The struggle is real
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.
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.
