The weight of the world bore down on Kel as he emerged from his criminal law and procedure class, the ominous cloud of exams looming ever closer. Navigating the bustling walkways of Lakeview University, he felt like an outsider among his carefree peers, their laughter and idle chatter a stark contrast to the heavy burden he carried.

Clutching his backpack tightly, Kel's mind drifted to the events that had brought him to this pivotal moment. It was a miracle he had even made it this far, defying the odds stacked against him. The memory of that fateful night five years ago still haunted him, the echoes of screeching tires and shattering glass forever etched into his mind.

In the blink of an eye, his world had crumbled, his parents taken from him in a ghastly accident that left him orphaned and drowning in a sea of debt. The only lifeline had been the modest family home, which he had been forced to sell, using every last cent to settle the financial burden his father had left behind.

Kel's phone vibrated in his pocket, jolting him back to reality. It was a message from his part-time employer, reminding him of his shift later that evening. He sighed heavily, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him like an anvil.

Balancing his studies with the demands of his job was a constant struggle, but one he had no choice but to endure. Every cent he earned went towards keeping his dreams afloat, paying for tuition, books, and the endless expenses that came with pursuing higher education.

As he made his way across the sprawling campus, Kel couldn't help but feel envious of his fellow students, their paths seemingly paved with privilege and opportunity. For him, the road had been fraught with obstacles, each step a hard-fought battle against the relentless tide of adversity.

Kel's phone vibrated again, and he glanced down to see Funi's name flashing on the screen, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He swiped to answer, her melodic voice instantly filling his ear.

"Baby m," she greeted warmly. "How was your day?"

"Rough," Kel admitted with a weary sigh. "Criminal law and procedure was a killer, and these exams are really starting to weigh on me."

"Aw, I'm sorry to hear that," Funi cooed sympathetically. "But you've got this, Kel. You're the smartest guy I know."

Kel couldn't help but chuckle at her unwavering faith in him. "I don't know about that, but I appreciate the vote of confidence."

"So, where are you headed now?" she inquired.

"Back to my lodge for a little rest before my shift at Grillz & Booze tonight," he replied, already feeling the fatigue settle into his bones.

"Perfect!" Funi exclaimed. "Can you do me a favor and pick up some roasted corn and pears from that vendor in the street market? The one by the mango tree?"

Kel's heart sank a little. His meager funds were already stretched thin, and indulging in such luxuries seemed like a distant dream. But he knew better than to deny Funi's requests outright.

"Uh, yeah, sure," he agreed reluctantly. "I'll see what I can do."

Funi must have sensed his hesitation, because her tone softened. "Baby m, if money's tight, don't worry about it. I know you're working your ass off as it is."

"No, no, it's fine," Kel insisted, not wanting to disappoint her. "I'll find a way to make it work."

"You're the best, you know that?" Funi gushed, her affection evident in every word.

Kel couldn't help but smile, her infectious positivity lifting his spirits. "You go dey chop me dey whine me," he replied playfully. "Nobody does it better than you."

Funi laughed and quickly cleared her throat, "What's that? Don't be saying things like that. Aren't I your baby again?"

"Oya, sorry --sorry."

As they exchanged farewells and hung up, Kel couldn't help but feel a surge of determination coursing through his veins. Funi's belief in him was unwavering, and he refused to let her down, no matter the cost.

With a renewed sense of purpose, he set off towards the street market, the vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas filling his senses. He knew that the roasted corn and pears would put a significant dent in his already strained budget, but in that moment, it seemed like a small price to pay for the chance to put a smile on Funi's face.

With a deep breath and a silent prayer, Kel trotted down the street market, ready to negotiate and haggle his way to securing Funi's request, no matter the sacrifices required. In that instant, Funi's joy became the only currency that mattered, surpassing any financial struggle.

The vibrant street market was a cacophony of sights, sounds, and tantalizing aromas, with vendors hawking their wares in an effort to lure passersby. Kel weaved his way through the bustling crowd, the scent of roasted corn and salted pear guiding him like a beacon towards the aged woman's stall.

As he approached, he couldn't help but admire the weathered lines etched onto her face, each crease a testament to a life well-lived and battles hard-won. Her eyes twinkled with a mischievous glint as she caught sight of him, her toothy grin revealing a playful spirit that belied her advanced years.

"Ah, oga mi!" she called out in a raspy voice. "Come, come! My roasted corn is the best in the market. Tested and trusted."

Kel chuckled, already charmed by her infectious energy. "I'll be the judge of that," he quipped, eyeing the golden ears of corn sizzling over the coals.

The woman let out a hearty laugh, her belly jiggling with mirth. "You've got a sharp tongue on you, my son. But let's see if you know the good stuff and the best price for it."

And so began the dance, a verbal legwalk of wits and negotiation tactics. The woman quoted an exorbitant price, her eyes twinkling with mirth as Kel feigned shock and outrage.

"What? That's highway robbery!" he exclaimed, clutching his chest dramatically. "Do you think I'm made of money?"

The woman cackled, clearly delighted by his theatrics. "Money ke? What's that? I only accept payment in the form of flattery and clever retorts."

Kel guffawed, "In this economy? What good would that do?"

"My son, I said you should woo me!"

Kel grinned, rising to the challenge. "Well, in that case, madam, your radiant beauty puts the sun to shame, and your roasted corn puts shawarma to shame."

The woman threw her head back in uproarious laughter, her entire frame shaking with mirth. "Smooth talker. Alright, alright, for you, I'll make an exception."

And so it went, the two of them trading barbs and quips, until finally, a fair price was agreed upon. Kel handed over the crumpled bills, his meager funds depleted but his heart full of warmth and humor.

As he gathered his bounty – the roasted corn, coconuts, and pears – the woman fixed him with a knowing look. "Take care of yourself, my son. And don't forget to enjoy the simple pleasures in life, like a good laugh and a warm treat on a sunny day."

Kel nodded, her words resonating deep within him. "I won't forget, madam. Thank you for the reminder."

With a wave and a final chuckle, he turned and began making his way across the bustling street, his arms laden with his hard-won spoils. The roar of traffic filled his ears, but in that moment, his mind was occupied with the lingering warmth of their exchange, a brief respite from the weight of his responsibilities.

In a horrifying instant, a speeding car careened around the corner, its driver distracted or reckless. The world seemed to slow to a crawl as Kel turned, his eyes widening in horror as the car bore down upon him.

The impact was devastating, the force of the collision sending his body hurtling through the air like a ragdoll. Time seemed to stop as he hung suspended, the muffled screams of onlookers distant and faint.

With a sickening crunch, he collided with the unforgiving pavement, his precious bounty scattered around him like macabre confetti. Pain exploded through every fiber of his being, his vision flickering and fading as the warmth of his own blood pooled beneath him.

In record time, the car sped away, leaving a gruesome scene in its wake.

Kel caught one final glimpse of the aged vendor, her wizened hands clutching her face in anguish. His mind drifted back to her words of wisdom. A bitter irony, he thought, that the simple pleasure of a warm treat had led him to this cruel fate.

As the light drained from his eyes, the once jovial street fell eerily quiet, the only sound the soft sizzle of corn as it continued to roast, oblivious to the tragedy that had unfolded.

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