The First Time I Tasted Alcohol
There are some village experiences you never forget — the kind that creep into your memory every now and then and fleave you laughing at yourself. For me, one of those experiences was the first time I tasted alcohol. Not just any alcohol o, but those hot, tipsy, foreign kinds ,my uncle used to bring home at the end of every year
It was during one of those festive, December times in the village. You know how it is everywhere buzzing with activities, family coming in from different cities, the air filled with laughter, and the sweet smell of village freedom. During these periods, one of my uncles, who always loved coming back in grand style, would arrive with cartons of foreign alcohol ,those ones that come in glass bottles with names you can barely pronounce. Alongside the drinks, he’d also come with dried goat meat plenty of it , perfect for munching with laughter and gist.
So, on this particular day, my uncle came back again .As expected, he didn’t disappoint. That evening, the compound came alive. He brought out the bottles of alcohol and dried goat meat, other uncles from the village had gathered around. They were laughing, sharing stories from the town, talking about life, encouraging each other, and just soaking in the moment.
You could feel the bond men being men, enjoying their time. The meat was enough, and the bottles of alcohol were doing their magic. After a long while, they decided to take a stroll around the village maybe to stretch their legs or burn off all the dried meat they had eaten. As they left, they left behind their bottles.the said I should arrange it for them.
Now,.was in the compound.My mum wasn’t around. Everyone had gone out It was just me, my sister, and the perfect opportunity.
I looked at the remaining alcohol in one of the bottles and told myself, This is the time.
Without overthinking, I washed one of the cups, gently poured the remaining drink and sat like a boss. Just as I was about to take my sip, my sister caught me. She insisted we share it. I didn’t argue much, but between me and you, I still made sure I got the greater portion. I was older after all 😌.
So, I sat and took the first sip. And let me tell you alcohol is tricky.
At first, it was hot that kind of hot that climbs your throat and makes you feel like you're swallowing fire but then, It was somehow sweet, smooth, yes nice. Before I knew it, I went for the second sip and third. And just like that, your girl was gone.
The thing about alcohol is that it doesn’t always show you pepper immediately. It waits. Then suddenly, I started nodding my head slowly not intentionally o even though i took very little,It was like my head was floating and my eyes couldn’t focus. I remember being asked to sweep the area they had used earlier, but honestly, after that drink entered my system, everything became a blur.
One minute, I was holding a broom. The next minute, I was waking up yes, I slept off. Just like that for almost an hour.
When I opened my eyes, I realised the alcohol had carried me into dreamland without permission. I got up, removed everything that was still lying around, and quietly thanked God that no adult saw me. 😂
Looking back now, I laugh because alcohol can deceive you with sweetness before knocking you out.
Till today, whenever I see those kinds of fancy bottles, I remember that day I passed out beside a broom and empty meat trays. And honestly, that was the first and time I drank alcohol.
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