Richard's father's disappointment weighed heavily on him as he approached his upcoming external examination in his new class. The pressure to excel felt insurmountable, and with his father's lack of faith in him, Richard began to doubt his own abilities. He couldn't bear the thought of disappointing his father further, but the fear of failure loomed large. Left alone with his mother, Richard felt a sense of responsibility to prove himself, not just for his own sake but for hers too. Despite their financial struggles, his mother's unwavering support became his anchor. She made sacrifices to ensure Richard's education continued, personally bearing the burden of his tuition fees.
Yet, the financial strain left Richard with little to spare for daily necessities like lunch. It was then that Bolu, a beacon of kindness, entered his life like a divine intervention. Bolu became Richard's lifeline, offering him not only sustenance but also companionship during his hardest times. With her persistent generosity, Bolu ensured Richard never went hungry at school. She would share her own meals with him, sometimes even bringing extra food from home just for him. Their bond grew stronger as Bolu took Richard under her wing, treating him to meals at the school restaurant and providing him with the comfort and support he desperately needed.
Richard's mother's focus on his external examinations, particularly the West Africa Examination Council (W.A.E.C.), added another layer of pressure to Richard's already burdened shoulders. With her attention solely fixated on these crucial exams, Richard felt the weight of expectations pressing down on him. Gone were the days when his mother would inquire about his daily progress or his report cards from school. Instead, her concern centered solely on his performance in these pivotal examinations. It was as though everything else faded into insignificance in comparison to these defining moments in Richard's academic journey. This shift in focus only served to intensify Richard's anxiety and sense of responsibility.
He understood the importance of these exams not just for himself, but for his family as well. The pressure to succeed weighed heavily on him, knowing that his mother's hopes and sacrifices were all riding on his performance. Richard's mother's unwavering belief in the power of examination results to shape her son's future created an atmosphere of intense pressure within their home. Every day felt like a countdown to the moment when Richard's fate would be sealed by the outcome of his exams.
Amidst this suffocating environment, Richard found solace in the little joys he could grasp, like the phone his father had bought him. It was a symbol of hope, a connection to the outside world beyond the confines of his home. But when his father demanded the phone back, citing it as a distraction and a symbol of Richard's perceived lack of dedication to his studies, it felt like yet another blow to his already fragile sense of self-worth.
With a heavy heart and a sense of resignation, Richard handed over the phone to his father, silently accepting the blame placed upon him. His father's words cut deep, reinforcing the belief that his worth was intrinsically tied to his academic performance. In that moment, Richard felt like a failure in the eyes of his family, stripped of even the small comforts that had helped him endure the relentless pressure. As the phone slipped from his grasp, Richard's sense of isolation deepened. He felt adrift, untethered from any sense of belonging or support. In his father's eyes, the phone represented frivolity and distraction, but to Richard, it was a lifeline—a connection to the outside world and a source of fleeting happiness in the midst of his struggles.
Yet, despite the pain of relinquishing the phone, Richard's resolve remained unbroken. He knew that his worth was not defined by material possessions or exam results. With or without the phone, he was determined to prove himself and carve out his own path, one that defied the narrow expectations imposed upon him. In the quiet intimacy of the restaurant, Richard's heart raced as he carefully sketched Bolu's portrait, capturing the essence of her kindness and the warmth of her spirit. With each stroke of his pencil, he poured his gratitude onto the paper, immortalizing the person who had been his unwavering support during his darkest hours.
As Bolu savored her meal, unaware of Richard's artistic endeavor, he stole glances at her, committing every detail to memory. Her smile, her gestures, the way her eyes lit up with kindness—all of it served as inspiration for his creation. As the day drew to a close and Bolu began to gather her books, Richard's hand trembled slightly as he extended the portrait towards her. With a mixture of nervousness and gratitude, he expressed his heartfelt appreciation for her constant support and kindness. He promised to repay her in the future, to somehow find a way to show her just how much her friendship meant to him. Bolu's eyes widened in astonishment as she laid eyes on the portrait for the first time. Her breath caught in her throat as she beheld the likeness of herself captured so beautifully on paper. For a moment, she was speechless, her mind overwhelmed by the unexpected gift before her.
Unable to contain her excitement, Bolu reached out and embraced the artwork, her eyes shining with tears of joy. In that moment, words were unnecessary as the depth of Richard's gratitude resonated between them. It wasn't just a portrait—it was a symbol of their friendship, a testament to the bond they shared in the face of adversity. With a heartfelt smile, Bolu finally found her voice, expressing her gratitude for the thoughtful gesture. In Richard's simple act of kindness, she found validation of the impact she had made in his life. And as they shared a moment of connection amidst the chaos of their everyday lives, Richard knew that their friendship was a treasure worth cherishing forever. As Bolu and her mother made their way home, the warmth of Richard's gesture lingered in her heart. She couldn't shake the feeling of gratitude and joy that washed over her, knowing that someone had seen her for who she truly was and appreciated her in such a meaningful way.
When Bolu's mother noticed her daughter's radiant smile, she couldn't help but inquire about the source of her happiness. Bolu's eyes sparkled as she recounted the unexpected gift she had received—a live portrait artwork from Richard at the restaurant. Her mother's eyes widened in surprise and delight, sharing in her daughter's joy at the thoughtfulness of the gesture. Meanwhile, Richard's determination to secure his future took a proactive turn as he registered for the NECO GCE examination for Art at a school closer to his home. With the funds he had saved from his drawings, he made the decision to invest in his education, seizing the opportunity to broaden his horizons beyond the confines of his current school.
The decision was not an easy one, as it meant sacrificing a significant portion of his hard-earned money. Yet, Richard knew that it was a necessary step towards achieving his dreams and proving his worth to himself and his family. As he completed the registration process, a sense of anticipation and determination coursed through Richard's veins. He knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but with each step he took towards his goals, he felt a renewed sense of purpose and resilience. Richard's dedication to his studies never wavered as he approached the culmination of three years of hard work and sacrifice. With the weight of his parents' expectations bearing down on him, he poured himself into his books, determined to fulfill his promise of achieving excellent results.
But amidst his academic pursuits, Richard also took a bold step towards his own independence by sitting for an externa examination at Ife school without his parents' knowledge. It was a decision driven by his desire to take control of his own destiny, to carve out a path that was solely his own. However, as the celebrations for the outgoing students of Nezam International School of Science's party commencement approach, Richard's mother's financial struggles cast a shadow over his achievements. With debts looming and limited resources at her disposal, she was forced to confront Richard with the harsh reality that she could not afford the party fee or his graduation clothe.
For Richard, it felt like a crushing blow. The prospect of missing out on the celebrations he had worked so hard for threatened to dim the light of his accomplishments. He felt the weight of disappointment settling in his chest, his dreams slipping further out of reach. In a moment of vulnerability, Richard turned to Bolu, laying bare his fears and uncertainties. He couldn't bear the thought of burdening her any further, of relying on her kindness when he felt powerless to change his circumstances. With a heavy heart, Richard confided in Bolu that he might not be able to attend the ceremony, unable to face the prospect of disappointment and failure in the eyes of his family. It was a moment of raw honesty, borne out of desperation and a sense of resignation to his fate.
Yet, even in his darkest hour, Bolu remained a steadfast pillar of support, her unwavering belief in him serving as a beacon of hope amidst the storm. And as Richard grappled with his inner turmoil, he found solace in the knowledge that he was not alone in his struggles—that no matter the outcome, he had someone by his side who believed in him wholeheartedly. Richard's unexpected opportunity to showcase his artistic talents and earn money provided a glimmer of hope in the midst of his financial struggles. With the funds he earned from crafting rose flower hand painting designs, he was able to cover the cost of his party fee, a small victory in his uphill battle towards independence. Filled with a renewed sense of determination, Richard approached his mother with optimism, hoping to share the good news and seek her support in purchasing his party attire. But instead of celebrating his achievements, he was met with a cold dose of reality.
His mother's reaction cut deep, her words serving as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of their situation. In her eyes, Richard's artistic talents were reduced to mere means of survival, a way to earn a living in the absence of other opportunities. The burden of his sisters' tuition fees weighed heavily on her shoulders, leaving little room for Richard's own aspirations and dreams. Feeling the weight of his mother's expectations bearing down on him, Richard was at a loss for words. The question of whether he must attend the ceremony echoed in his mind, a painful reminder of the sacrifices he was expected to make for the sake of his family's financial stability.
In that moment of vulnerability, Richard felt the weight of his responsibilities crushing down on him, his dreams slipping further out of reach. Yet, amidst the uncertainty and disappointment, a flicker of resilience ignited within him. He refused to let his circumstances define him, determined to carve out a path of his own making, no matter the obstacles in his way. With a heavy heart, Richard swallowed his pride and silently resolved to find a way to purchase his party attire, knowing that his journey towards independence would be fraught with challenges, but determined to forge ahead nonetheless. As Richard poured his heart out to Bolu, revealing his inner turmoil and decision not to attend the party despite having paid the bill, Bolu's expression softened with understanding. She listened intently as Richard spoke, her eyes reflecting the depth of their bond and the weight of his struggles.
Bolu's initial disbelief at Richard's announcement quickly gave way to concern and empathy. She couldn't bear to see her friend burdened by guilt and obligation, especially when it came to his family's financial troubles. With a gentle touch, she reached out to reassure him, her voice infused with warmth and sincerity, "Richard, you're not alone in this," Bolu said softly, her words carrying a sense of unwavering support. "We're in this together, remember? And besides, you've worked so hard for this moment. You deserve to celebrate your achievements, regardless of the circumstances." Richard's heart swelled with gratitude at Bolu's words, her unwavering belief in him serving as a beacon of hope in his darkest hour. Yet, he couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that gnawed at him, the knowledge that his actions had contributed to his family's struggles weighing heavily on his conscience.
"I know, Bolu," Richard replied, his voice tinged with sadness. "But I can't shake the feeling that I'm just adding to my parents' burden. They've sacrificed so much for me, and yet I feel like I've let them down." Bolu's gaze softened with understanding as she reached out to gently grasp Richard's hand. "You're not a burden, Richard," she said firmly. "You're a son who loves his family deeply and wants to do right by them. And trust me, your parents would want nothing more than to see you happy and successful." Richard's shoulders sagged with relief at Bolu's words, her unwavering support giving him the strength to face his fears head-on. In that moment, he knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he would always have Bolu by his side, a constant source of comfort and encouragement in the journey of life.
As Bolu offered to help Richard with 15,000 naira from her savings, Richard's heart swelled with gratitude and reluctance. He appreciated her gesture more than words could express, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he was imposing too much on her kindness; "Bolu, you've already done so much for me," Richard said earnestly, his voice filled with emotion. "I can't accept any more from you. You've been my rock through all of this, and that means more to me than anything else."
But Bolu wouldn't hear of it. With determination shining in her eyes, she insisted on helping Richard, her unwavering support a testament to the strength of their bond. "It's not about the money, Richard," Bolu said firmly. "It's about making sure you have everything you need to enjoy this special day. Please, let me do this for you." Despite his initial hesitation, Richard couldn't deny the sincerity in Bolu's words. With a grateful smile, he relented, accepting her offer with a deep sense of appreciation. "Thank you, Bolu," Richard said softly, his voice choked with emotion. "You're truly one of a kind." As Bolu promised to bring the cash the next day, Richard's heart swelled with gratitude for the incredible friend he had in her. And as he watched his friends come forward to settle their debts for the flower painting designs he had created, he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and generosity surrounding him.
In that moment, Richard knew that no matter the challenges he faced, he would always have Bolu and his friends by his side, ready to lift him up and help him overcome any obstacle in his path. And with their unwavering support, he felt ready to face whatever the future held, knowing that he was never truly alone. As Richard ventured into Jankara market, memories of accompanying his mother to purchase cut and sew materials flooded his mind. This time, however, he stood as a grown man, taking charge of his own style choices. With determination in his step, he navigated the bustling market, selecting fabrics and accessories that reflected his evolving sense of self.
Purchasing materials to sew a new outfit for the party was just the beginning. Richard treated himself to a new set of shoes, a stylish hat, and a sleek pair of spectacles, each item chosen with care to enhance his appearance for the special occasion. At a stylist fashion designer workshop, he selected a unique pattern and paid for the services, eagerly anticipating the day when he could done his custom-made attire. Yet, amidst the excitement of his preparations, Richard couldn't shake the nagging desire to use a phone on the day of the party. He mustered the courage to appeal to his father, hoping for a moment of understanding and leniency. However, his father's response was far from what he had hoped for.
His father's stern refusal to lend him the phone struck a chord of frustration and disappointment within Richard. The threat of selling off the phone if Richard's examination results were poor loomed ominously, adding another layer of pressure to an already tense situation. Despite his father's harsh words, Richard remained determined to make the most of the party and celebrate his achievements with his friends. As he left the market, the weight of his father's disapproval hung heavy on his shoulders, but he refused to let it dampen his spirits.
With each step towards the party, Richard carried with him a sense of resilience and defiance, determined to prove his worth and carve out his own path in spite of the obstacles in his way. And as he looked forward to the celebration ahead, he knew that no matter the challenges he faced, he would always find strength in the unwavering support of his friends and the indomitable spirit within himself. As Richard arrived at the venue of the Nezam International School of Science party, he made a conscious decision to avoid the trouble and scrutiny of his parents by not dressing up at home. With a sense of nervous excitement coursing through him, he left home, informing his parents that he was heading to the school party.
Mr. Oladapo and his wife, preoccupied with their own concerns, didn't question Richard's intentions as he left, unaware of the internal struggles and determination driving their son's actions. Meanwhile, Bolu anxiously scanned the crowd for Richard's familiar face, her heart sinking with worry when she couldn't spot him among the sea of students. As Richard finally made his appearance, her relief was palpable, but her concern only deepened when she took in his disheveled appearance. Approaching him with a furrowed brow, Bolu couldn't help but ask what had happened, her voice tinged with worry. Richard's smile reassured her, but his explanation left her incredulous. "There's nothing wrong, Bolu," Richard said with a grin, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I just didn't want to risk getting my clothes dirty, so I kept them safely in my schoolbag."
Bolu couldn't help but chuckle at Richard's unconventional approach, shaking her head in amusement. But beneath the lighthearted banter, she sensed the underlying tension and uncertainty in her friend's demeanor. Sensing her concern, Richard assured Bolu that his parents might show up, though the uncertainty in his voice betrayed his inner doubts. As they made their way into the party together, Bolu couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Richard's story than he was letting on. But for now, she chose to focus on enjoying the celebration and supporting her friend through whatever challenges lay ahead. As Richard stepped out fully dressed in his meticulously designed attire, he left everyone speechless and astonished. His bold fashion statement commanded attention, drawing admiring glances from his peers and leaving Bolu beaming with pride.
Overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and admiration, Richard approached Bolu with a grateful smile, his heart overflowing with gratitude for her unwavering friendship. In a quiet moment of intimacy, he wrapped her in a hug, whispering a heartfelt thank you that spoke volumes of the depth of their bond. It was a small gesture, but it marked a significant milestone in their relationship—the first time they had embraced each other, a tangible symbol of their mutual affection and support. As their classmates joined in with rounds of applause, their class teacher, finally located them amidst the festivities. With a mixture of amusement and exasperation, she called them out for their tardiness, urging them to join the rest of the party-goers who were eagerly awaiting their arrival.
Hurrying to the party hall, Richard and Bolu were greeted by the lively atmosphere of the big school party. The room buzzed with excitement as students mingled, danced, and enjoyed the festivities. Their juniors kicked off the entertainment with a spirited rendition of a Yoruba cultural song, filling the air with the vibrant rhythms and melodies of their heritage.
Then, it was the outgoing students' turn to take the stage, as they came together to perform a cover of Michael Jackson's iconic anthem, "We Are The World." Forming themselves into groups, they belted out the lyrics with passion and unity, their voices blending harmoniously as they celebrated their shared journey and the bonds of friendship that had carried them through.
Cultural Song (Yoruba Language) Moba Obi Mi Sope Moba Obi Mi Sope Ooo...
Won Bi Omo
Won Bi Omo Tio Wulo ooo…
Moba Obi Mi Sope Ooo...
Moba Obi Mi Sope
Moba Obi Mi Sope Ooo...
Won O Bi Omo
Won O Bi Omo Tio Ni Lakaye
Moba Obi Mi Sope Ooo....
Moba Obi Mi Sope
Moba Obi Mi Sope Ooo...
Won O Bi Omo
Won O Bi Omo Tio Da Iluru
Moba Obi Sope Ooo…
Moba Obi Mi Sope
Moba Obi Mi Sope Ooo…
Won O Bi Omo
Won O Bi Omo Tio Je Ipata
Moba Obi Mi Sope ooo....
As the outgoing students took the stage to perform their cover of "We Are The World," a hush fell over the crowd, anticipation building with each passing moment. With a sense of unity and purpose, the students formed themselves into groups, ready to deliver a heartfelt rendition of the iconic song. Here are the lyrics to "We Are The World"
Group One
Solo: There comes a time
When we heed a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
And it's time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all
Group Two
Solo: We can't go on
Pretending day by day
That Someone Somewhere will soon make a change
We are all a part of God's great big family
And the truth, you know love is all we need.
Chorus: We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
Group Three
(Bolu) There's a choice we're making
We're having our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day
Just you and me
Solo: (Bolu) Send them your heart
So they'll know that someone cares
And their lives will be strong and free
Richard: As God has shown us
By turning stone to bread
So we all must lend a helping hand
Richard: We are the world
We are the as the children
Bolu: We are the ones to make a brighter day
So let's start giving
Richard: There's choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
Chorus (altogether): It's true we'll make a better day
Just you me.
Group Four
Solo: When you're down and out
There seems no hope at all
But if you just believe
There's no way we can fall
(A girl): Well, well, well, well
Let us realize, that change will only come
When we stand together as one
Chorus: We are the world
We as the children
We are the ones to make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We are saving our own lives
It's true we'll make better day
Just you and me
Bolu: There's a choice were making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day
Just you and me
Back to Chorus altogether
Second chorus by Richard and Bolu twice altogether.