THE COST OF APPLAUSE

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By the time Victor had purchased his fourth luxury watch in one month, He no longer saw a need to wear them and a sting of guilt creeped inside of him. His friends who were with him in the store nodded in acceptance. "A real man is identified by the worth of his properties." David one of his friends said.

Victor forced a smile, How much did you say this costs again, He asked the salesman. "One hundred and fifty thousand naira." The salesman replied as Victor gave him his credit card to make payment.

"Don't worry bro, more money will definitely come." One of his friends- Femi spoke.

Victor was a middle class citizen in the city of Enugu, Nigeria where he earned an honest living as an accountant in a small logistics company. His salary was enough to cover necessary bills like his transport, feeding and even have some savings left if he was minimal in his spendings but people around him were extravagant and he began trying to catch up with them so as to feel among. He forgot that these people he tried to be in competition with earned more than double his salary.

The pressure gradually increased as he saw friends posting new cars on social media and going on trips abroad. "You still live in a rented apartment?" One of his friends asked.

"Yeah, But I'm planning on acquiring a new apartment soon." Victor replied with a smile in an attempt to cover his shame.

In his desire to meet up with his friends, Victor began acquiring new customized shoes, expensive suits and even moved out of his old apartment into a more expensive one as he thought his old apartment no longer matches his status as an "Enugu big boy."

Each time he checked his account balance, his heart dropped. "I would sort it out." He would say.

One morning while at work, he received a call from his mother. "Hello my son, how are you doing over there."

"I'm doing just fine mama, hope you are good too."

"I'm good my son, hope work is going on fine also remember to save money for important things in future. You are a man now, your saving up really matters."

"Yes mum, I am being careful enough with my money and I do save." Victor assured his mum but just after the call ended he ordered food online and still paid for the delivery fee.

Later, Victor began taking loans to fund his extravagant lifestyle. At first he saw it as a normal thing till he began taking another loan to pay off the previous one. As soon as his salary entered his account each month and deductions are made from the loans he collected he became left with almost nothing.

A week later, Victor received a call from David.

"Hey my bro, There's this party tomorrow at Kamaras lounge, For big boys only. We would be expecting you there."

Victor got up from his bed and quickly scanned his wardrobe, A lot of fancy designer wears, But they no longer brought joy to him rather they brought anxiety.

The following day, Victor attended the party, he was drinking and vibing with his friends where they all sat at a round table. His voice was the loudest at the table, When it was his turn to pay for the drinks his credit card declined, he tried again, it was the same.

"Your card has suddenly stopped working" David said sarcastically as others at the table erupted into laughter.

Victor's heart began racing. "Let me go outside first, I will be right back." He stood outside the lounge lost in thoughts and it now dawned on him that he was officially bankrupt.

The next day, His landlord called him. "Victor your rent his overdue and I'm yet to record my payment."

"Please sir I just need little more time." Victor pleaded.

"There's no more time, you have exhausted your time given to you."

Victor's mind began wandering in regret. He wished he hadn't gotten himself in this lifestyle. He called the bank to discuss a new replacement plan then moved out of his apartment to go stay with his mother.

"Mum I'm sorry, I made mistakes." Victor lamented to his mother in the sitting room.

"It's fine my son, We all make mistakes in life, The important thing is that we should learn from them." She consoled her son.

Victor began going to work from his mother's house till he could afford a new apartment, he cut down his expenses and even sold a few of his expensive stuff. Slowly he had almost finished repaying all his loans but he had learnt a life lesson as he realized trying to impress people isn't worth it.