Episode 1 – “Water & Hustle”

Scene 1: The Streets of Lagos

(Sun blazes overhead. Ebere Winfrleid, 19, walks through the busy market with a large bowl of pure water sachets balanced on her head. She wears a simple wrapper, faded from use, her feet covered in worn-out slippers. Sweat glistens on her dark skin as she moves through the crowd.)

Customer 1 (Man in his 30s, grinning): "Fine girl! Give me two pure water. How much?"

Ebere: "It’s 100 naira for one, 200 naira for two."

(The man hands her the money, but his eyes aren’t on the water—he’s staring at her chest.)

Customer 1 (chuckling): "Ah-ah, see as your front full. You sure say you never born?"

Ebere (deadpan): "Do you want change or should I keep moving?"

Customer 1 (laughs, waving her off): "Go jare, but no forget me when you blow. Fine girl like you no suppose dey sell water."

(Ebere sighs and moves to another part of the market. Another customer, a woman, waves her down.)

Customer 2 (Older woman): "Abeg, give me one. Ah-ah, see as you fine! Your face be like person wey suppose dey television!"

Ebere (smiles faintly): "Thank you, ma."

(She sells more water, her head high, but inside, she feels the sting of their words. Why does everything have to be about her body?)

Scene 2: Ebere’s Small Apartment

(Ebere enters a cramped one-room apartment. The walls have cracks, the fan barely turns, and a small mattress sits on the floor. Clothes—mostly wrappers—hang on a string by the window. The air is hot, stuffy.)

(She places the empty bowl on the table, stretches her back, and sits down. Just as she begins to rest, there’s a loud bang on the door.)

Landlord (GREEDY, 50s, potbelly, loud voice): "Ebere! Open this door!"

(Ebere groans, stands up, and opens the door. The landlord, Mr. Ojo, barges in.)

Mr. Ojo: "Where my money? Na end of the month be this!"

Ebere: "Sir, I just came back from work. I will give you something tomorrow."

Mr. Ojo (frowns, eyes scanning her wrapper): "Which tomorrow? You dey wear wrapper like village girl, but you never fail to find food chop. You think say I be mumu?"

Ebere (firmly): "I will pay you. Just give me time."

Mr. Ojo (scoffs): "If you no pay by tomorrow night, you go pack commot. No money, no room!"

(He storms out, slamming the door behind him. Ebere sighs, rubbing her temples. She looks around her tiny space—her reality. But she refuses to let it define her.)

(She sits down, picks up an old notebook, and starts writing. It’s a script—her escape, her dream. One day, she won’t have to sell water. One day, she’ll own her own movie studio.)

(FADE OUT.)

End of Episode 1.

Episode 2 – “Rent & Reality”

Scene 1: Ebere’s Small Apartment

(The sun rises over Lagos. Inside her cramped apartment, Ebere sits on her mattress, staring at a crumpled piece of paper in her hand. It’s her rent notice—bold red letters at the bottom read: “PAY BY TOMORROW OR LEAVE.”)

Ebere (muttering): "25,000 naira... Where will I find this money?"

(She sighs, rubbing her forehead. Selling pure water barely gives her enough for food. Now, she has to come up with 25,000 naira overnight? Her stomach growls, but she ignores it. No time for hunger—she has to hustle.)

(She stands up, ties her wrapper tightly, and grabs her bowl. She steps out, ready to hit the streets again.)

Scene 2: The Busy Streets

(Ebere walks through the bustling market, the large bowl of pure water balanced perfectly on her head. She moves with purpose, ignoring the catcalls, the stares, the whispers.)

Customer 1 (Young man, grinning): "Ah-ah, my water seller don come again! How much today?"

Ebere: "100 naira per one."

(He hands her 200 naira and takes two sachets but doesn’t move.)

Customer 1 (smirking): "Ebere, why you no dey smile for me? You too fine to dey frown like this."

Ebere (flatly): "I’m working."

Customer 1: "Leave work small, make we talk—"

Ebere (cuts him off): "Do you want more water or not?"

(The man laughs, waves her off. Ebere moves on.)

(An older woman calls her over.)

Customer 2 (Mama Nkechi): "My daughter, give me three pure water."

(Ebere hands them over. Mama Nkechi gives her 300 naira and pauses, looking at her closely.)

Mama Nkechi (softly): "You look tired, my dear. Have you eaten today?"

Ebere (forcing a smile): "I’m fine, ma."

(The older woman nods but doesn’t look convinced. She pulls out a small bag of puff-puff and hands it to Ebere.)

Mama Nkechi: "Take this. A strong girl like you needs energy."

(Ebere hesitates, then takes it, touched by the kindness.)

Ebere (softly): "Thank you, ma."

(She eats one puff-puff as she continues walking. She needs to sell everything before nightfall. She needs that 25,000 naira—or she’ll be sleeping on the street tomorrow.)

(FADE OUT.)

End of Episode 2.

Episode 3 – “Desperation & Determination”

Scene 1: The Market Hustle

(Ebere is back in the market, pure water bowl balanced on her head, determination in her eyes. She hasn’t made enough money yet—she’s still far from 25,000 naira. The sun blazes down, sweat dripping down her face, but she keeps moving.)

Customer 1 (Middle-aged man, smirking): "Ebere! You dey shine today! Give me three pure water."

Ebere: "300 naira."

(He hands her the money but doesn’t take the water immediately. Instead, he leans closer.)

Customer 1: "You sabi say you fit make plenty money if you use your beauty well? This your naysh and front no suppose dey waste."

(Ebere stiffens, forcing herself not to react.)

Ebere (calmly): "Take your water."

(The man laughs, finally taking his sachets. Ebere walks away quickly, jaw clenched. She’s heard it all before. She’s tired of it. Tired of people thinking her body is more valuable than her mind.)

(She continues selling, pushing through the exhaustion. As night starts to fall, she counts her earnings—only 9,500 naira. Not even half of what she needs.)

Scene 2: The Greedy Landlord Returns

(Ebere enters her small apartment, drops the empty bowl, and sinks onto her mattress. Before she can even breathe, there’s a loud knock at the door.)

Mr. Ojo (Landlord, impatient): "Ebere! Open this door before I break am!"

(Ebere groans, dragging herself up to open the door. Mr. Ojo stomps inside, arms crossed.)

Mr. Ojo: "Where my money?"

Ebere (quietly): "I have 9,500. I just need time—"

Mr. Ojo (laughs mockingly): "9,500? You dey joke? My friend, if you no get my complete money by tomorrow night, you go pack your load commot!"

(He eyes her up and down, a greasy smirk forming.)

Mr. Ojo (lowering his voice): "Unless… we fit make small arrangement."

(Ebere tenses. She knows exactly what he’s implying. Her stomach twists in disgust.)

Ebere (firmly): "I will pay you. The right way."

Mr. Ojo (scoffs): "Na you sabi. No money, no room. Tomorrow night—last chance."

(He storms out, slamming the door. Ebere sinks onto the mattress, staring at the ceiling. Her heart pounds. 25,000 by tomorrow? Impossible. She grips her fists, tears stinging her eyes—but she refuses to cry.)

(She sits up, thinking fast. There has to be another way. She won’t let this greedy man win. She won’t let her dreams die here. And she definitely won’t let anyone take advantage of her.)

(FADE OUT.)

End of Episode 3.

Episode 4 – “The Hustle Pays”

Scene 1: The Final Push

(The sun isn’t even up yet, but Ebere is already out on the streets. Her wrapper is tied tightly, her bowl balanced perfectly on her head. Today is her last chance—she needs to make 15,500 naira before nightfall, or she’s homeless.)

(She moves faster than ever, stopping at every corner, every busy street, every crowded bus stop.)

Ebere (calling out): "Pure water! Cold pure water!"

(A bus conductor waves her over. A group of passengers scramble to buy.)

Passenger 1: "Give me two!"

Passenger 2: "Me four!"

Passenger 3: "Give me change, abeg!"

(Ebere moves swiftly, handing out sachets, collecting money, counting change. The sun is hot, her feet ache, but she doesn’t stop. Not today.)

(By midday, she checks her money—8,000 naira. She’s close, but not close enough.)

(She takes a deep breath and keeps moving.)

Scene 2: A Helping Hand

(At the market, she spots Mama Nkechi—the kind woman from yesterday. Ebere approaches her, hopeful.)

Ebere: "Good afternoon, ma. Do you need pure water today?"

Mama Nkechi (smiling): "Of course, my daughter! Give me five."

(Ebere hands over the sachets, and Mama Nkechi gives her 1,000 naira. But before Ebere can put the money away, Mama Nkechi adds another 2,000.)

Ebere (confused): "Ma, this is too much—"

Mama Nkechi (softly): "I know you're struggling, my dear. Use it well."

(Ebere blinks rapidly, swallowing hard. She bows slightly.)

Ebere (whispering): "Thank you, ma. God bless you."

(She quickly wipes her eyes and keeps going. No time to get emotional—she still has work to do.)

Scene 3: The Last Sale

(The sun starts to set. Ebere counts her earnings—24,500 naira. She’s only 500 naira short! Her heart pounds. Just one more push.)

(She spots a fancy-looking woman fanning herself at the roadside.)

Ebere (hurrying over): "Aunty, cold pure water?"

Woman (frowning at the heat): "Ah! Give me five."

(Ebere hands them over. The woman gives her a 1,000 naira note and waves off the change.)

Woman: "Keep it. You dey try."

(Ebere stares at the money in shock. She did it. She has the full 25,000 naira.)

(Her body sags with relief, but she doesn’t celebrate yet. She rushes home.)

Scene 4: Paying the Landlord

(Night falls. Ebere stands at Mr. Ojo’s door, knocking firmly.)

Mr. Ojo (grinning as he opens the door): "Ebere. You bring my money or we go discuss another arrangement?"

(Ebere slams the exact 25,000 naira into his hand, her face stone-cold.)

Ebere: "Count it."

(Mr. Ojo, clearly disappointed, slowly counts the money. When he finishes, he clicks his tongue and steps aside.)

Mr. Ojo: "You lucky. But next month—"

Ebere (firmly): "I will pay you. Don’t ever ask me for anything else."

(She turns and walks away before he can reply. Inside her small room, she finally exhales, sinking onto the mattress. She did it. She hustled, she worked, and she won. Tomorrow, she would do it all over again—but tonight, just for a moment, she lets herself rest.)

(FADE OUT.)

End of Episode 4.

Episode 5 – “The Job Hunt”

Scene 1: Preparing for the Interview

(Ebere sits in her small, dimly lit room, thinking aloud to herself.)

Ebere (muttering): "At least I sabi small English. My school, St. Matthew's Community School, teach me well."

(She glances at the old wrapper tied around her body and frowns.)

Ebere (scoffs): "This wrapper no go let me carry cloth from my bag."

(She finally pulls out a piece of Ankara fabric. It’s big enough to cover her chest, but it’s not exactly formal. She sighs, adjusting it around her body, then finds a long skirt that she hasn't worn in months. It's slightly faded but still neat.)

(After dressing, she stands in front of her small mirror and nods to herself. It’s not perfect, but it will do.)

Scene 2: Borrowing a Phone

(Ebere steps outside her room and knocks on a neighbor’s door. A young man named Tunde opens up, rubbing his eyes like he was just napping.)

Tunde (yawning): "Ebere, wetin happen?"

Ebere: "Abeg, make I use your phone. I wan search for a school—Cherryville Academy."

Tunde (raising a brow): "Cherryville Academy? Na big school o!"

Ebere: "I know. But I need a job."

(Tunde shrugs and hands her his phone. She quickly types "Cherryville Academy" into Google and finds the address—it's real. Located in the richer part of the city. Her heart races. Could she really work there?)

(She memorizes the address, thanks Tunde, and hurries off.)

Scene 3: Arriving at Cherryville Academy

(The gates of Cherryville Academy are huge. The school looks fancy, with well-dressed students and clean, modern buildings. Ebere swallows hard, suddenly feeling very aware of her simple clothes.)

(She approaches the security guard at the gate.)

Ebere: "Good afternoon, sir. I—I want to apply for a job."

Guard (eyeing her skeptically): "Job? You sure say you no lost?"

Ebere (standing firm): "I am not lost, sir. I saw online that you are hiring. Please, I want to see the head of department."

(The guard shrugs and lets her in. She walks into the main office, where she meets Mr. Bami, the Head of Department, and Mr. Jeffery, the Vice Principal.)

Scene 4: The Interview

(Mr. Bami, a tall man with glasses, gestures for Ebere to sit. He glances at a piece of paper, then looks at her.)

Mr. Bami: "So, you are here to apply for a job. What position are you looking for?"

Ebere (nervous but trying to be confident): "Sir, I can clean, I can teach small children, I can even cook."

Mr. Jeffery (raising a brow): "Do you have any experience?"

Ebere: "No official experience, sir. But I took care of my younger cousins. I also helped in my church children’s class sometimes."

Mr. Bami: "Hmm. What level of education do you have?"

Ebere: "I finished secondary school, sir. St. Matthew's Community School."

(Mr. Bami and Mr. Jeffery exchange looks. Mr. Bami leans forward, adjusting his glasses.)

Mr. Bami: "Can you read and write?"

Ebere (nodding quickly): "Yes, sir. I can read and write well."

(Mr. Bami slides a piece of paper across the table.)

Mr. Bami: "Alright. Read this sentence for me."

*(Ebere picks up the paper and reads slowly but clearly: "Education is the key to a brighter future.")

(Mr. Bami nods, satisfied.)

Mr. Jeffery: "Alright, one last thing. If a child is crying in class, what will you do?"

Ebere (thinking for a moment): "I will kneel and ask them what is wrong. If they are hungry, I will give them water. If they miss their mama, I will sing to them. Children like music."

(Mr. Bami smiles.)

Mr. Bami: "That’s a good answer."

(He writes something down and then looks up at her.)

Mr. Bami: "Okay, Ebere. Come back on Monday. Our school owner, Miss Gloria, will be around. She will decide if you get the job."

(Ebere nods, holding back her excitement. She stands, bows slightly, and thanks them before leaving.)

Scene 5: A New Hope

(As Ebere steps out of Cherryville Academy, she takes a deep breath and smiles for the first time in days. She isn’t hired yet, but she’s one step closer.)

(She whispers to herself.)

Ebere: "I fit do this. I go get this job."

(FADE OUT.)

End of Episode 5.