Episode 5

After weeks of anticipation, the exam results were finally released, and to my delight, I performed exceptionally well. As I shared the news with my parents, my dad praised, "Ade, I had no idea you've been hitting the books so hard. Your results are impressive!"

Just when the pride in the room reached its peak, my elder brother, John, chimed in, "Dad, have you asked Ade about his adventures at Uncle Shola's house?" His comment sparked laughter among them, signaling that they were privy to my escapades. Caught off guard, I wondered how they discovered my stay at Uncle Shola's place in the first place. The mystery added a curious twist to the joyous atmosphere.

Thrilled about my admission to the University of Lagos to study Oceanography, I eagerly embraced the impending freedom. Despite the playful nickname "Aquatic" back home, the excitement fueled my preparations. Securing an apartment and organizing my belongings, I couldn't wait to dive into university life. Announcing my departure to friends, their joy mirrored mine. My parents, supportive as ever, equipped me with everything a student could dream of. The anticipation of this new chapter made each moment pulse with excitement.

Entering the university, I envisioned it as a stress-free haven where I'd flaunt my most expensive dresses and revel in non-stop enjoyment. Little did I know, I'd signed up for the most challenging episode of my life. The initial month was a blissful illusion; my well-stocked groceries allowed me to host course mates, showcasing my culinary skills. My generosity unintentionally painted me as the "rich kid" among neighbors. Having experienced the stinginess at Uncle Shola's house, I vowed never to emulate that. Little did I realize, the university had more in store for me than just fleeting moments of abundance.

A month into university life, my initial generosity turned into a haunting reality. The groceries depleted, and those once-fed friends and neighbors now kept their distance. Struggling, I reached out to my parents, only to hear that the food I brought was meant to last two months, and I had just passed the one-month mark. Frustration set in as the tough reality of balancing independence and sustenance hit me harder than expected.

Faced with no other recourse, I reached out to Brother John, requesting him to relay my plea to Dad for a share of the family property. Initially John thought I was joking, I lacked the courage to communicate this directly to Dad. Instead, I turned to Mom, specifically expressing my desire for a piece of our family inheritance—a plot of land. Despite her initial laughter, I pressed on with sincerity, determined to convey the gravity of my request.

"Ade, have you started smoking weed? Are you the first to face challenges in university? Who sells their inheritance just for a comfortable student life? If continuing in school is a struggle, come back home. Your elder brother graduated without asking for any family inheritance," my mom questioned. Despite knowing they wouldn't easily accept my proposal, I felt compelled to take some action.

As the second son, I experienced rejection when attempting to claim my proper portion of the family inheritance. Disappointed, I sought refuge from the choking stress of university by going home every weekend.I braced myself for probable criticism, anticipating my parents' displeasure with my frequent visits. Their reaction, however, astonished me—they didn't say anything.I returned week after week, expecting some sort of reaction or at least a hint of dissatisfaction, but nothing came.

During my first semester, my CGPA hovered around 1.5, indicating a third-class performance. The following semester was not much better, with a 1.4 CGPA keeping me on the verge of probation and third-class status. Sometimes I wonder how brother John graduated with an outstanding 3.7 CGPA . My dissatisfaction with my academic results pushed me over the edge. I lost focus, skipped lectures, and sought refuge in spending practically every weekend at home.

However, my lazy days at home became boring. I was pulled to my neighbor's house by the playful antics of their friendly dog as I was looking for excitement outside my door. Bekky, the dog's owner, and her parent greeted me warmly. My affection for their canine friend grew stronger by the day. Surprisingly, the more I adored and cared for their dog, the closer I became to Bekky's family. I began 'dog-napping' their pet on weekends on a regular basis, taking him away to my place for a day of fun company, only to return him later in the day.

These short adventures not only kept me entertained on sometimes dull weekends, but they also established an unanticipated link between me and Bekky., creating friendships beyond the wagging tail of their beloved dog.

My phone rang as I sat in class on that fateful Tuesday morning, and I saw Brother John's name flash across the screen. "Ade, given what you said, we've decided to do what you said," his voice boomed through the receiver. "Come back today so that the family can decide which property to give to you, if that will make you concentrate in school and stop coming home every weekend."I was stunned and assumed it was a joke at first. "Brother John, are you kidding me?" I inquired, half-expecting a witty answer. But his tone remained solemn, telling me that this was no laughing matter. "Why should I make a joke about something like this, Ade?" "I'm serious," he said.The realization hit me.

"Today is Tuesday, Brother John." Can I come in on the weekend as usual to make sure everything is in order?" I begged, expecting for a more convenient solution.But his response was forceful and unwavering. "No, Ade, you have to come back today."My heart was racing with both excitement and disbelief. After all, my approach of visiting home on a regular basis appeared to have worked off. Victory rushed through me; I had finally been given the opportunity to renegotiate my engagement in family matters. The realization of this victory made me realize the value of perseverance and smart planning.

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