Tolu was now in her second year at the university. She worked hard in school and studied every night. Even when she was tired, she kept reading. Sometimes, she went to class hungry, but she never missed a lecture.

To help her parents, Tolu found a small part-time job around her school. She worked in a shop after class, arranging goods and writing down sales.

The shop owner liked her and said, “You’re a smart and polite girl, Tolu.”

Tolu smiled. She was proud of her little steps.

Meanwhile, Morayo was falling deeper into trouble. She had missed too many classes and failed some tests. Her name was on a list of students who might not graduate.

When Morayo’s parents found out, they were shocked. “After all we’ve done for you?” her mother cried.  

Her father looked very sad. “You must fix this, Morayo. You must graduate.”

But Morayo’s parents knew too well that their daughter couldn’t graduate without their help. They didn’t want people to laugh at them.

So, they went to the school quietly and met some of the lecturers. They gave them a lot of money and begged, “Please help our daughter pass. She has to graduate”

The lecturers agreed, and Morayo was allowed to write make-up tests. But she still didn’t understand the questions. She only passed because of her parents’ money.

Morayo graduated, but inside, she knew the truth. She didn’t feel proud but she knew that was the only was she could have graduated from the university. She felt empty.

At home, her parents threw a big party. There were cakes, balloons, and music. People danced and took pictures with Morayo.

Morayo wasn’t happy at first but later she allowed herself to enjoy her party. She ate, drank and celebrated till the party was over. That night, Morayo sat on her bed and looked at her certificate.  

It had her name on it, but not her effort.

She became sad again.

While Morayo struggled with her thoughts, Tolu was slowly growing. Everyone loved her work, even her classmates came to her for help. She was becoming a light, one that came from hard work and patience. 

The road was not easy for Tolu, but it was honest. And that made all the difference.