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163
Dinner With My Years
<p>Few hours to midnight.</p><p>Sighing, "I can't believe I've come this far". I said looking down the table.</p><p>They all look so pretty.</p><p>4 is laughing at something 10 said.</p><p>1 is in the warm hands of 13 laughing at nothing.</p><p>2 is running round, falling, but that doesn't stop her from getting up and trying again.</p><p>6 is learning how to read, proud of every progress she makes. </p><p>5 is drawing on walls and calling it art.</p><p>11 and 12 are discussing in hushed voices.</p><p>3 is nowhere to be found, probably up to some mischief.</p><p>Oh there she is, pulling on 9's hair </p><p>14 is quiet, battling with social anxiety but failing</p><p>16 is staring at her phone, pretending she's okay .</p><p>19 walked in with admission letter and fear in her eyes.</p><p>20 is exhausted but determined.</p><p>And at the head of the table?</p><p>Me...21</p><p>My last night as 21</p><p>I could hear 22 knocking already </p><p>Taking a deep breath, I said :</p><p>"Before 22 walks in...let's talk".</p><p>And talk we did </p><p>We passed around memories like plates</p><p>Some were sweet. Some were bitter. But they taught us.</p><p><br/></p><p>14 spoke first "I wish I don't have to battle with social anxiety. I wish i didn't suck at making friends"</p><p>Smiling at her, I said "I know. But we tried out best regardless."</p><p>16 finally looked away from her screen "I wish I knew my worth earlier."</p><p>I answered"You were always worthy, we just didn't see it "</p><p>19 said "I wish I didn't have to write JAMB 3 times before getting into school. I'm older than most of my friends."</p><p>I smiled " I know but we couldn't do anything about it. God's timing was perfect"</p><p>20 said "I'm tired"</p><p>I squeezed her hand "Rest, you've earned it. You've held on for so long"</p><p>7 said, "Don't forget to play sometimes "</p><p>Smiling, I ruffled her hair </p><p>Looking at everyone of them, I smiled</p><p>"Thank you for not breaking. Thank you for the laugh, the losses, the lessons. Thank you for the tears that taught me to pray.</p><p>The pressure was much sometimes. The waiting. The questions. The what's next?</p><p>But you didn't quit ...all of you. And because of you all... I'm ready. 22 will be here any moment now. And you all have helped build the woman 22 is about to become."</p><p>18 is trying but failing to hide her tears. Always the emotional one.</p><p>I continued, "Tomorrow I begin again. Wiser. Stronger. Carrying all 21 of you with me. </p><p>But tonight, let's sit at be table a little longer."</p>
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Other insights from Tari Elise
Tari Elise
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Tari Elise
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
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