lily

Chapter one

A New Dawn

As the first rays of dawn stretched across the horizon, casting a soft golden glow, Lily stirred from her restless slumber. Her dream of following in her father's footsteps as a veggies distributor had sparked a newfound sense of purpose within her.

Today, she would embark on a journey to the local market, seeking to acquire the fresh produce that would bring her one step closer to realizing her aspirations.

Alas!  her heart pounds as she realized the clock had already struck eight. Startled, she let out an exclamation and hastily leapt out of bed, urgently calling out, "Mother!" Receiving the weaving basket from her mother, she rushed off, her steps quick and desperate, muttering under her breath, "Who said I could afford to wake up late? I hope there's still something left at the market. I need to turn a profit."

With a surge of determination coursing through her veins, Lily hastily dressed herself in worn jeans and a faded cotton shirt, remnants of her father's wardrobe. The garments clung to her slender frame, bearing the marks of countless hours spent toiling under the weight of the world's burdens. It was a reflection of the hardships she had endured, a testament to the resilience etched deep within her.

Stepping out into the world, Lily made her way through the labyrinthine streets, her worn-out sneakers carrying her with purposeful strides. As she approached the local market, a stark contrast greeted her.

The bustling thoroughfare was teeming with life, an intricate tapestry of sights, sounds, and scents that told the story of a community grappling with poverty.
The market sprawled before Lily, a vibrant mosaic of makeshift stalls and tattered tarps billowing in the wind. Weathered vendors, their lined faces etched with tales of struggle, showcased their wares with pride and determination.

Colorful displays of fresh vegetables, vibrant despite their humble surroundings, beckoned passersby with their earthy allure.

Amidst the cacophony of voices bargaining for a fair price, Lily navigated the maze of haphazardly arranged stalls. The air carried the aroma of freshly picked greens and the faint scent of desperation, mingling together to create a unique fragrance that defined this microcosm of existence.

Lily's eyes scanned the array of produce before her, observing the varying degrees of quality and ripeness. The market's offerings were a reflection of the community it served—scarce, yet resilient in their ability to sustain those who relied upon them. She could see the telltale signs of economic hardship etched in the faces of the vendors, their eyes mirroring the struggles they faced each day.

With each step, Lily found herself immersed in a world that danced on the fringes of poverty. Threadbare clothing and worn-out shoes adorned the bodies of those who meandered through the stalls, their determination to secure sustenance evident despite their limited means. The market became a symbol of survival, where the aspirations of its visitors clashed with the stark realities of their circumstances.

Undeterred by the pervasive sense of struggle, Lily approached a weathered vendor, her eyes alight with hope and ambition. "Thank heavens, Mama Bisi," she said, catching her breath. "How much for these vegetables?
"One hundred and twenty naira,"Mama Bisi  replied, her voice tinged with concern. "You know the dollar's rise has affected prices across the market."

"Mama Bisi, please, I need six. Sell them to me," she pleaded. " With her heart filled with the dreams of carrying on her father's legacy, she engaged in a spirited negotiation, her youthful determination captivating the vendor's attention.

Just then, a voice called out Lily's name, interrupting the scene. It was her childhood friend, Sarah.

"Lily!" Sarah exclaimed, a wide smile lighting up her face. "I can't believe it's you! How long has it been?"

Returning the smile, Lily embraced her friend tightly. "Sarah, it's been an eternity! I've missed you. How have you been?"

Sarah's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh, you know, life has its share of ups and downs, but overall, I can't complain. And you? What have you been up to all these years?"

Lily's expression turned pensive. "Well, after my father's passing, life became an uphill battle. I had to support my mother and take on odd jobs to make ends meet. But I never let go of my dreams. I've saved every penny to pursue my education someday."

Sarah nodded empathetically. "You've always been tenacious and resilient, Lily. I have no doubt that you'll achieve remarkable things. So, what brings you here today?"

Excitement filled Lily's face. "I've started a small business, Sarah. I buy vegetables from the market and resell them for profit. It's not much, but it's a step towards my goals.

Sarah's eyes widened in astonishment. "That's incredible, Lily! I'm so proud of you.

Gratefulness laced Lily's voice. "Thank you, Sarah. But sometimes, when I see my friends heading off to university, pursuing their dreams, I can't help but wonder what could have been."

Sarah placed a comforting hand on Lily's shoulder. "Lily, everyone's journey is unique. We all face different challenges and take different paths. Don't compare yourself to others. Your strength and resilience are admirable. Trust that your time will come, and you'll turn your dreams into reality." Tears welled up in Lily's eyes as Sarah's words touched her deeply.

Lily wiped away her tears, grateful for Sarah's unwavering support. The warmth of their friendship provided solace in the face of uncertainty, reminding her that she was not alone in her struggles. Taking a deep breath, she regained her composure and looked at Sarah with renewed determination.

"You're right, Sarah. I shouldn't dwell on what could have been. Instead, I'll focus on what I can achieve with the opportunities I have. I may not have a university degree, but I have dreams, ambitions, and the will to make them a reality."

Sarah smiled, her eyes filled with admiration. "That's the spirit, Lily! Don't let anyone or anything dim your light. You have a unique journey ahead, and I believe great things are waiting for you."

Encouraged by Sarah's words, Lily turned her attention back to Mama Bisi, who patiently awaited her decision. "Mama Bisi, I'll take the six vegetables. How much is it again?"

Mama Bisi smiled warmly at Lily. "Since you're a regular customer, I'll give them to you for a hundred naira each. Consider it a token of support for your endeavors."

Lily's heart swelled with gratitude. "Thank you, Mama Bisi. Your kindness means the world to me."

With the vegetables securely in her basket, Lily bid farewell to Sarah and made her way home. As she walked, her mind raced with ideas on how to expand her small business and make it thrive. She knew it would require dedication, perseverance, and a bit of creativity.

Quote: A journey begins with the first steps taken at sunrise."