One Money

 One money 

Yes, you read that right.

Imagine counting the zeros in your account, doing the conversion, and thinking, "Oh, I'm sorta rich." You smile, maybe even start planning the next thing you'll buy; new shoes, groceries, something nice.

I did the math. Smiled and walked to the counter feeling like a king. I got to the counter, expecting a handful of notes, maybe even in two wraps. The cashier handed it over. I looked down.

One. Piece. Of. Money.

I stood there holding the "lump sum" like it was a breakup note from my 12-year relationship. I stared at it. Turned it over twice, checking if the other side had the rest. Nothing. Just one crisp, lonely note staring back at me.

One of my older sisters laughed. "You're acting like those kids who cry after being handed a one thousand naira note, even though it's worth more than the five fifty-naira notes they prefer."

She wasn't wrong.

I still prefer my many notes. I want to feel my wealth, not imagine it.

Now I know I'm broke.