ADAPTING TO THE CONCRETE JUNGLE
782 Words
At thirteen, Odeny had grown into a tall, lean boy with sharp features and a quiet intensity in his eyes. Life in the city had shaped him in ways neither he nor Amina could have anticipated. Gone were the sprawling hills and open skies of the village; they had been replaced by crowded streets, towering buildings, and the constant hum of urban life.
For the past eight years, Amina had worked tirelessly to provide for them. Her days were spent juggling shifts as a cleaner at a nearby hotel, while her evenings were reserved for cooking, budgeting, and ensuring Odeny’s school assignments were completed.
Despite the challenges, their small apartment in a bustling neighborhood had become their sanctuary. It was modest—a single room with a curtain separating the sleeping area from the living space—but it was home.
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Odeny sat on the edge of the bed, staring at a pile of textbooks and notebooks. School in the city was vastly different from the small, close-knit classrooms of the village. Here, the students were competitive, the teachers strict, and the curriculum demanding.
“How was school today?” Amina asked, setting down a steaming plate of rice and beans.
Odeny shrugged, avoiding her gaze. “It was fine.”
Amina raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more to the story. “Fine doesn’t sound convincing, Odeny. What happened?”
After a moment’s hesitation, he sighed. “Some of the kids were laughing at me again. They say I speak like a villager. They call me ‘country boy.’”
Amina’s heart sank. She knew Odeny struggled to fit in, but hearing it aloud hurt.
“You are smart, Odeny,” she said firmly. “Smarter than they know. Don’t let their words dim your light.”
He nodded, though his expression remained uncertain.
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In school, Odeny had found solace in books. The library was his escape—a place where he could lose himself in stories of far-off lands, daring adventures, and heroes who overcame impossible odds.
One afternoon, as he sat by the window reading, his teacher, Mr. Kamau, approached him.
“Odeny, I’ve noticed you spend a lot of time here,” he said, pulling up a chair.
“I like reading,” Odeny replied, closing the book in his lap.
Mr. Kamau smiled. “That’s good. But remember, knowledge is meant to be shared. Why not join the debate club? I think you’d be great at it.”
Odeny hesitated. The idea of speaking in front of others made his stomach twist. “I’m not sure I’m good at talking,” he said quietly.
“Nonsense,” Mr. Kamau said. “You have a sharp mind and a unique perspective. Don’t hide it.”
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At home, Odeny shared the conversation with his mother.
“That sounds like a wonderful idea,” Amina said, her face lighting up. “You’re always so thoughtful. It’s time others see that too.”
“But what if I mess up?” Odeny asked.
“Then you try again,” Amina replied, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Every great journey starts with a single step.”
Encouraged by her words, Odeny reluctantly agreed to attend the next debate club meeting.
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Life in the city wasn’t all hardship. On weekends, Amina and Odeny often explored the bustling markets, where the air was filled with the scent of roasted corn and spices.
“Look at these shoes, Mama!” Odeny exclaimed one Saturday, pointing to a pair of sneakers displayed at a stall.
Amina smiled but shook her head. “Not this month, my dear. But soon.”
Her sacrifices didn’t go unnoticed. Odeny admired his mother’s resilience and vowed to make her proud.
---
One evening, as they sat together eating dinner, Amina shared a rare moment of vulnerability.
“I worry sometimes,” she said, her voice soft. “About whether I’m giving you enough.”
“You’ve given me everything, Mama,” Odeny said earnestly. “And one day, I’ll make sure you don’t have to work so hard.”
Tears welled in Amina’s eyes, but she quickly wiped them away, smiling. “You already make me proud, Odeny. Just keep being you.”
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The city had tested them in many ways, but it had also given them hope. Odeny was growing into a young man with dreams and potential, and Amina was determined to see him thrive.
As they sat together that evening, the hum of the city in the background, they both felt a quiet sense of determination. Their journey was far from over, but they were ready for whatever lay ahead.
- Writer
