"Focus on your studies, Mamee. You are well aware of how much effort it took to get you started on this path. If you do not concentrate and fail this exam, you know how your father will feel. Do you want to disappoint him after he went through so much trouble to raise 90,000 naira for your registration because you expressed interest in it? If you let him down, you're not being fair to yourself. You need to study hard and pass this exam so we can plan together how to support your continued education. If you fail and waste time, there's no doubt that your father will consider marrying you off early to relieve himself of the burden. But if you pass, even if he does get you married, your husband can help you continue your studies. Please, don't let us down."

Shaking my head quickly, I replied, "Please, Mama, stop saying that. I will study and, God willing, I will pass."

She looked at me for a moment before saying, "Alright, may God help you." I responded, "Amen."

Because I was so determined to pass this exam, I didn't let myself sleep until I had stayed up studying half the night. The next morning, I woke up before anyone else. I heard my father knocking on everyone's door, waking them up for the dawn prayer. After praying, I took a shower and got ready without stopping for breakfast because my exam started at seven. Mama gave me money for transportation, and I left the house, not seeing anyone else awake. I opened the small gate and stepped outside, barely managing to find a ride to school.

By noon, I had finished everything I needed to do at school and headed home since I didn't have enough money for breakfast, and I was hungry. That's why, as soon as I finished my tasks, I made my way home.

Entering the house with a greeting, I found my mother and my aunt in the yard, sorting rice. I greeted them and went inside to change into my house clothes and find something to eat. Once I was full, I joined them in the yard to help with the rice, keeping an eye on the time with Mama's phone because I didn't want to miss the football match. When there were only two minutes left before the game started, I quickly got up and ran to the room to change the channel. Mama was talking, but I didn't hear her as I sat down to watch the game.

I couldn't take my eyes off the screen because I didn't want to miss a moment, even though it wasn't my favorite team playing today. When one of the players scored a goal, I let out a loud cheer that made Mama get up and come into the room. Seeing her, I frowned because I knew she would stop me from watching the game. And that's exactly what happened; she started scolding me.