Christian Nwachuku @sorano

In the heart of my childhood kitchen, the familiar dance of pots and pans played out as I tackled the challenge of cooking beans for my dad. Lingering memories of previous attempts whispered doubts, but today held the promise of something different. Despite my initial reluctance, I stood before the stove, ready to dive into the culinary adventure.

Being a good cook didn't always translate to meeting my dad's discerning taste. His last complaint lingered in my mind – the beans weren't cooked enough, the seeds too hard. This time, determined to get it right, I decided to give the beans ample time to soften. The kitchen transformed into a space of patience and anticipation as I let them simmer.

Three hours passed – each minute a testament to dedication. The aroma intensified, signaling the culmination of effort. The kitchen, once a realm of doubt, became a haven of anticipation. Finally, the meal was ready, and I served a portion to my dad. The room held a quiet suspense, waiting for his verdict.

Breaking the silence, my dad smiled and uttered a single word that echoed with triumph: "Delicious." In that moment, the kitchen transformed into a canvas of shared joy, and the beans, now more than a dish, became a vessel for the warmth and connection between me and my dad.

There is this story of two friends, a boy named John and a girl named Joy. They were best friends and always spent time together.

John was a smart and adventurous boy with a cheerful look in his eyes. Joy, on the other hand, was a kind and gentle girl with a big heart that accepted everyone. They were very close and liked to explore their village together.

Their friendship grew stronger each time they spent together. John and Joy were actually in love with each other, but they were afraid to say it. They worried that the other person might not feel the same way.

One evening, while they were sitting by a peaceful stream at sunset, John finally got the courage to tell Joy how he felt. He said, "Joy, there's something I want to tell you. I don't just see you as a friend. I love you, and it scares me to admit it."
Joy smiled warmly and said, "John, I've been feeling the same way. I love you too, and I've been afraid to say it."

They were both relieved to discover that their feelings were mutual. From that moment on, John and Joy's friendship turned into a deep and special love. Love can grow from friendship and stand the test of time

From a distance, I watched with curiosity as she arranged her cooking utensils, her face beaming with a jaunty smile.

My confusion grew as I wondered what she could be preparing that brought her so much joy. I speculated that perhaps she was cooking for her boyfriend, I couldn't tell but to look from the upper floor hoping to see.
Then, in an instant, she ignited her gas stove, and the flames dancing from the cylinder hinted at the excitement her guest must be feeling, anticipating a taste of this delicious delicacy.

To my surprise, it turned out she was preparing yam porridge with green vegetables seasoned on top. I observed from afar as she skillfully peeled and sliced the yam, her knife moving with carefulness in every move

I briefly lost sight of her as I got distracted, but the aroma of the cooking food soon reached me, leaving no doubt that an expert chef was in control.
When the food was finally ready, she placed the pot on a flat surface, prepared to serve her guest. It made me ponder, "Do we still have such hospitable ladies in Nigeria?"

Just as she had carefully laid out her cooking tools, she carefully put them away. I could only imagine the rest of the story, but I was sure her guest was well taken care of, and their weekend was undoubtedly a fulfilling one.

Once in a little village, there was a kind lady named Christiana. She found a puppy during a big thunderstorm and took care of him. She named him Friday and looked after it day after day.
Christiana and Friday became best friends. They did everything together. Even on the shortest distances, the puppy went with Christiana, the bond with his owner was so strong and everyone took note.

When Christiana got sick and couldn't leave her bed, Friday stayed with her. He kept her company. Christiana's family helped her as much as the puppy to recover soonest, and they also took care of Friday.

Despite all prayers and well meaning wishes for Christiana to recover, her situation worsened and one day, she didn't wake up. She had passed away, and the village was very sad. Friday kept barking for his owner to wake up but it was no good, she left without saying goodbye.

After the family buried Christiana, the villagers decided to make a special place in the village to remember her. Friday became a part of the family till he died and was buried beside his owner, if there is an afterlife, their friendship will continue there ☀️