10 RECENT LESSONS WHICH I HAVE LEARNED IN 2023

10 RECENT LESSONS WHICH I HAVE LEARNED IN 2023 People will often dislike you for no obvious reason. You could try your best to get on their ‘good side’, but ultimately, you have to step back, accept this fact and get on with your life. You have to be a persistent person when it comes...

Recent book purchases

My recent purchases from @spine_and_label bookstore in Abuja: 'Chike and the River', by Chinua Achebe. I bought this for the nostalgia; I read it in Primary school, and I know that I enjoyed it back then. I also believe that this was the first book to make me have anxiety, because I was so worried...

#Repost Series: Short Story-Christmas at the Johnsons.

‘I will leave this man when we return from visiting his family’. I made this decision as my husband drove us along Ozumba Mbadiwe to his father’smansion in Lekki that humid Friday evening. The journey from our home in Surulere hadbeen sluggish due to the expected Lagos traffic hold-up, but it looked like we wouldarrive...

#Repost Series: Short Story-Bridal Shower

Short Story: Bridal Shower. ‘Did you hear what I said?’ Asandia ignored me as she continued to reapply her lipstick, staring intently at her reflection in the mirror. Her sleek ponytail emphasized her slanted eyes, and her halter-neck floaty dress suited her dark complexion. ‘Asandia’ I started to speak again but she shushed me. ‘I...

I will read it.

Books give me life;Like medicine on paper. I discover them daily-an introverted thrill-seeker. Contemporary fiction,Words with sweet diction. Nigerian booksGrip on to my heart, If Adichie's the Author,It's a 5 star before I start. Reading heals me,Like a river,Words flow towards me. I'll find books wherever I go:If a book is hidden,I'll unearth it, just...

#Repost Series: Short Story-Airport.

I have never liked airports. I don’t mind flying because I am able to fall asleep on even the shortest flights,but I generally loathe airports with their queues and the touts and the neverending wait for your luggage… And now this gut-wrenching disappointment. I adjusted the phone which I cradled between my left shoulder and...

#Repost Series: Short Story: Baby Fever.

Emotan did not like her Father very much.He was loud, brash and petulant, only showing more than a perfunctory interest in her when she brought home good grades from school; what he called the ‘fruits of his labour’.Emotan’s mother was a beautiful paradox: outspoken in one breath, and her Father’s pushover in the next breath.Emotan...

#Repost Series: Short Story-Inter-House Sports Day.

I stood in lane eight, barefoot, wearing an ill-fitting sports outfit which had beenhastily provided for me by my House Mistress. ‘On your marks!’ The Games Master bellowed, almost deafening me as he wasstanding not too far from me. He was holding a microphone; why did the manhave to shout? I heard the hush of...

Falter.

Trying to be a trailblazerwith an introverted character, Can feel like setting fireto a large body of water. You have hunger for successand things that aren't mediocre, But you hate being the centreof unwarranted attention,or being put on a pedestal. Your heart fights battles-your own mini-theatre, You want your name to live forever,But the consequencesMake...

Over.

I expected so much, And received so little; Nettle in place of roses, Brittle kisses, My peace was in pieces. I rose from the slumber Of one under A love spell, Of which blunders Shook my heart to its core, Like sudden thunder. You moved close for an embrace; I shuddered. It's over, It's over....