Episode 4 – “The Hustle Pays”

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.

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