Àdùké
Àdùké
I knew early on that the world revolved around me—everything is obviously at my beck and call. My parents dote on me, and at seventeen, one would think I’m still a baby, but to them, I am their baby nevertheless. So, I understand their anxiety as I prepare to leave home to further my education at the university. Ife to Ibadan is just a forty-five-minute drive, so it's not far. My real wish was to study as far away from home as possible, preferably in the East, but my parents nearly had a heart attack when I suggested it.
"Aduke, are you sure you’ve packed everything you need?" my mother asked for the umpteenth time.
"Yes, Mother, I have. Don’t worry," I replied, rolling my eyes heavenward.
I was just so delighted to finally be leaving for a place where I could spread my wings and explore without the constant watchful eyes of my parents, the way they monitor my elder sister, Ladun. Speaking of Ladun, I hope she can finally grow some backbone. She stayed home today to see me off to school. She now has her own tailoring shop since, after secondary school, all efforts to further her education were abortive. In the end, we all agreed that she didn’t have the head for university, hence why she learned tailoring.
I know she thinks I don’t like her, but the truth is, I just don’t like how easily she’s manipulated. She rarely defends herself.
"Sis, thank you again for the clothes—they’re beautiful," I said. She had sewn some lovely dresses for me.
"You’re welcome. Face your studies o," she advised.
"Of course she will. She has the brain for books, unlike some," my mother scoffed before I could reply.
"I will, thank you," I said, smiling despite the slight sting in Mother’s words.
"I guess I’ll be seeing you later," Ladun said.
"I thought you were staying in today?" I asked, surprised.
"I changed my mind. I remembered there's a client waiting at the shop. Do take care," Ladun said, picking her tote bag from the cushion.
"Koburu, there's nothing you’re doing here anyway. It’s not like you’re the one driving her to the park," Mother retorted. "Your father will be back soon to take you."
I watched my sister leave the house without a backward glance. The pity I felt for her quickly disappeared when I thought of the exciting life that lay ahead of me.
As Ladun left, the atmosphere in the house shifted back to the usual flurry of preparations. I was checking my bags one last time when my father’s car pulled up outside. He honked the horn twice, signaling he was ready to go.
“Your father is here,” my mother announced. “Let’s get your things.”
I helped her carry my bags to the car. My father, wearing his usual stern expression, took the bags from us and placed them in the trunk.
“Are you ready, Aduke?” he asked, his tone softer than usual.
“Yes, Father. I’m ready,” I replied, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.
We got into the car, and as we drove towards the park, my mother kept giving me last-minute advice.
“Remember to call us every day,” she said. “And don’t forget to eat properly. Focus on your studies. Make us proud.”
“I will, Mother. Don’t worry,” I assured her, though I knew she would worry no matter what I said.
When we arrived at the park, my father helped me with my bags while my mother fussed over me, making sure I had everything I needed.
“Take care of yourself, Aduke,” my father said, giving me a rare hug. “We’ll miss you.”
“I’ll miss you too, Father,” I said, hugging him back.
After a few more goodbyes, I boarded the bus and found a seat by the window. As the bus pulled away, I waved to my parents, their figures slowly shrinking in the distance. For the first time, I was truly on my own.
The bus ride was uneventful, and I spent most of it daydreaming about my new life at the university. When we finally arrived in Ife, I took a deep breath, ready to embrace this new chapter.
I found my way to the university’s hostel and checked in. The room was small but cozy, and I was glad to have my own space. My roommate, a friendly girl named Chinyere, greeted me with a warm smile.
“Hi, I’m Chinyere. You must be Aduke,” she said, extending her hand.
“Yes, nice to meet you,” I replied, shaking her hand.
As we settled in, Chinyere and I chatted about our courses, our families, and our hopes for the future. It felt good to have someone to talk to, and I felt a sense of camaraderie forming between us.
Just as I was starting to feel at ease, my phone buzzed. It was a message from Ladun: “Hope you’ve settled in well. Call me if you need anything. Take care.”
I smiled, touched by her concern. Despite our differences, I knew she cared for me. I replied, assuring her I was fine and thanking her again for the dresses.
That evening, Chinyere and I explored the campus, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. I felt a thrill of independence and possibility. This was my chance to make a name for myself, to prove I could stand on my own.