In my neighborhood where success seemed reserved for a select few, I often find myself questioning my place in the world. Where exactly do I belong? This is one question that many find hard to answer. Well, in my quest for wealth mine wasn't for long actually till I found my answer.
One hot quiet afternoon, a new neighbor moved into the apartment next door. It was a three bedroom apartment just adjacent to my room. I stayed at a one bedroom self contained apartment in the same compound but my room was hidden at the back of the house.
My new neighbor's name was Tony, a man that exuded an air of confidence and prosperity that immediately caught my attention. Right from when he moved into our apartment, I could swear that Tony looked like one who possessed the secret to unlocking a world of wealth and luxury, and I couldn't help but be intrigued.
Curiosity bit hard in my mind as days passed and I observed Tony flaunting his expensive car and designer clothes. I yearned to understand the source of the young man's affluence. How was he making his money? I asked myself everyday, hoping that one day when I finally summoned up the courage to ask him, Tony might offer me the path I so desperately sought.
One day I watched as Tony drove his latest Lexus SUV into the compound. He got down from his car, but instead of heading straight into his house he rather sat at the hood of his car. I knew that was my moment to make an approach and engage him in a friendly conversation. With bated breath, I mustered the courage to approach him that fateful evening.
"Good day bro," I began tentatively, " I'm Marriot your neighbor"' I introduced.
"oh yeah, the one that lives in the apartment behind" he sounded friendly.
I nodded instead.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Tony", he replied, extending his hand for a handshake. He had a firm grip.
Spontaneously, we got into deep conversations about life and everything young guys could talk about. I noticed Tony was a friendly guy. I delved into how I admired him and all the nice things he had. All this while he smiled only. Then I threw the question that got me to introduce myself and talk.
"No disrespect, Baba" I called him by a nickname that guys my age called fellow guys of their age bracket adding a bit of Nigerian accent. " I've been wondering, how do you manage to live such a lavish lifestyle? Baba link me up na?" I continued.
Tony's eyes narrowed as he studied me, I was sure he was contemplating his words. After a moment of silence, Tony's lips curled into a sly smile. "I like you sha, you look smart," he said, his voice laced with mystery, "but are you sure you can handle it?" He added
My heart raced with anticipation, my mind intoxicated by the allure of a life I had only glimpsed in his fantasies. "Whatever it is, I'm sure I'm up to the task," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. To me Tony was into tech because I saw him always with his phone and laptops. But what he said next took me off guard.
Tony leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a guilty tone. "Na G.boy I be" he said in pidgin english meaning he was a fraudster. "I run online scams. That's why my riches flow like a river, my friend, and you can be a part of it." He concluded.
My eyes widened in shock, my conscience battled against the temptation that beckoned me. A thousand thoughts swirled through my mind, questioning the morality of such an endeavor. In that moment, my quest to belong among the affluent of the society was never to belong through a means that degraded the steadfast principles that had guided me thus far.
"I... I need time to think,"I finally uttered, my voice trembling with uncertainty. Trying to hide my disbelief.
I watched as Tony's smile faded and was replaced by disappointment in his eyes. "You asked, I told you because I see you're smart and you can do it. Get back to me when you're ready " he said tapping my shoulder. Although his voice tinged with a touch of sadness. He picked up his keys and phones and made for his apartment. "For dreamers like us, sometimes, survival means taking drastic measures." He added.
For days I avoided Tony. I wasn't sure how to tell him my answer was no. I wasn't sure how to tell him that his means of wealth were against all I believed in and I wasn't ready to belong.
But then again my discussion with him made me realize that, for me to belong to the percentage of people who were wealthy was not for me to conform to my values. Yes I want to be rich and own expensive things but not at the tears of another. I rather stay true to myself, even when the world seems determined to pull me in a different direction.
I rather embrace who I am and work harder to get to my dreams.
