"Hello, how did the meeting transpire?" Christian inquired through a video call. I let out a sigh and responded, "It did not unfold as anticipated." As I aimed the remote at the television to lower the volume, my laptop sat before me as I settled into the sofa. I had at last returned to the comfort of my own abode. Home, sweet home.48 HOURS EARLIER;Standing before the expansive audience, I began, "The inception of insurance in my homeland dates back to 1879 when British colonial traders sought to safeguard their maritime trade, a venture they held dear. Initially, insurance underwriting was conducted in London, with local agents in my country issuing cover notes. The insurance industry flourished with the establishment of the first assurance company, the Royal Exchange Assurance, in 1921, a pioneering endeavour, followed by others. Subsequently, the first indigenous insurance company, the African Insurance Company Limited, emerged in 1950. Eventually, my country established its own i
About a year ago, during my doctoral program, I emerged from a lecture hall after a lengthy day of academic pursuits. The intense sunlight outside made me hesitant to leave the hallway. As I stood there lost in thought, a sudden umbrella was placed over my head, shielding me from the sun. I looked up to see a young man with a rich complexion holding the umbrella above me."Would you like a ride? My car is parked nearby," he offered, his expression serious yet captivating."Thank you, but I will find my own way," I politely declined."It appears otherwise to me, but if you insist," he said, placing the umbrella in my hand and walking away. "You can return it tomorrow.""How will I locate you?" I called after him."I will find you," he replied as he disappeared into the distance. Smiling, I clutched the umbrella and stepped into the sunlight as I made my way home.Upon my return, I found Jadesola waiting at home, eager to hear about my day. At that time, Jadesola was still my best frien
I had lost my appetite, yet I continued to eat to avoid appearing contrary, pleased that he could maintain such a facade without drawing undue attention. Nevertheless, our eyes met sporadically during the meal. As the dinner concluded, conversations ensued. Erica, a photographer, attempted to pitch some business ideas to Zach, while Christian tried to become better acquainted with Bella. The wine seemed to have loosened their tongues and spurred conversation.However, I found myself with no desire to converse with the individual seated across from me. I gathered up some dishes and made my way to the kitchen to wash them. While occupied with this task, I heard footsteps and turned to find him leaning against my kitchen counter, holding a glass of wine. I wished I could vanish at that moment."Hello," he initiated the conversation."What are you here for?"I asked, disregarding his greeting."Nothing. I thought I would keep you company, as we are the only ones without a conversation part
FIFTEEN YEARS AGO, Where should I commence my journey? I must initiate it from a point of certainty.Being the sole offspring of my parents, I was entrusted with the weighty responsibility of excelling in my academic pursuits. Not just in any subject, but to pursue a career in medicine, a field replete with intricate scientific terminologies that I found daunting. The mere thought of tending to an injured patient filled me with a sense of queasiness. Despite my misgivings, my father offered unwavering support, covering all my fees and providing all the necessary resources for my education as a science student. While we were not affluent, we were able to afford three square meals a day and other essentials. I continued down this path until tragedy struck in my final year of secondary school. My father fell gravely ill and eventually succumbed. The loss was devastating, as I was on the cusp of realizing his aspirations. Nonetheless, life had to move forward, and it was just my mother
However, it wasn't too late to embark on a fresh start. I secured employment at a distant canteen, where I undertook the tasks of washing dishes and serving meals to customers. The owner of the establishment graciously provided me with a place to rest my head. Subsequently, I began to endure a succession of harrowing nightmares; visions that involved my mother offering me to a menacing beast poised to consume me, or dreams in which Ben engaged in intimate relations with me. These nightmares induced tremors and nausea, I had to adapt and cope with them.Fortunately, I secured an additional position as a part-time tutor for children residing in the streets, thereby augmenting my income. One day, the canteen owner summoned me and inquired about my aspirations for furthering my education. Although, there were individuals of my age who were employed by her."Your future is promising, and I am disinclined to witness it waste away merely in service to me," she remarked. Encouraged by her wo
I awoke to the sight of Zach's mesmerizing gaze fixed upon me. He was seated at the edge of my bed where I lay, appearing both concerned and irate. Overwhelmed with guilt, I was mute, yearning to shield my face from shame."Jolaade, you should confide in me, particularly when you are feeling low, rather than resorting to alcohol and intoxication like ordinary women," he expressed passionately."What do you mean by 'ordinary women'?" I inquired, somewhat puzzled."Jolaade, you are exceptional and surrounded by individuals who adore you. You should be able to share your concerns with me," he urged, pausing momentarily before continuing, "I've been trying to reach you, but you haven't been responding. I grew anxious and had to contact Bella, who informed me of your despondent demeanour at work. I decided to come by after work only to find you in a state of despair."I had never heard him speak at such length, except in movies.Attempting to sit up, I was halted by a sharp pain in my left
Entering the vast structure with elegant and costly flooring, I observed various levels of staff in their well-maintained uniforms. The atmosphere was bustling with activity.Regardless of its size, appearance, or opulence, a hospital remains a hospital; a place where individuals receive news, either good or bad. Some leave with smiles, while others leave feeling shattered.I couldn't bear the scent or sight of injured patients. With my head held high and sunglasses shielding my eyes, I proceeded to the designated ward to locate her.Upon entering the ward, I noticed four beds positioned opposite each other, totalling eight beds separated by curtains for privacy. The patients appeared to be women in their sixties or seventies, all dressed in the hospital's attire. Some had companions assisting them with tasks like feeding.Approaching them, I greeted a few patients before reaching her bedside. She lay curled up on her bed, gazing out the window, the last bed by the window, isolated w
Christmas was steadily approaching, and the festive spirit permeated the air, evident in the bustling stalls lining the streets and the opulent shopping centres; the merchandise on sale was unparalleled by previous months.That morning, I awoke with a sudden yearning for chocolate ice cream; it was that time of the month. Clad in a black hoodie and shorts, I ventured to a nearby store, feeling despondent.Upon paying the cashier, I indulged in a few scoops before accepting my change. However, I overheard some customers murmuring, likely discussing me. One of them gestured towards the television in the store during their conversation. I glanced up, only to see my picture prominently displayed on the screen.Swiftly, I concealed my face with the hood of my hoodie. "I told you she's the one," one of them asserted. I concealed the ice cream and hurried out of the establishment to my car; windows up, doors locked.After just a few laps, I was already exhausted, attempting to catch my breat