Tade Ojo trudged through Lagos' dusty streets, worn-out shoes scraping the pavement. Unbeknownst to him, his life was about to take a dramatic turn.
As he walked, Tade noticed strange glances from passersby. Some whispered, pointing at him. He shrugged it off, accustomed to being bullied.
Suddenly, time seemed to slow, then freeze. People turned into statues. Tade's heart racing, he realized he was the only one moving.
"Where's this coming from?" he wondered.
The phenomenon passed, and time resumed. Shaken, Tade quickened his pace.
As he turned a corner, familiar bullies blocked his path.
"Hey, poor boy! What's in your pocket?" Demola, the leader, sneered. His cohorts, Niyi, Femi, and Tayo, flanked him.
Tade clenched his fists, ready to defend himself. But this time, something felt different.
Time slowed, then froze again. People turned into statues.
Tade's heart pounded.
With newfound confidence, Tade approached Demola.
But his movements felt awkward, uncontrolled.
He tried to punch Demola but missed.
Niyi and Femi laughed.
Tade's face burned with embarrassment.
Suddenly, his body moved on its own.
He delivered a swift jab to Demola's jaw.
Demola's head snapped back.
Tade's fists flew in rapid succession.
Niyi stumbled back, clutching his stomach.
Femi crashed to the ground, nose bleeding.
Tayo tried to flee but tripped.
Tade stood over him, fist raised.
Time remained frozen.
Tade's chest heaved.
As time unfroze, bullies scrambled, terrified.
"Wha' happen?" Demola stammered.
Tade smiled, unsure what had happened.
"You shouldn't have messed with me."
Bullies fled.
Tade looked down at his fists.
Unusual energy coursed through his veins.
"What's going on?" Tade repeated.
Here's the revised:
Chapter 1: The Unveiling
...
He walked home, lost in thought.
When he got home, His foster mother, Mrs. Ojo, greeted him warmly.
"Tade, how was your day, dear?"
Tade hesitated.
"It was...different," he replied, unsure how to share his incredible experience.
Mrs. Ojo's expression turned concerned.
"Is everything okay, sweetie?
Tade nodded, feeling a mix of emotions.
"Y-yes, Mum. Everything's fine."
But everything wasn't fine.
Tade's life had taken a dramatic turn.
Mrs. Ojo's eyes lingered on his face, sensing something amiss.
"Tade, you know I'm here for you, always. If something's bothering you..."
Tade forced a smile.
"I appreciate it, Mum. Just need some rest."
Mrs. Ojo nodded.
"Alright, dear. Dinner's ready when you are."
Tade headed to his room, his mind racing.
What just happened?
Why did he have this strange power?
And what did it mean for his future?