Growing up, we did some different things in our childhood period that live on and create everlasting memories which live on even when we grow old. During our childhood, we meet people, do some things, travel to some places and just create amazing moments. Some might be funny and some might be tragic but at the end of the day, we all learn from it. Today I will be sharing with you one of my childhood memories that till now when I remember this, it makes me laugh so hard.
Alright enough of that, back to the topic today. I'll always remember my childhood in Kogi with mixed feelings of nostalgia and cringe. Lagos, where hustle is a way of life. I was 11 years old, thinking I knew it all and could conquer everything. I believe many of us can relate to that stage of life growing up when you think you have all the knowledge of the world and feel complete. I lived with my parents and my brother, Chuka.
Chuka was older than me close to 3-4 years ahead even though when people see us, they always think I am much older probably because of my height because Chucka happens to be a little shorter than I am. He took after my mom. And one thing is he didn't abide by the same standards of responsibility as most elder brothers I knew. He was known for being mischievous and getting into trouble, while I, the younger, was a typical teenage boy on the verge of puberty.
There is this one certain bright afternoon that I can never forget, as I was watching the new Spiderman movie on TV in our living room, I believe many of us must have watched that movie and how interesting it is. I remember watching that same series over and over again. He strolled out with a smirk on his face, indicating that he was up to no good.
"Meks my guy," Chuka began, with a dramatic pause, "I have some world-changing news for you."
I was always wary of Chuka's pranks, so I looked up suspiciously but at the same time, I was so anxious and optimistic about the world-changing news he has. "What is it this time, Chuka? Last time you told me our house was built on an ancient burial ground!"
Chuka chuckled. "Oh, that was nothing compared to this. You see, I'm at that age now, the age when boys become men."
Now that caught me with so much surprise because I was wondering what he meant by boys becoming men. Don't forget I said he is older than I am by 3-4 years ahead. I blinked in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
Chuka leaned in closer, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Puberty, man. It's coming for you, and it's coming hard!"
My eyes widened in alarm and still don't understand what he is talking about. "Puberty? What do you mean?"
Chuka put on a grave expression. "Oh, it's a terrifying phase of life. You're going to grow hair everywhere, even on your ears and nose. And your voice? It's going to crack like an egg being dropped from Kilimanjaro."
Looking at him with uncertainty of what to say and imagining My face slowly turned pale as I imagined myself sprouting hair in all the wrong places and my voice becoming hoarse. "Is there anything I can do to stop it?"
Chuka pretended to think for a moment. "Well, I heard there's a ritual, but don't tell anyone or it will spoil the ritual. You have to give me your pieces of meat and half of your daily school allowance for a month while raising one leg and singing the Spider-Man song. Only then will you be saved from the puberty god."
My eyes widened further. "Are you serious?"
With the straightest face he could make, Chuka said, "Yes."
With so much happiness I have now a way to be free from this and still maintain this smooth lovely baby face ever and ever. Thinking I am and will be free from this puberty that will be coming I started my ritual on Monday, giving Chuka my pieces of meat and allowance, and singing the Spider-Man song at night before going to bed.
On Thursday, while singing my ritual song, my mom was walking past my room and heard me. She walked into my room and screamed, "Are you possessed? Why is your hand raised and why are you singing this song at this time of night?"
I explained that it was for my puberty-stopping ritual. She came up laughing, concluding, "Puberty is a natural part of growing up, and it's nothing to be afraid of." It occurs to everyone."I breathed a sigh of relief, but I was still a little ashamed for falling for Chuka's joke.
Mom grinned. "That's what big brothers are for, little bro. To have a little fun at your expense."
Even I couldn't help but chuckle. "Just wait and see what I'll do to your brother.", She said. Let's just say Chuka got his fair share of Mom's slippers that night. Don't you just love karma?
Our bond went sour for the next two weeks, but we eventually got over it. As I grew older and faced the challenges of puberty head-on, I knew I could always count on Chuka for a good laugh and some well-intentioned, albeit mischievous, advice.