"There's no such thing as a shortcut in a journey; you have to follow the regular road to reach your destination." My mom always tells me this, but I am determined to prove her wrong.
Ever since I changed schools to a more distant location, I've been seeking ways to avoid spending my transportation fee so I can save it for other expenses. Although I receive money for transportation to avoid walking long distances home, I often choose to walk instead to save money.
"Why are you just getting home now? Do you see the time? It's already 7:30 p.m.," my mom scolded me after numerous corrections. "I told you not to walk; we gave you money for your transport, so why aren't you taking the bus? Do you think you're a big boy now that you're 14?" she asked angrily as she approached me. At that moment, I knew she was furious, so I fled outside while attempting to explain myself. "I didn't walk; I waited for the bus, but it took a very long time to arrive. I swear," I said, attempting to fabricate an excuse for the situation I found myself in.
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"I don't know why I'll give you money for transport when you refuse to take the bus and opt to walk instead. If you don't turn a new leaf, you'll have yourself to blame." Her words meant nothing to me because I was trying to save money for a new pair of Allstar shoes.
I continued my habit of following any roads labeled as shortcuts. I would take any obscure route I thought would lead me to my destination faster. One day, as the school hours were over, I was walking with my friends to the bus stop. "Guys, if we follow this sloppy road down to Bashiru House, there's another road that connects us to the bus stop, and it's much faster," Opeyemi suggested, sparking my interest in exploring the route.
Without much hesitation, we followed this unfamiliar route known only to Opeyemi. As we walked, everyone began taking different paths, claiming their homes were nearby. Before long, only Femi and I remained. He guided me, and shortly afterward, I arrived at the bus stop. I was pleased with this new discovery, but I didn't use the route again for some time.
Two weeks later, it was closing time again. My friends waited at the gate for me, but I pretended I had to speak with the principal. I asked them to leave without me, intending to reach the bus stop before them. I planned to surprise them with my speed, even though they had left before I did.
They departed without much conversation. Five minutes later, I left for the sloppy road. As I walked, something felt off, but I couldn't pinpoint it. The road didn't resemble what I remembered, but I pressed on. It grew narrower, and I couldn't recognize any landmarks.
The further I went, the more lost I felt. Along the narrow path, I noticed a strange man in a black hoodie following me. Each time I glanced back, he drew closer. It was then, I remembered why my mom warned me about following unfamiliar routes: 'kidnappers'. I quickened my pace, and he did the same. I began to run, and he chased me. It was then that I realized the danger I was in. I ran with all my might until I reached the bus stop. I couldn't recall the route I took or how I arrived at the bus stop.
When I got home, I recounted everything to my mom. She disciplined me severely, and since that day, I've turned over a new leaf and never walk down unfamiliar paths again. I was only 14 year old then, it was a scary experience.