Homelander: WebNovel

As we engaged in casual chit-chat, sipping a bottle of fine wine that Favour had fetched from my parents' room on my dad's request, the conversation took a turn. My dad's voice held a touch of firmness as he began,

"Daniel, we need to talk."

I maintained my composure, fully aware that he intended to revisit a subject he had broached multiple times before.

"Of course, Daddy. We can talk."

Favour's eyes darted between mine and my parents', and my mom, always the peacemaker in family disputes, decided to interject. "Let's not forget, we're here to enjoy the day, not to argue."

My dad hesitated, frustration showing in his expression. For quite some time now, he had been relentless in his attempts to convince me to pursue further education in electrical engineering abroad. His perspective was rooted in the belief that international education offered superior opportunities. However, I remained steadfast in my decision to stay in Nigeria.

Ever since I had received my diploma in electrical engineering last year, just moments before starting my internship, my parents and a few external family members had relentlessly advocated for me to go overseas. However, I'd never warmed up to the idea of leaving my home country, whether for education or to "stay with a family member."

The pressure was only amplified by my height. People continually touted the opportunities I had in professional basketball due to my physical advantages. Yet, my heart was drawn to a different path. While I had initially ventured into the scientific world in high school, I discovered my true passion lay in English literature and writing.

Now, as we sat beneath the sheltering branches of the magnificent avocado tree, the tension in the air was palpable. My father's unwavering belief in the opportunities abroad clashed with my determination to stay in my home country and pursue my passion for writing.

I had indeed started the scientific journey in high school, following the trends of the time. However, my heart ultimately led me down a different path, one where I could craft intricate worlds, stir emotions, and inspire readers through the power of words. It wasn't a journey I had initially planned, but it was the one where I felt a deep sense of belonging.

In high school, science students were often the talk of the town. With so much buzz around them, it was tempting to join the ranks of science enthusiasts. And so, I embarked on the scientific journey, diligently studying and trying to keep up with the ever-evolving world of science. However, there was another side of me that was drawn to a different path, a path less traveled by my peers. My true passion lay in English literature and the art of writing.

I'd always loved the written word and the power it held to transport readers to different worlds, evoke emotions, and tell compelling stories. There was something about crafting narratives and weaving words into beautiful tapestries of imagination that fascinated me. While I dabbled in science, my heart belonged to content writing and storytelling.

During my college days, pursuing a national diploma in electrical engineering, I found a way to marry my passion for writing with my academic commitments. It was during those years that I discovered the world of WebNovel, a platform where writers could share their stories with a global audience. With much excitement and a hint of trepidation, I published my very first novel on the platform.

To my astonishment, the novel received a warm reception from readers across the globe. The feedback was encouraging, and it fueled my determination to continue down this path. Little did I know that this was the beginning of a journey that would transform my passion for writing into a rewarding career.

One of the unique aspects of WebNovel is its contract system. Writers have the opportunity to work on contracts where they create content and receive compensation based on their work's performance. The better your story does in terms of reader engagement, the more you earn. It's a symbiotic relationship where the platform benefits from great content, and writers are rewarded for their creativity and hard work.

With my first successful novel, I started receiving contract offers. These contracts were a testament to the impact my writing had on the platform's readers. The more I wrote, the more I realized that I could shape my career around what I loved most: storytelling. While pursuing my electrical engineering diploma, I was also nurturing my growing career as a writer, a journey that continued to evolve.

Through each new project, I delved into different genres, explored unique characters, and spun captivating plots. I developed a rhythm, a style, and a following. My days were filled with technical lectures and nights with passionate writing. It wasn't always easy, but it was immensely fulfilling.

My journey as a writer had taught me valuable lessons. I learned the power of perseverance and the joy of creating something from the depths of my imagination. The path I'd chosen was unconventional, but it was uniquely mine, a fusion of science and storytelling.

I had indeed set out on the scientific journey with my peers in high school, but my heart had pulled me toward a different destination. A destination where I could craft worlds, touch hearts, and inspire readers with the beauty of words. The path was not one I had initially planned, but it was the path where I truly belonged.

We found ourselves in the midst of an uneasy conversation. My dad persistently pushed the topic while I patiently elucidated the rationale behind my reluctance to leave the country. I emphasized that I had already secured a lucrative internship here, which was directly aligned with my field of study. It was an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and forge valuable connections locally. I even entertained the notion that I might have a shot at employment within the agency, although the prospect of a career in civil service didn't quite align with my aspirations in the writing world. Still, every interaction served as a wellspring of inspiration for my literary endeavors.

With a sigh, my dad delved into his perspective, "Daniel, I understand your desire to establish your career here, but you must recognize the tremendous benefits of studying abroad."

I nodded in acknowledgment, well aware of the potential advantages. "I do, Dad, but my focus right now is on gaining practical experience. I genuinely believe that I can build a successful career right here."

My desire to dive deeper into my roots had always been a strong motivator for me. I longed to explore the rich tapestry of our culture, to understand the traditions that shaped our identity, and to capture the essence of our people through my writing. This was something I couldn't achieve if I left the country at this point in my life.

Leaving for further studies would mean putting my dreams of connecting with the people and places that had influenced my upbringing on hold. I'd have to go through the rigors of tertiary education once again, embarking on a different kind of learning that, while undoubtedly valuable, would divert me from my true passion.

My "higher form of learning" was not confined to the walls of a university. It was a personal journey of self-discovery and cultural immersion. I wanted to walk the bustling streets of my hometown, to sit with the elders under the starry African sky and listen to their stories. I wanted to taste the local delicacies and savor the flavors that had comforted me throughout my life.

More than that, I had plans to document my experiences and share them with the world. I believed that by diving into the depths of my cultural heritage, I could unearth stories that would resonate with a global audience. These stories would be a testament to the power of connection and understanding, proving that literature could bridge the gap between different worlds.

While I acknowledged the benefits of international education, I firmly believed that the path to my dreams was right here in Nigeria. I knew I could achieve success and make a significant impact in my homeland. And so, despite the recurring discussions and the pressures to study abroad, I was determined to stay true to my aspirations and follow the unique path that called to me.

My mom chimed in with her unwavering support, "Your father's intentions are rooted in a deep concern for your future. But, sweetie, we respect your choices."

This particular discourse was a recurring theme in our family, a testament to the contrasting career paths my parents had navigated. My dad, a retired telecommunications field engineer, had carved his professional journey within the boundaries of Nigeria, experiencing both the triumphs and trials of the industry. Meanwhile, my mom had ventured into the restaurant business, skillfully managing it to remarkable success. The dissimilarity of their careers was a significant factor contributing to our ongoing discord regarding my future.

Despite the underlying tension, our family always found its way back to our lively interactions.

We delved into a plethora of topics, from Favour's college life to the experiences I'd garnered from my internship. We exchanged tales of unforgettable moments and humorous anecdotes, finding solace in one another's presence.

And so, as the sun cast its long, warm shadows over our gathering, we had once again navigated the familiar yet uncharted waters of our family's aspirations for my future. This wasn't the first time, and undoubtedly, it wouldn't be the last. I was just glad the conversation on the topic ended peacefully, because me and my dad had a tendency to lose our cool, mostly unexpectedly, anytime we had this argument.