I woke up to the sound of my alarm blaring in my ear, but I was too lazy to get my ass off the bed. I just turned around as I sank more into my duvet.
Luckily, my roommate tapped me on the leg, asking,( You no dey go work today) "Won't you go to work?" That question jolted me awake, and I rushed to my phone to check the time.
My heart sank when I saw that it was already 5:36 AM – I was supposed to be at the bus stop 20 to 30 minutes ago.
Panic set in as I realized I was running late. I quickly got out of bed, still trying to shake off the sleep. The cool morning breeze blowing through the half-open window didn't help, as I was already feeling chilly. I rushed to the bathroom, knowing I had to make the most of the little time I had left.
I took a swift cold shower, scrubbing my skin with soap and sponge in under two minutes. I didn't have time to select my clothes, so I grabbed the first ones my hands touched. I dressed quickly, picked up my keys, and headed out the door to catch the bus.
As I reached the bus stop, I was relieved to see a bus waiting. However, I knew I was already late, so I hopped 8nto the bus and waited patiently for it to move, Finally as the driver tried to start the bus we took off from the point of waiting but the bus's slow pace didn't help. The bus was filled with market women laughing and chatting loudly, but my mind was preoccupied with thoughts of getting to work as quickly as possible, even though I know I won't beat the time.
Just as we were halfway through the journey, a heavy downpour started. The driver slowed down, struggling to see through the rain-soaked windshield. His wipers were bad. I checked the time and saw that it was already 6:10 AM – I was 10 minutes late.
To make matters worse, one of the bus's rare tires burst, causing the vehicle to swerve to the side of the road. We all sat patiently, waiting for the rain to stop, since know one would go into the rain for the tire to be changed. Finally the rain stopped and the driver made everyone get out of the car so he could change the tire. Thank God he even had a spare tire. The process took an extra 30 to 40 minutes, and by the time we continued our journey, it was already 7:00 AM.
I tried to call my colleagues to inform them of my late arrival, but the rain and poor network made it impossible. When we finally arrived at the bus stop, I rushed to the office, hoping to apologize to my supervisor and explain my situation.
As I reached the office, I saw my supervisor standing outside, looking stern. I rushed to explain my reason for being late, but he simply told me to get back to work without a word. I was relieved but also anxious, wondering what consequences my tardiness might bring.
When I made enquiry on what time the station started its operation a security guy told me it's not up to 10 minutes they started the operation meaning; almost everyone working on my shift came late except for the supervisor who was at the station 40 minutes before the station was opened properly.
The rest of the day didn't get any better. We were informed that our shift would be extended by three hours, which meant I would have to work until 4:00 PM. I was frustrated and annoyed, feeling like my supervisor was being unfair considering the condition for our being late that day. I have always been at the station on or before 6am every other day. Why will I serve punishment for coming late just today? I murmured alone on my stand wishing I would have even relaxed and waited for the rain to finish falling before setting out for work and with that if I am being punished I will gladly serve the punishment knowing fully well that I deserve it.
As I continued with my work, my annoyance only grew. I made mistakes, including losing track of a customer's goods, which they took without paying. It was a terrible day, with a lot of experience. I couldn't wait for it to end so I could gain my sanity back but it turned out to be an unforgettable experience.
As my whole effort to get to work fell to the ground.