Letter Messages

The struggles and triumphs of Nigeria's history have left an indelible mark on its culture and people. It's a reminder that the beauty of a nation lies in the stories it carries, the traditions it preserves, and the diversity that enriches it.

I couldn't help but appreciate the parallels between the history of Nigeria and my own experiences as an intern. Both were marked by challenges and triumphs, diversity and unity, and a deep sense of pride in being part of something greater.

The exchange of messages were always at intervals, and with each word typed, it felt as though we were weaving a story of our own, one that would celebrate the diversity and richness of our shared experiences. 

Another day at work had come to an end, and the drive home felt like a journey through a bustling metropolis, the traffic moving at a pace that resembled snails racing in slow motion. Cars on the road seemed determined to unleash the fiery power of their engines, as if they were built for this very moment. The streets were alive with activity, and even the hawkers saw the traffic as an opportunity to market their products to weary drivers, leaning in to advertise at car windows.

One particular hawker stood out, giving an impassioned speech about the health benefits of drinking water. He recited a list of nutritional values, enticing me to consider buying one of the cold bottled waters he had on display. As I listened to him, I couldn't help but feel a craving for that refreshing beverage on the road. The traffic seemed interminable, and the delay only fueled my thirst.

Crawling through the traffic, I decided to check my phone for the time. The screen lit up, and the numbers 6:09 pm greeted me. I opened Vibly, and to my surprise, she hadn't responded to my morning messages all day. It's already past midnight in Thailand so I can't hope for any reply to that message till much later. Unless you're a night owl.

It wasn't a big deal, though, she had mentioned that she didn't mind late replies, and you even sometimes forget to reply!

But deep down, I couldn't help but wonder if we had truly connected or if our conversations were just on the surface of an acquaintanceship.

My thoughts drifted into the realm of overthinking. Are you possibly in a relationship, and my attempts at communication seemed like an unwarranted advance? The inner monologue went into a spiral of self-doubt and worry. But I reminded myself that the only way to find out was to keep the conversation going, I had planned to create time so we could have proper conversations, and move beyond what felt like posting letters to each other.

"(Laughing emoji) Funny how our messages to each other be looking like informal letters."

"Well, without the address and 'yours sincerely.'"

She seemed like someone with a high sense of humor, quick to catch a joke. However, I had to shift my focus back to the road, the evening traffic demanded my full attention.

Rush hour had its own set of challenges, and navigating through it was always a test of patience and skill. The evening rush often turned the streets into a battleground, with drivers vying for the fastest lane.

Pimpimpiiiiiiiiimm! A car behind me honked impatiently, he had stalled trying to fire up his engine and without hesitation, I executed a perfect lane change, slipping ahead of the honking driver. It was a maneuver that required precision, a reminder that in the world of traffic, snoozing meant losing. Making it out of the traffic on time felt like emerging from a battlefield, where cars moved in a relentless clash, yet adhering to the rules of the road for safety.

The bustling traffic, like my workday, had its own set of challenges. It felt like a continuation of the daily hustle, where one had to be vigilant to avoid aggressive drivers looking for any opportunity to switch lanes. Playing the good cop and sticking to the traffic rules sometimes meant spending more time in congestion. It was a reminder that the streets were a battleground of survival, where only the fittest and the savviest could navigate successfully.

I continued my journey through the labyrinth of cars, I couldn't help but reflect on the chapters of my life. The challenges of the road mirrored the ups and downs of my career. Just like I had to make quick decisions on the road, I had to adapt and make choices in my professional life.

It was like a never-ending puzzle, much like the intricacies of connecting with someone thousands of miles away through a screen. I navigated through the streets, feeling the weight of both the challenges and the triumphs, the highs and the lows. Reminding me that life, like traffic, was a journey full of twists and turns, but in the end, it was the resilience and adaptability that mattered the most. And so, I carried on through the bustling traffic, forging ahead in the ongoing saga.