I stare at my book, calculator in one hand, aso ebi in another, wondering how I got here. Then it dawns on me. I’m not 16 anymore. There’s no soliciting for funds from my parents because I’m now a big girl. An adult. They wouldn’t even take me seriously if I asked. Actually, it would be embarrassing.
While I’m thinking about how I’ll be able to pay for this aso ebi, my phone hangs. A subtle reminder that I need to change it. Then at the same time my WiFi dies. NEPA has struck again. Well actually the money on my prepaid meter has finished, but still. Suffering is suffering.
And then it hits me like a truck.
Adulthood is not as it was portrayed to be.
Yes there is freedom. Freedom in eating two pieces of meat. Freedom in nobody calling me to come and get the remote or wash plate. Freedom to buy what I want and eat what I want. But the bills… the bills are too much. I can’t believe I used to pray for times like this. When I would be free. Buying what I want. Eating what I want. Nobody told me I would also be paying for everything I want.
As I sit and throw myself a small pity party, my phone rings. My younger sister is asking for money. Of course. Then my cousin sends a reminder about the ajo we’re doing to pay for a 50th anniversary party for my grandparents.
I look at my calculator. I look at the aso ebi. I look at my life.
Adulthood is the biggest scam.
