THE TRAVAILS OF THE GROWNUP BOY

Temitope childhood was full of tragedy and loneliness. He longed for his dead mother, but she could not hear him. He felt if she was alive, things would have been better, but death cut everything short. His father often asked, “What’s wrong with you?” Temitope would reply nothing, but it was glaring that he wanted more. Years passed, and Temitope left home to start hustling for himself; it dawned on him that he would learn the home training he refused from the outside world. Living with his friends made him start experiencing life’s other side.

One day, he came back from work and wanted to relax. However, it was tense as his friends were ready to set him straight after discovering some bad attitudes. One of his friends said, “You have bad hygiene; you only pour water on your body but no soap; where is your towel.” His eyes became red, and he felt like he was crying. His stepmother usually corrects him but refuses to learn. He began to reflect. His friends’ words were even harsher. They told him, “Henceforth, do not eat or touch any food here; you do not contribute but like to eat.” Alas, his conscience pinched him, saying, “Welcome to reality, grownup boy.”

A few years later, Temitope learned and began to improve; he thought about escaping his environment and starting somewhere no one recognised him. His determination to leave led him to study hard and get admission, which he did. Temitope bid Lagos farewell and moved down to Ondo State; he was now a student at AdekunleAjasin University. Shockingly, what was meant to be freedom became a shift from frying pan to fire.Temitope’s roommate was a churchgoer and would not tolerate anyone who was not spiritual. Even though he had to hustle for his own bread and would come home tired, he just had to be in church.

Temitope sat one night crying and asked his creator, is this the life you created for me? He yearned for his dead mother once again!!!