Mary woke up feeling restless. Tunde's visit still lingered in her mind. She couldn't shake the thought that what her mother asked her to do—take advantage of people—felt wrong, even if it brought results.
During breakfast, Mama Mary noticed her daughter's hesitation. "You are thinking too much, Mary," she said gently. "Opportunities don't wait. You must choose—move forward or stay behind."
Mary poked at her akara, her fingers trembling slightly. "Mother… what if I make the wrong choice? What if I hurt someone?"
Mama Mary's eyes softened. "Life is full of choices, my dear. You can't control how others feel. You can only control yourself and how wisely you act. Today is practice. Tomorrow, you grow stronger."
The rest of the morning passed in quiet reflection. Mary realized that every decision she made would carry consequences. It wasn't just about following her mother's plan—it was about learning how to navigate life carefully, without losing herself completely.
That afternoon, Mary walked through the busy streets of Lagos, observing people. She noticed how some moved with confidence, others with hesitation. She realized that even small actions could open doors—or close them.
By evening, Mary returned home with a quiet resolve. She would follow her mother's guidance, but she would also watch, think, and make decisions carefully. She didn't want to blindly follow; she wanted to learn and grow.
Mama Mary smiled knowingly as Mary recounted her observations. "Good," she said. "You are starting to understand. Each choice is a lesson, Mary. Keep learning, and soon, the world will notice you."
Mary lay in bed that night, feeling a mix of fear and excitement. She didn't know what the future held, but she knew one thing: she was no longer just her mother's daughter. She was beginning to become her own person.