How many planets can you name? Now you can imagine knowing  all the planets and their moons just for fun.

Kelvin, an astronomy enthusiast, can name more than 7 planets in a jiffy. Astronomy is one of the many interests that he has and one which he plans to pursue later in life. As I walk into his small electronics shop, I am welcomed by a model of the solar system and another of what I assume should be the moon. The 22 year old college student seats behind the wooden counter, his eyes glued to his phone screen, it must require a lot of concentration to understand the rocket science that astronomy is.

Astronomy however, is not the topic on the table, the sudden twist of events in Kelvin’s life is.

The interview is cut short a few times as he tends to his customers. These customers, he says, are his only source of hope for better days in the tough days that lie ahead. A few months ago, Kelvin had no extra anticipated responsibility, he lived a day at time only saving a penny to get the latest sneaker shoe or latest model of sound system. Nonetheless, everything has changed and every coin he makes is a dime closer to being better. He spent most of his free time catching up on latest NASA’s discoveries but not anymore. Any spare minute, he says, is an extra coin and that’s all he thinks about.

Kelvin met his girlfriend earlier this year and he can only describe it as love at first sight. He was smitten and swept off his feet by the 17 year old girl who had just cleared high school and was eager to adventure and explore the newly acquired freedom. One thing led to another and in no time, theirs was a Romeo and Juliet story.  Being a college student pursuing a course in mechanical engineering at a top university was charm enough for every girl to bow at his feet. He however had his eyes set on the price, her naivety and innocence only fueled his desire and love for her. The fact that his girlfriend was barely 18 years only added thrill to the game as there is an irresistible need to eat the forbidden fruit.

 “I never wanted to jeopardize her future and mine as well; I made sure to use protection,” he adds.

When his girlfriend raised the suspicion that she might have conceived, he was shocked and almost choked on the tea he was sipping on when she broke the news. He was unprepared, confused and for a moment thought about abandoning the girl and his unborn child. His future seemed to crumble right in front of his own eyes and in his own words, he was finished.  What would people say?

His primary concern was himself. What would everyone take him to be; the guy who take advantage of an innocent girl and impregnated her? The rumor mongers had just bagged a story to tell for weeks, a name to drag in the weeds.

However, he has taken up the responsibility and faced the situation as a man. He has even gone to the girl’s parents and they have reached a truce that he will help raise his unborn child. That is his sole mantra for the time being, he has to do better, for his child and its mother. It is time he becomes a father and not just a man.

Am curious to find out, does he see a future with this girl.

“To be honest with you Faith, I do not, but I will make sure to offer my child the best a father can.”

His statement leaves many unanswered questions; why did the flame of love dwindle? Or was it just a game attraction, a game of chess, where the mate got checked?

Our conversation is cut short when he picks a call and hurriedly packs a small box and leaves to make a delivery. Getting another appointment with him is an uphill task as every spare time is an extra dime.

As I walk out of his shop, I can’t help but think Kelvin is one of the many men who have chosen to take responsibility and raise children that were not planned for. As the number of reported teenage pregnancies continues to soar high with every sun rise, the main question is; how many more will own up to their responsibilities?

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Hello my royal highness-es,

Hope you enjoyed today’s post.

Would you own up to the responsibility?

Comment, like and share with a friend.

Yours,

Faith