THE RESULT OF BEING BROKE

Poverty

This should be classified amongst the strongest forces in the world.

Once it has a perfect grip on you, the actions that you would take would be breathtaking and mostly negative.

I wish I could explain poverty a little bit more so you could have a clear visualization of what I was passing through during a very turbulent time.

Once you land in poverty, you are either BROKE or POOR.

You have to fall into one class.

Broke is classified in two sections

High class broke and Low class broke.

High class broke is when you got rich parents or a strong source of income, and suddenly one day you just seem not to have money any longer.

High class broke does not last long and does not really have effect that much.

The effects are easily endured.

The individual in question would still be eating efficiently through the food may not have the accompanied peripherals like the meat, snacks, appetizer and perhaps drinks.

Then Low class broke are a set of people that are in a "strong hustle".

They are relentless and hardworking in nature.

They always hope for the best.

If they have a source of income, it’s usually little and they calculate every step that they take.

They are very good in economics and talented in structuring a "SCALE OF PREFERENCE ".

They take account of almost everything and any mistake could leave the individual stranded and hungry.

In this stage, the individuals will still fake life on the outside as though everything is okay with their well-being.

Then we have the POOR

They are classified into two

The POOR ONES and then those in ABJECT POVERTY.

The Poor ones are very down to earth and are ready to do anything that comes their way to fix their lives.

At times, they turn out to be pests to their family, friends and those surrounding them.

They do beg a lot and have great techniques to get things from you that will leave you in a situation that you have to consider them.

They don't have time for branding and the signs of harsh life could be noticed physically though some try their possible best to keep it hidden.

Then Abject Poverty

This category is the very end itself. People who are here need redemption because they could be at the verge of death and even extinction of their family.

They feed "hand to mouth" and are stressed right from waking up till they fall asleep, if only they can have the ability to sleep.

They have the highest number of suicidal thoughts and pure depression and can go any length to have what they desire.

Like 50% of people that fall into this group do not have residences and move around from place to place.

This is a place I can't even wish for my greatest enemy.

Now back to me

While I was in school, I reached a stage that anything I laid my hands on was not prosperous and refused to yield.

I put a little exaggeration about my school fees, and I sent it to my parents and when they found out about the coming scam, it drove them crazy and they refused to send any pocket money or even hear from me.

I usually earned money through science practical in which I would do some biological drawings and get paid but all of a sudden lecturers stopped giving such projects.

Leaving me stranded.

I usually operate on 1-1-1

In which I would eat to my satisfaction, but the way I was broke, I had to resort to 0-1-0.

I began to have a scale of preference.

I stopped taking drinks with my meal.

I stopped taking meat with my meal.

I stopped buying extra.

I stopped buying water too, at least I would find a tap.

I was so indebted and this left me running from people so as to avoid embarrassment and requests for their money.

The brokenness left me pricing every single thing even public transport.

One thing about poverty is that it hits someone step by step till it eventually gets deep into your system and mind.

Then stupid thoughts and actions would immediately follow before you could realize yourself.

It reached a point I could not buy food from the cafeteria or any local joint.

I resorted to garri. It was my breakfast, lunch, dinner and midnight snack.

I sipped it time after time.

When it’s little, I would put it in a container with much water and let it rise beyond the water level.

Then when it’s more than little, I would eat it raw and then gulp a lot of water with much speed.

I couldn't sew my torn clothing and even fit my popular footwear.

I began to question God. Why me? Am I that much of a sinner? What could I have done?

I left the BROKE down to the POOR.

But yet there was no positive changes. I stopped paying transport and trekked to any destination not minding the distance.

After all back in time, humans collectively trekked to any place they desired.

Is it me that is above it?

It began to affect my studies as I couldn't afford some materials for studying.

I borrowed money from a reliable friend and decided to make changes in my life starting from my wardrobe.

I went for shopping at a night market where stuffs are very cheap and I got robbed that very night.

Losing the borrowed money, my PHONE and my Jacket.

At this point, my misery was at its peak level.

I had nowhere to run to. Then poverty brought ideas.

And any idea from poverty is never positive, though some could be cool.

I was strolling one day and it was raining badly so I had to seek shelter under a kiosk.

I meant some group of men discussing and drinking local gin.

With my inquisitive spirit, I joined the conversation, we talked on and on until they began to discuss money.

One mentioned that his mother was hospitalized and needed a transplant.

He further explained that it was a kidney transplant and mentioned that buying a kidney is 1.8million Naira and added that an individual can survive on one kidney and live a happy life.

My ears rose up with anxiety at this statement and I already saw myself driving a Red Range Rover for my Saturday class.

I did not listen to the disadvantages which included replacement of a kidney which was approximately 11 million Naira.

I went to my lodge and began my planning.

That girl that refused to answer me would see my new upgrade when I'm done.

I didn't think twice about the plan. I just executed it.

I borrowed money again and I went straight to the private hospital the man mentioned earlier.

I sat down at the reception with a huge smile on my face while waiting for the nurse to call me.

Finally I would be stinking rich.

I would buy iPhone first. Then a collection of Balenciaga.

Before going into icing my fingers and wrist.

I would be a star.

My name would be on Billboards and I will be a trend.

Finally I won't use buses to get to school.

One of the rude nurses sent me out of my virtual reality with a harsh voice, a voice that was obviously meant for a man.

She asked "How can I help you"

I replied "Am here for a donation to this prestigious hospital"

She stared at me and I know she regarded me as a sensible person, not knowing what I was about to donate.

She said "Okay, relax, we would attend to you shortly".

I was not in the mood to waste time so I began to lose my patience.

But I had to keep my cool real good.

After some minutes, she called me to meet the doctor.

My moment had come, let me go and do what has to be done with immediate effect!!

Money, here I come.

He sat me down and asked me "Welcome to Domingo's specialist hospital, what's your donation and your motive?"

Wait a minute!!

He thinks am here to donate money or what?

I had to make him know my motive, Couldn't he see my rough looks, I'm the one looking for money not trying to give.

Use your senses Doc!!

So I sheepishly said "I want to sell my kidney Sir"

There was a moment of silence, while I smiled looking at him and awaiting his reply.

He was shocked and took off his glasses to have a proper view of me. He was amazed of my utterance and the confidence I wielded.

Then after the pause, he said

"Are you joking here?"

I said "Sir, am serious, I want to sell my kidney with immediate effect".

He said "OK"

So that was it. Let's go then.

My joy knew no bounds, I was about to start jubilating until he brought out a Long form and kept it in front of me and it had places for my Parent's signatures, pledges, and spaces for all the details in my entire life.

I hate long processes a lot.

He asked "Who did you come here with?"

I had to answer this question with much tactics

I can lose this chance of pure redemption and salvation.

I replied "They are in the village, I stay in town"

He asked "Who do you live with"

I replied "Alone"

And I began to fill the form, then I came across the price of one kidney.

It read "Two million Naira only".

This was absolutely mind blowing and it got me pumped up with joy.

He held my hand and said "I needed an adult or an accomplice for the form to be approved"

Then I began to get angered

I began to scream "Doctor, it’s my kidney and I want to sell it, is it by force to have someone with me, I want to sell it right away" "Let me do this"

The Doctor got angry too and seized the form from me.

He said "Are you even an adult, am sure you are a desperate student” "If you want to make this work then follow our rules". “Rules keep this place running properly”

I looked at him with hatred, so this is the man standing in the way of my success.

I rushed and held him by his lab coat and began to threaten him.

"Was it even his kidney, I hated nonsense so much"

"Hey Doctor, look at me, I suffered to come here and you are telling me you won't do it"

"Ask about me, I will deal with you"

He was way stronger, he pushed me away and I staggered while trying to regain my balance.

Then he used the metallic part of his stethoscope on my head.

It got me properly. And I could feel swelling immediately.

He called for security and in no time, muscular vibrant men were inside amidst other nurses and others.

Everyone wanted knowing what was going on.

He tore the form and told me never to return to the hospital. He began to explain and he lied to make me look cruel.

The securities grabbed my hands and began to drag me.

I was speechless as I saw many faces staring at me.

I came across one of my uncles, before I could hide my face he had already spotted me.

He asked "What are you doing here" in front of everyone plus even the doctor.

The doctor was shocked and asked my Uncle if he knew me.

My Uncle then let everything out, that I'm his brother's child.

I was exposed at the spot. The Doctor told him all my lies about my parents in the village and others.

This annoyed my Uncle and he called my Dad and reported at the spot.

I tried faking a faint, but I was too shocked to do so.

He spoke with the Doctor and gave him some money for the trouble I caused, then he drove me home instantly.

My Dad was waiting outside, balanced at the door and tapping his leg.

He knocked me right on the swelling I got from the Doctor and began his usual questioning.

From why I wasn't in lectures

To why I faked my fees

To why I lied about him and mum

And why I wanted selling my kidney

He went as far as to say that he owns the kidney till am married.

It was then a collective scolding from Dad and Uncle while I was kneeling down.

But on the bright side

Mom gave me money and sent me back to school.

But my activities were seriously monitored and I totally avoided that hospital.

So much for being broke.

If you have been broke

Kindly comment where you fell to

Like have fun