She grumbled inwardly. This wasn't the amount she expected after the detailed and exaggerated explanation of her needs. Her father could detect the disappointment on her crestfallen look. He smiled instead. “ Manage it, and go back to school. I will see if I can do more before long.”

Somchi flounced away, pulling a long face. 

Every thought on her mind was how she would fit in.

The first semester of her first year was over. And after everything she saw: glittery ladies and fat purse; ballers and million dollar shirts, she was determined not to return empty. But with the outcome of her father's intervention, she wasn't sure how she would survive.

She thought of how to meet up. She only had three more days before she returned. Yet, the money her father provided would only cater for foodstuffs in small quantities.

Somchi balled her first, “ why can't he be like other fathers?!”

Her phone vibrated and it was her bestie calling.

After over thirty minutes of discussion, Somchi was convinced she had to do something. And she must do it real quick. But the only thing that crossed her mind was hawking fruits.

“Urrhgg! Not that again.”

She called her bestie again and managed to extract information on  the source of her income. The reply was simple, “ my father affords most of it, and my boyfriend fills up.”

That only served to irritate Somchi even more.

Three days came and it was time to leave for school. She said goodbyes. Her father wore a smile above the deep concern that he was not doing enough for her.

The minute her feet touched the university ground, she flew to her bestie's. " I need a boyfriend," she said, burning with desire and determination.

Her bestie's roommate shot her a critical glare. “ Why do you need a boyfriend?”

" Why do you have one?" Somchi retorted and the girl threw her hands in surrender.

" I could hook you up with a friend's friend," her bestie took her aside and whispered. “ We will be leaving tonight by nine.”

Somchi was relieved and thanked her. Everything she ever wanted was now at an arm's length. Soon, she could get whatever she wanted and money wouldn't be a problem.

That evening, her father sent ten thousand naira to her account. She hissed the moment she received the alert, waiting excitedly for nine to come.

Few minutes to nine, Somchi received a message from an unknown number, “ If you love your life, stay home. She wants to trade you.”

Defiantly, she went to their meeting spot but the girl was gone before she arrived. She couldn't believe her best friend could abandon her, and she cried back to her hostel.

The girl never returned. Three days later, her body was found in a drainage. In a panic, Somchi called her father crying. She had lost her best friend, but she would learn that he has been in a hospital for four days fighting for his life after he fell from a roof.  

From her hostel to the hospital, she couldn't stop thinking that he fell because of her. 

Leaning on his chest, she cried, "Daddy, I'm sorry. I promise to be better.”