23/08/2025
THE BOY THEY COUNTED OUT
By Author Presh
I was thirteen when my father left us.
Mama said he went to find greener pastures in the city. But I knew the truth. He left because he was tired. Tired of poverty, tired of providing for us. And when he left, everything broke.
Our relatives didn’t hide their resentment.
“Your father abandoned you. What do you even think will become of this boy?” Uncle Ifeanyi scoffed one morning when Mama asked for help with my school fees.
I wanted to answer, but Mama’s hand gripped mine. “Silence is dignity,” she whispered.
So I kept quiet. But I made a promise to myself, I would never let that be the end of my story.
I worked in the mornings before school, and helped Mama fry akara in the evenings. At school, I listened more than I spoke, often hungry because I ate little or nothing at home, always determined.
There were nights I read under the moonlight with swollen eyes and an empty stomach. Nights Mama would sneak the last piece of yam into my plate, pretending she wasn’t hungry.
One day, the school announced a state-wide science competition. I almost didn’t register. Who was I, the boy who patched sandals with wire, to compete against children from private schools?
But my teacher, Mr. Bassey, said, “Ugo, you are not your circumstances. Please register and Compete.”
So I did.
I wore an oversized shirt on the day of the competition. My hands shook as I held the mic. But when I started speaking, something shifted.
I didn't remember the murmurs, the laughter, the pity. I just spoke.
Three weeks later, they called my name on the assembly ground. I had won first place in the competition. I was so my happy.
A woman from Abuja had watched the final round. She sponsored my education, from that moment till university.
Now, I write this from my office as an engineer. Mama has her own shop. The same uncle who laughed at me now brings his sons to me for mentorship.
So when people say, “Ugo, you came out of nothing,” I smile.
Because I didn’t come out of nothing.
I came out of faith.
I came out of a mother’s prayers.
I came out of rejection, yes! but into purpose.
DEAREST READERS;
If they’ve counted you out, remember, numbers lie when God is still counting.😁👍