One Ticket, One Entry

I remember the day like it just happened yesterday, the day I found a ticket that changed everything .....well, almost everything.

So , It was a hot Friday afternoon, and I had just stepped out of my friend Tife’s house after spending the entire morning lamenting about how life had just been on a standstill for me , No job, no new opportunity, just the same routine every day, you know that kind of mood where even breathing feels like work? ... That was me. On my way home, I stopped by one of those old roadside stalls that sell gala and cold minerals,as I was about to pay for my Coke when something caught my eye right beside the vendor's stool, a slightly crumpled, shiny paper lying there like it had been waiting for me.

So i bent to pick it up and It was a concert ticket.

“Eh? Tiwa Savage live in concert?” I said out loud, staring at the ticket.

The vendor looked at me and laughed, “That one don tey there, Maybe person forget am.”

I flipped the ticket over, The date was for the next day, Time was 7pm. And the venue was right in the city.

“Wetin concern me? Na sign be this,” I said to myself.

I didn’t even think twice, I cleaned the ticket and stuffed it inside my bag like someone just gave me visa to America, That night, I didn’t even care that I was eating garri and groundnut again, I had a plan.

The next day, I wore my best blue jeans and the fine off shoulder top that I have only worn once,i tied my scarf in a cute turban style, wore my silver sandals, and headed out like one superstar.

As I got to the gate of the venue, the crowd was mad, People were screaming, taking selfies, posting videos, and already dancing to DJ tunes blasting through the speakers.

When it got to my turn, I handed the ticket over like I was the main act.

The security guy scanned it, then looked at me.

“Sorry miss, this ticket is already scanned, It has been used,” he said.

Wait… what Ah! ? I blinked.

So It is not valid again ? Maybe someone dropped it after entering.

I just stood there like someone that misplaced destiny, i felt my legs shaking too, you know that moment where you want to vanish into the ground?

Just as I turned around, face hot with embarrassment, I heard a familiar voice shout, “Simi? Is that you?”

I turned and saw Pearls my coursemate from back then, She ran over, hugging me. “What are you doing here?”

I explained everything, from the vendor to the excitement to the disappointment.

She laughed, “Girl! I have an extra ticket, my cousin cancelled last minute, please come in with me jare.”

I was stunned, “Are you serious? You sure?”

She smiled, “Why not? Let’s go and enjoy life small.”

And that is how I went from heartbroken at the gate to vibing front row with my girl, singing every Tiwa song like I was in a music video.

Sometimes, life just gives you used tickets, only to now bring the real one through someone else.

That day, I did not just watch a concert, I got a reminder that what is yours will not pass you by , even if it comes with a little embarrassment first.

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