Eba at work.

Would you take swallow to the office?

It was a bright and sunny Tuesday afternoon; I had analysed some data inputted from the day before. I was happy with the task I had completed so far, but the girl in me was hungry and didn't care.

I had only pulled out my lunch bowl, tossed the great 'eba' onto a plate, and served my almighty vegetable soup by its side. I had just started devouring my fierce lunch when one uncle walked up to me after smiling in amusement for about 42 seconds.

Picture credit: Google

He said, "I have never seen anyone eat 'eba' at work." I was like, that makes me the first, while I courteously swallowed the third morsel. Uncle further said, "Now I can bring 'eba' to work." I quickly said yes and went back to my meal of 'eba'. He stirred for another 31 seconds or so before taking his leave.

Well, this was a good day with 'eba'. It was not the first time I had it outside my house; I must have been in primary 2 (grade 2).  My mom is a caterer and would serve you the meal on her menu. That day, my lunch was eba; I was angry, to say the least. I felt low that my friends would make fun of me, did they? Oh, yes, sure they did; I had brought out my lunch that day so timidly and only deepened my plastic spoon in shallowly to take a small morsel from my 'eba' bowl, then touched the soup slightly. I was scared to take it to my mouth. I later closed the food bowl and stayed hungry that day. I told my mum when I got home to never give me 'eba' or any kind of 'swallow' to school. Did she stop? Not at all. My eba eating skills improved over time and I think I am pro now.

If I were in primary school today, would I take eba to school? Oh, yes, and I'd eat it with confidence.

Originally published on 2/4/2018 at 7:36 AM.