Ten
362 Words
"Son, why are you not sleeping?" My dad asked when he came into my room. That morning, I checked my JAMB result and I didn't meet the school's cutoff. I went into my room and cried. It was too painful to bear. I ate nothing. All I did was ruminate on the 'ifs' and 'hads'. "I am fine" I answered amidst sobs. My dad came closer, held me by my shoulders and said " Tunji, failing gives one another opportunity to start again. Just because today is bad doesn't mean tomorrow will be bad also". I looked at him and I felt at peace. I vowed to read and that I did. The next year, when I checked my result, I passed very well. I ran home from the Cafe only to hear that my dad had an accident and lost his life. That moment shook me and for weeks, I was indoors. I spent a lot of time with my dad but that advice he gave me was the best thing I received from him. Now that I have started a new chapter in my education, I made a promise to my father to be the best and make him proud even though he is dead.
When I heard the voice "It is me Caroline", I was shocked. I wasn't sure so I asked which Caroline. She answered " Caroline, the girl who lives next house". When she clarified it, I didn't wait but asked how she got my contact. Her voice over the phone showed she was disgusted with my response. She said she collected it from her mother. "How are you" she asked. " I am fine, thanks for asking" I answered. " So how was ...?" She said and paused for a while. "Journey? It was fine." I answered. We didn't talk for a while and then she said " I called to check on you. Bye" I answered " Thanks for the call, bye". I looked at my phone, dropped it and smiled. I didn't smile because I was happy but because it looked funny and the conversation was strange. I finished my arrangements and slept off.
- Writer
