Christian Nwachuku @sorano

I was visiting a construction site one day when I saw a group of men standing outside, looking hopeful. They were clearly looking for work, and I could sense their desperation. One of them approached me, a tall, lanky man with a kind face. He introduced himself as Ayo and explained that they had been coming to the site for days, hoping to get hired for a day's work.

As we chatted, Ayo shared a heartbreaking truth. "Some days, we go back home hungry if there's no job," he said, his eyes cast downward. I was taken aback by his honesty and felt compassion. Without thinking, I reached into my pocket and pulled out 5,000 naira. "Here, take this," I said, handing it to Ayo.

But what happened next surprised me. Ayo took only 1,000 naira from the money and handed the rest to his friends. "We share what little we have," he explained with a smile. I was amazed by their selflessness and generosity, especially in the face of such hardship.

Despite their struggles, they had not lost their humanity or their sense of community. And in that moment, I realized that sometimes, it's the small acts of kindness that can make the biggest impact.

From that day on, I made it a point to always carry some extra cash with me, hoping to encounter more people like Ayo and his friends, who reminded me that even in the toughest times, people with a good heart exist.

Ade was a bright and curious child, always eager to explore the world around him. One day, while playing in the bustling market, he stumbled upon a mysterious old man sitting under the shade of a baobab tree.

The old man had a kind smile and twinkling eyes that seemed to hold a wealth of wisdom. Ade was drawn to him instantly, and they struck up a conversation. As they talked, Ade learned that the old man's name was Babatunde, and he was a storyteller who traveled from village to village sharing tales of Yoruba folklore.

Fascinated by Babatunde's stories, Ade begged him to share more. And so, under the golden light of the setting sun, Babatunde began to weave a magical tapestry of myths and legends, filled with gods and goddesses, spirits and monsters.

From that day on, Ade and Babatunde became fast friends. Every evening, Ade would rush to the market to listen to Babatunde's stories, enraptured by the richness of Yoruba culture and tradition. Through their friendship, Ade not only learned about his heritage but also discovered the power of storytelling to connect people across generations.

As the years passed, Ade grew into a young man, but his friendship with Babatunde remained as strong as ever. Together, they continued to share stories, laughter, and wisdom, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

As I sit down to pen these words, my mind reflects back to the very night we first met, it was really in night class. I can remember we were preparing for our first anatomy exam "upper limbs" Your voice, like a melody in the darkness, drew me in, sparking a connection that has only grown stronger with time.

I think that night we were unable to secure a class so we decided to use the coscharies quadrangle, story leading to stories one of which was you exposing me to the fact that you had a twin sister. And just deep into the night you slept on my laps. Being a nice guy that I am, I pulled out my outer shirt to cover you from the cold weather.

Our friendship, forged through late-night conversations and shared experiences, has become a beacon of light in my life. Your trust in me, inviting me into your world with open arms, is a gift I cherish deeply.

Lol 😂 just remembered the very night that tested the depths of our connection. It was a night like no other, filled with anticipation and longing, as I waited patiently for your roommate to depart.

Minutes stretched into hours, and the stillness of the night enveloped me as I stood outside your door, consumed by the desire to be near you. In those solitary moments, I felt the weight of our friendship and the strength of our bond, urging me to persevere despite the uncertainty.

And then, like a whisper in the darkness, your message arrived, a beacon of hope illuminating the path ahead. With bated breath, I watched as your roommate finally left, clearing the way for us to be together.

Stepping into your presence that night was like stepping into a dream, a dream where time stood still and the world faded away, leaving only the two of us in its wake. I held you close, cherishing the fleeting moments we had together, knowing that every second was precious beyond measure.

As I reflect on that night, I am reminded of the depth of our friendship and the lengths we are willing to go for each other. It is a testament to the bond we share, forged through countless shared experiences and unwavering trust.

In you, I have found not only a friend but a kindred spirit, someone who understands and accepts me in a way that words cannot express. Our friendship is a treasure beyond compare, a guiding light in the darkness, leading us through life's twists and turns with grace and resilience.

Despite the challenges we've faced, whether it be waiting anxiously for your roommate to leave or navigating encounters with security personnel on my way back, our connection has remained unwavering.

As I reflect on the journey we've embarked on together, I am filled with gratitude for the moments we've shared and the memories we've created. Your presence brings joy to my days and comfort to my nights, and for that, I am truly thankful.

So here's to us, to the late-night conversations and the shared laughter, to the moments of quiet understanding and unwavering support. May our friendship continue to grow and thrive, illuminating our lives with its warmth and grace.

[SORANO]

Chukwudi, a determined college student with dreams as vast as the city skyline, found himself on the brink of completing his final exams. With excitement coursing through his veins, he eagerly anticipated the journey back home to his small town nestled in the rolling hills.

However, fate had a different plan in store for Chukwudi. Just when he could almost taste the freedom of finishing his exams, a sudden announcement echoed through the corridors of the university: the exams were postponed by a week, sending shockwaves of disappointment through Chukwudi's carefully laid plans.

Despite the setback, Chukwudi refused to let despair consume him. With his finances already stretched thin, he resolved not to burden his parents with his troubles, determined to navigate this storm on his own.

As the days dragged on, Chukwudi faced a series of challenges. His gas tank emptied, leaving him stranded in the city streets. With an empty pantry and a growling stomach, he relied on sheer willpower to fuel his determination.

Yet, with each passing obstacle, Chukwudi's resolve only grew stronger. He poured himself into his studies, channeling his frustration into a relentless pursuit of knowledge.

Daniel and Blessing found each other in the most unexpected of places a quiet church service on a Sunday morning. Daniel, with his warm smile and gentle demeanor, struck up a conversation with Blessing during the after-service fellowship. Their shared love for faith and community quickly formed the foundation of a deep friendship.

As they spent more time together, Daniel's kindness and compassion shone through in every interaction. He was always there to lend a listening ear or offer a helping hand. Blessing found herself drawn to his unwavering goodness, admiring the way he carried himself with grace and humility.

Yet, beneath her admiration for her friend lay a secret longing a feeling she dared not speak aloud. Blessing found herself falling for Daniel, captivated by his essence and the depth of their connection. But as a woman in a society where the fear of rejection loomed large, she kept her feelings hidden, burying them deep within her heart.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, as their friendship blossomed and grew stronger. They shared laughter and tears, dreams and fears, navigating the ups and downs of life together. Blessing cherished every moment spent with Daniel, treasuring the bond they shared.

But as much as she yearned to tell him how she felt, the fear of ruining their friendship held her back. What if he didn't feel the same way? What if confessing her love only drove him away? The uncertainty gnawed at her, leaving her paralyzed with indecision.

Meanwhile, Daniel remained oblivious to the turmoil brewing within Blessing's heart. He valued her friendship above all else, grateful for the comfort and joy she brought into his life. Little did he know, her feelings ran deeper than mere friendship, hidden beneath a facade of smiles and laughter.

One fateful day, as they sat together in the quiet serenity of the church courtyard, Blessing found herself unable to contain her emotions any longer. With trembling hands and a racing heart, she finally confessed her love to Daniel, laying bare her soul before him.

To her surprise, Daniel's reaction was not one of rejection or indifference, but of understanding and acceptance. He confessed that he too had been grappling with feelings he couldn't quite articulate, unsure of how to broach the subject without risking their friendship.

In that moment of vulnerability, their bond deepened even further, transcending the boundaries of friendship to embrace something more profound and meaningful. Together, they embarked on a new chapter of their lives, guided by love, faith, and the enduring strength of their friendship.

As they walked hand in hand, their hearts intertwined in a beautiful dance of love and companionship, Blessing realized that sometimes, the greatest risks were worth taking, and that true love was always worth fighting for. And in Daniel's embrace, she found solace, knowing that their love story was only just beginning.

One fateful day, catastrophe struck. My loyal charger, which had faithfully powered my phone for so long, went missing without a trace. Panic came in as I checked every part of my house, hoping to find it. Unfortunately, it was nowhere to be located.

With my phone's battery draining and no charger in sight, I set out to buy a replacement. Filled with determination and a sense of urgency, I set out into the crowded streets, trekking through a series of shops and vendors in search of a way out.

Eager to reclaim the seamless charging experience I once knew, I set out to procure my own Samsung charger. However, upon reaching the store, I was met with a harsh reality: the price far exceeded my expectations. Shocked and disheartened, I reluctantly left the store, my dreams of a reliable charger slipping through my fingers.

I went into many stores, each offering a solution to my charging issues. However, with each purchase, my hopes decreased as the chargers proved to be unsuitable replacements for my beloved missing charger. They were slow and inefficient, and some even caused my phone to overheat, which was a nightmare I could not handle.

As I walked away from the store, feelings of frustration and disappointment weighed heavy on my heart. Nonetheless, I refused to be defeated by a mere charger.

I vowed to continue my search, whether through saving up for the charger or exploring alternative avenues. For the journey to reliable charging was far from over, and I was determined to see it through to the end.