Chapter 2
Chapter Two: Back Home Reality.
The house felt smaller than Akwasi remembered.
It wasnt that anything had changed physicallythe same wooden chairs, the same faded curtains hung by the windows, the same quiet compoundbut something about being back without a clear plan made everything feel tighter.
He dropped his bag near the door and looked around.
"Home sweet Home" silently said to himself. At this point he was only happy about the free from campus stress without knowing the worst one is underway...
Just a few days ago, this place had felt like resta break from school stress, assignments, and exams. Now, it felt different.
Now, it felt like waiting.
---
That evening, his mother Auntie Cici sat across from him, sorting vegetables into a bowl, about to prepare some local soup with fufu "nkate konto" groundnut soup mix coco yam leaves
Boadu, she called gently.
Yes, Ma?
She didnt look up immediately. Have you heard from any of the places you applied to?
Akwasi shifted in his seat. Not yet, Cici. They said they will call.
She nodded slowly. Hmm.
The silence that followed stretched longer than usual.
Just keep trying, she added. Time is going.
I will, Akwasi replied, though even he wasnt sure what that meant anymore.
---
The next morning, Akwasi woke up later than he intended.
There was no rush.
No lecture to attend.
No assignment to submit.
He lay on the bed, staring at his phone, scrolling through social media.
Pictures from graduation were everywheresmiling faces, congratulatory messages, captions filled with hope.
The future is bright!
Next stop: success!
Akwasi sighed and dropped the phone beside him.
It all felt true and not true at the same time.
---
He finally got up and stepped outside.
The compound was already alive.
His mother was preparing to leave for the market, tying her cloth firmly around her waist.
Youre up, she said.
Yes, Ma.
Eat something before you go out.
Akwasi hesitated. I will go out later.
She paused and looked at him briefly, then nodded. Okay.
There was nothing else to say.
---
By mid-morning, the heat had settled in.
The sun was already rising, spreading its heat across the town. The street was alivetraders arranging their goods, workers hurrying to offices, and school children in neat uniforms rushing past with backpacks bouncing behind them.
Akwasi walked slowly down the street, hands in his pockets, trying to look like he had somewhere to go.
He stood quietly for a moment, watching life move forward while he felt stuck in place.
Ei Akwasi! a familiar voice called.
He turned to see his neighbor, Uncle Kojo, approaching with his usual energy.
So now you are a graduate! the man said proudly.
Akwasi smiled politely. Yes, please.
Very good, very good. The man nodded. You have done well.
Thank you.
So where are you working now?
The question came quickly, casually.
Akwasi felt it before he could respond.
Im still applying, he said.
Ohh okay, the man replied, his tone changing slightly. You will get something soon.
Akwasi nodded. I hope so.
Uncle Kojo smiled again, but it was not the same as before. Just dont sit at home too much. You understand?
Yes, Akwasi said quietly.
As the man walked away, Akwasi stood still for a moment.
"Dont sit at home too much"
The words stayed with him.
Akwasi exhaled slowly.
That questionWhere are you working?always sounded simple. Yet to him, it was becoming a daily reminder of uncertainty, as if everyone expected an answer he didnt yet have.
And each time he heard it, it felt less like conversation and more like a test he was slowly failing.
---
Later that day, he decided to visit an old classmate who lived nearby.
Maybe talking would help.
He found him sitting outside, scrolling through his phone.
“Akwasi! Long time! the friend said, standing up.
Yeah, Akwasi replied. How are you?
Im good. Just waiting for posting.
Akwasi nodded. Same here.
They sat together in silence for a moment.
So what are your plans? the friend asked.
Akwasi shrugged. Apply for jobs. See what happens.
The friend laughed lightly. My brother, its not easy o.
Akwasi smiled faintly. Im beginning to see that.
---
In the afternoon, Akwasi returned home and sat with his laptop.
He opened a blank document.
His CV.
He stared at it for a long time without typing.
Then slowly, he began to edit.
Add something here.
Remove something there.
Change the format.
Adjust the wording.
It felt like he was trying to fix something deeper than just a document.
---
Evening came quietly.
His mother returned from the market, looking tired.
How was your day? she asked.
Fine, Akwasi replied.
You went out?
A little.
She nodded and placed her bag down.
“Akwasi, she said after a moment, you know life is not easy.
I know, Ma.
But you have come this far. Dont relax now.
I wont. Akwasi answered
She looked at him, as if trying to read something on his face, then turned away.
---
That night, Akwasi sat outside on a small bench.
The air was cooler now, and the sounds of the day had softened.
He watched people pass bysome returning from work, others still moving with purpose.
A young boy ran past him, laughing.
A woman called out to someone across the street.
Life was moving.
Steadily.
Without waiting.
Akwasi leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
For the first time since graduation, a thought came to him clearly.
This is not going to be easy.
Not the way he imagined.
Not the way everyone said it would be.
He looked up at the dark sky.
Where do I even start? he asked softly.
There was no answer.
Only the quiet understanding that whatever came next
He would have to face it himself.
