Chapter 2 DAMILOLA ADENEGA

Damilola ADENEGA, is a 23-year-old with a struggling career as an artist, hails from the vibrant city of Lagos, Nigeria. As the eldest child and daughter in her family, she carries the weight of responsibility and serves as a role model for her three younger siblings.

Damilola possesses a captivating beauty that is only surpassed by her remarkable talents. Her unique abilities have the power to captivate and inspire those around her.

Despite the hurdles she has faced in her career, Damilola remains resilient and determined to overcome any obstacles that come her way. Her unwavering dedication and strong work ethic serve as a testament to her character and ambition.

Beyond her professional aspirations, Damilola possesses a natural grace and charm that effortlessly draws people towards her. Her physical appearance, while undoubtedly attractive, is just one facet of her multifaceted personality. Damilola's true beauty lies in her kindness, intelligence, and compassion.

She possess the type of body that turns heads.

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I was woken up by a sudden splash of water on my body, causing me to jolt upright in bed. As my vision cleared, I saw my mom standing by my side, an empty glass in her hand. It turns out she had poured water on me to wake me up, but the look on her face told me that something more was going on.

Confusion and sleepiness still clouded my mind as I tried to understand what was happening. "Mom, what's going on?" I asked, my voice laced with both surprise and concern.

She glared at me, her eyes filled with disappointment. "You should be ashamed of yourself," she spat, her tone dripping with hostility. "Ever since you decided to follow your dreams and become an artist, you've become nothing but a disappointment."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I had always been close to my mom, and her sudden change in demeanor left me feeling deeply hurt. My dreams of becoming an artist had always been important to me, and I had hoped she would support me.

"Why can't you see how passionate I am about this?" I pleaded, desperation creeping into my voice. "I've found something that truly makes me happy, something that I feel I was born to do."

She scoffed dismissively and crossed her arms. "Passion won't pay the bills, and it won't bring you any stability," she retorted. "You need to be practical and find a real career, something that will provide for your future."

Tears welled up in my eyes as mom's words pierced through my heart. I had spent the past two years passionately pursuing my dream of becoming an ariste, pouring my heart and soul into my drawings. But mom, always practical and focused on societal expectations, couldn't understand my choices.

"M-Mom," I stammered, trying to compose herself. "Drawing is my passion. It's what makes me feel alive. I know it's been challenging, but I can't abandon my dreams just because they haven't materialized yet."

Mom s face softened for a moment, but the frustration in her eyes remained. "Passion won't pay the bills, Dami. You need a stable career, something respected and reliable. Law or medicine would have given you that. You would have had a job by now, and I wouldn't have to face ridicule at those women's meetings."

I took a deep breath, summoning my courage to express my innermost thoughts. "Mom, I understand your concerns, but it's not just about money or prestige for me. Drawing allows me to express myself, to connect with others through stories and emotions. I want to make a difference in people's lives with my works, to inspire and touch their hearts."

Mom sighed, her frustration mingling with worry. "But Dami, it's been two years. You can't keep waiting for something that might never happen. Life doesn't always work out the way we want it to, and I don't want you to end up disappointed and struggling."

My voice trembled as I spoke, fueled by a mix of determination and vulnerability. "I understand that, Mom, but I can't give up on my dreams so easily. I believe in my abilities, and I'm willing to work hard to make it happen. Drawing might not offer immediate success, but I'm willing to take that risk."

Mom's gaze softened, finally seeing the depth of my conviction. "I just worry about your future, Dami. I want the best for you, and it's hard for me to understand this path you've chosen."

"I know, Mom," I whispered, my voice filled with both sadness and determination. "But I hope you can trust me, trust that I'm pursuing my dreams with everything I have. I want to prove to you-and to myself-that I can make something out of this, that my Drawings can touch people's lives."

Mom's expression softened, and she reached out to hold my hands. "I love you, Dami, and I'll always support you, even if I don't fully understand your choices. Just promise me that you won't lose sight of reality and that you'll keep working hard to make your dreams a reality."

With tears streaming down my face, I nodded and embraced mom tightly. "Thank you, Mom. Your support means the world to me. I promise I won't lose sight of reality, and I'll keep pushing forward, no matter what obstacles come my way."