25/12/2023
I WILL NEVER
Episode 1
My name is Ade, a guy with an infectious smile and a knack for making friends, especially female ones. Despite my good-natured charm, my family often teased me for being a ladies' man, much to my mom's concern. This led to a stint in an all-boys boarding school during high school, which made me miss my female friends even more.
Fast forward to my post-high school days, I decided to take the Jamb exams (A Nigerian entrance examination board for tertiary-level) to pursue my university dreams. With the exams scheduled in Lagos, the excitement was palpable, especially because my best friend Mercy studied at the University of Lagos (Unilag). I couldn't wait to crash at her place, a comforting thought as I prepped for the big day.
Three days left, it was a whirlwind of activity. Packing, washing, and getting everything primed for my Lagos trip. My room seemed emptier with each packed bag, prompting a curious remark from my elder brother, John. "Ade, planning to relocate? You're clearing out your room like you're never coming back," John chuckled, teasingly. "Well, who knows? Maybe I'll just stick around there for a while," I replied mischievously, leaving John shaking his head in amusement.
The morning of my departure to Lagos arrived, and eager to catch the first bus, I rose at the crack of dawn 5:00am. Rushing to inform my parents about my trip, I encountered an unexpected reaction.
"Mom, Dad, I'm about to head out," I announced cheerfully, hoping for a smooth send-off.
"Leaving at this hour? To Lagos? Is there something else driving you to go this early?" My dad quizzed, skepticism evident in his tone. I knew my father's tendency to question my decisions all too well.
"Dad, I know it's just a two-hour journey from Ibadan to Lagos, why not start early and avoid the rush?" I explained, trying to ease my father's concerns. But he was bracing himself for the inevitable disagreement.
"Fine, Ade, you can go. But remember we don'