notice the attention my shirt was getting. People were complimenting its vintage charm—its slightly darker shades giving it a unique and distinct look.

On the other hand, Victor's shirt didn't seem to attract as much attention. As time went by, it became evident that his expensive purchase was fading away, losing its original color, and losing the appeal it once had.

Meanwhile, my cheaper replica shirt remained as good as new. Its fabric retained its vibrant colors, and its authenticity shone through, despite the absence of the originality tag.

I have conserved my money and had something of higher quality.
Victor regretted his decisions and has been taught.