OUTSIDE IS EXPENSIVE

Even Rio agrees to this...

"Believe me, you are the real Lagos big boy/girl if you are still receiving free food and shelter from your parents."

Hello people of my laive, Happy Weekend! Welcome back to our writing channel. “Hope your week went fine.” and “hope life is treating you well?” I would have offered you something to drink, but then there is no light here, so nothing is cold, aside from the one sachet of water remaining in my house; if I give you that one now, I could die of taste. #winks

Honestly though, how are you faring? As for me, nobody warned me that this adulthood was hard!.(Help me! Help me! E dey carry me go where I no know 😩😢)

This is not the version I signed up for honestly. Because since I turned twenty-fine, I just dey see small, small shege here and there. (Is it even small??) I've been juggling obligations, constant pressure, and irregular stress. Can you relate??

I think the shege dey reach everybody include animals, because tell me why Rio decided to run away for few days and the day he returned he said “no more sleeping outside”, literally.. body don tell am say, even the street is dry.

Now, grab your popcorn let me update you about Rio

Beautiful Rio. P.C: My Kid Sister

I thought I knew my cat, Rio, inside out. Always a good boy, goes out to play and return; very well behaved, Rio. Little did I know, Rio had a secret life.

One day, Rio decided he'd had enough of the shop life and wanted to explore outside life. Usually he would leave the compound for a bit and come back, but he has been gone for a very long time this time.

I was so frustrated that I searched everywhere for him. I was like a crazy lady going up and down the neighborhood yelling his name, but no response.

Worst-case scenarios raced through my head: Is he hurt? or has someone stolen him? As many have been saying, male cat's do run away, that's how they behave. Is this the end? Lost forever? #Godabegna

Days went by, and I continued to feel sad since I haven't seen Rio. I was unable to concentrate on my work or anything else because I kept expecting Rio to return home at the smallest creak in the door or rustle of leaves. I began to pace back and forth, fearing the worst: Has he been lost in the rain? Was it the cold that was making him shudder in fear? The idea of losing my beloved cat hurt my heart.

When I went to the store two days later, he was there, although dirty, sitting by the door. His eyes appeared tired and damp, yet he meowed sweetly when he saw me. I held him in my arms and shed tears of relief, soaking his fur. "Where have you been, Rio? I was somewhat concerned. I hugged him tightly and spoke into his fur.
Rio nuzzled his head onto my chest and purred blissfully.. he knew he was home, safe and sound.

I got him settled in and fed him, my buddy got served a healthy meal and he finished it immediately. I had to purchase him another food before I closed for the day. After eating he slept the entire time; I was wondering if Rio had gone to work or he did something that took all his energy because of the way he slept that day; I was surprised and concerned; what could be the reason for this tiredness?

I scolded him for making me worried and scared; and I told him not to try that rubbish with me again and guess what; Rio hasn't left the shop since that happened. He only leaves and returns almost immediately. I guess he can’t afford to sleep outside again because he will starve #lolzzzz (them no dey teach person this one!)

Now, the little story is this: I was going about my usual business when a little girl from the neighborhood approached me to make a purchase and said, "Aunty Favour, so it’s your cat, he always comes to our compound."

“Are you for real?” I asked her

“He's been disturbing our cat." she said

"Is your cat a female?" I enquired, curiously.

Yes, She is.

Ohhh Wow! It makes sense now. “Rio has found a WIFE”, which I blurred out!

Rio had strayed from the norm because of his new love: he would leave the store, sleep out, and only come back just to eat and rest, then go back again to play with his babe. (Even my cat first me find love #thislifenobalance)

Dearest people of my Laive, My Rio is no longer a Farjin (virgin) I feel betrayed, because here I was thinking of getting him a wife. This cat, though, had other plans. (#fornicator vibes)

Let me just say this: “outside may seem pretty, but it is not often easy. Appreciate what you have, and do not take love and comfort for granted”.

Anyhoo, It's the weekend, so let's talk a little before I wrap up.

”How are you doing? How have things/life been going for you lately?”

Tell me. I'm here to read and listen. You can do that by telling me over WhatsApp, responding to this email, or responding to my letter on the Substack app.

They say that “problem in writing offers a fresh perspective on how to solve it”.

So let me be your canvas! Talk to me

Love,

Fayvourebirth.