Mother, I didn’t understand before, what it meant to be you, that sacrifice came in small increments, a half-eaten plate of rice, mealtime a marathon, to keep their attention and appetite fluctuates like embers, a dying fire… it is— the
At first, Teni couldn’t believe her ears. The fact that her sensible friend – Eki of all people – had gone to see a psychic. A psychic. In Lagos. For goodness’ sake, what even was a psychic in Nigeria if
Teniola wanted to get married. It was her 2025 Goal—capital G—right there on her vision board, alongside Visit Zanzibar and Apply for scholarships. But unlike the other goals, this one felt heavier, more urgent, like an unfinished assignment she had
“Happy Valentine, ma!” Mr. Alex, their security man called out as Olanna waited in front of the office complex for her Uber. Olanna smiled a close-lipped smile, determined not to engage. She knew what would happen next if she opened
ANYAI search Toria’s face for clues that she’s joking. A waiter weaves between tables, the aroma of baked pastries trailing in his wake. But I’m barely aware of any of it. Her words keep ringing in my ears: I’d have
TORIA I can tell it’s pissing Anya off, the fact that she knows very little about my relationship or impending wedding. I pretend to be focused on the food in front of me, keeping my mouth full to keep the
I pretend to be excited about Toria’s upcoming nuptials but somewhere in the back of my mind, I am thinking of ways to throw a spanner in its works. I know, I know. That makes me sound like a terrible
TORIALondon’s diamond sparkles on my finger and I feel a rush of emotions again. I am so in love with this man, it makes my heart hurt, literally. Whenever I look at the ring, I remember the proposal. He took
ANYA Our friendship always felt lopsided, like an ice cream cone melting unevenly—one side a puddle, the other still standing tall. I was always on the melted side, the side that dripped down your hand and left you sticky and
It was New Year’s Eve, and something about being on the cusp of a new beginning gave Nuhu a fresh dose of confidence. He loved new things, whether a new shirt from his favourite vendor, new shoes from his best
