It was the day I had traveled far from home to write my JAMB examination. The journey was very far from home, and I don't even want to talk about the transportation fare, which was not small. I still got here anywhere. When the exam started, it was frustrating. The computer system kept malfunctioning, making me anxious but I still wrote and submitted on time. By the time I came out, I was tired and hungry. I couldn't eat out so I opted to get a snack and a drink before heading home. I got to a shop, took a rubber of Coca-Cola and a bread, I reached into my bag to take out money so I could pay, but my hands met nothing. I searched again, carefully this time, moving books and papers around. Still nothing. My heart was beating very fast, and all my money was gone. I searched repeatedly, but deep down I knew it had been stolen.
I stood lost in thought for a moment. My phone could at least help me call home, I thought but when I pressed the power button, nothing happened. The battery was dead. I borrowed another phone from someone nearby, but there was no network in the facility. I didn't know what else to do either, other than what was currently on my mind, even when I didn't like the idea, but I went ahead with it. I tried to explain my situation to a few people. I told them I had just written an exam, my money was gone, and I couldn’t reach my family. But they looked at me as if I were just another beggar making up a story. Some walked away without saying a word. Others shook their heads, avoiding my eyes.
As the sun began to set, the place grew quieter. People were going home, and I was still standing there alone on a darkening road. Fear began to creep in. I thought of my parents, of the long road back home, and of the possibility of sleeping there stranded. My legs felt weak, but I decided to start walking towards the park thinking someone there could help me.Then a lady stopped beside me. She said she had been watching me for a while and wanted to know what was wrong. I told her everything about my exam, the stolen money, my dead phone, and how I had no way to get home. She listened without interrupting. Then she smiled gently and told me to follow her. We walked to the park together. When we reached the park, she paid my transport fare. Then, to my surprise, she gave me extra money so I could get something to eat. I was so grateful I could hardly speak. I bought a small snack and drink for the road, and the bus began the long journey home. I arrived late at night, only to find out my dad had already gone out searching for me since my phone wasn’t reachable. I narrated all that happened that day to my family, and my Mom couldn't help but pray for the stranger.
That lady will forever remain in my heart. She didn’t know me, yet she chose to help me when no one else would. Her kindness saved me that night and I will never forget her.
