Morayo was happy she was going to the university. It was a big, private school with tall buildings, clean hostels, and many rich children. Her parents bought her a new phone, new clothes, and even a laptop. She took many pictures and posted them online.

“University life is going to be fun!” she told her friends. She packed her bags and left the house with a big smile.

Meanwhile, Tolu started working. She got a job at a small shop near the market, cleaned shelves, helped customers, and carried heavy loads. It was not easy.  

She stood on her feet all day. Sometimes her hands hurt, and sometimes she came home very tired but Tolu did not complain. She saved every little money she earned. Her parents also gave her small money from their own pay. Together, they were saving for her university dreams.

When Morayo came home on holiday, the house was full of noise. She would laugh loudly, play music, and invite her friends. She wore expensive clothes and talked about school parties.

One evening, when Tolu returned from the market where she worked, she quickly ran to the kitchen to assist her mother in washing the plates.

“Still washing plates?” Morayo laughed. “Will you be a maid forever?”

Tolu didn’t answer. She just washed faster.

Morayo would say things like, “My hostel is like a hotel My parents sent me money even before I asked!”

Tolu listened quietly. Her heart sometimes hurt, but she kept her eyes on her dream. She understood that fact that money didn’t come easy for everyone but it doesn’t make it hurt less.

One day, Tolu told her mum, “Mum, when I finally get into university, I’ll study hard and make you proud.”

Her mum hugged her tightly. “We believe in you,” she said. “You are our bright star.”

As time passed, Tolu kept working and saving.  

After two long years, the day finally came, she had saved enough money and with her parents’ help, she paid the school fees for a public university. Tolu cried tears of joy when she saw her admission letter.

“I did it,” she whispered.

At the same time, Morayo was still enjoying her easy life in school. She didn’t go to class often. She went to parties, wore expensive wigs, and posted selfies. 

She usually said, “My parents will always fix things for me.”

But life was slowly teaching both girls something different.