Edited May.

OREOLUWA JERKED AWAKE AS HER HEAD HIT THE WINDOW OF THE AGOFURE BUS. She winced sharply, feeling for what she was sure was slowly turning into a light bruise with her fingertips. The middle of her forehead was sporting a swell which made her grunt in frustration.

Why couldn't bus drivers drive with care? She thought. All they cared about was how to get to their destination on time while endangering the lives of their passengers. Murmurs of protest rang out from the crowded bus, some people ordered the bald-headed driver to slow down, so that everyone would safely reach the first bus stop.

Oreoluwa could vaguely hear the driver grunting under his breath, as she was seated along with four other passengers directly behind him. She looked around with indifference; some of the travelers hunched forward, and their eyes were shut. Ore knew they were probably exhausted from the long trip, and would sleep until they got to Choba junction, which was the main centre of attraction in Port Harcourt city. Most of the older women looked intermittently out the window as they chewed on whatever snacks they had bought by the roadside. A sparse few blew on their bubble gum noisily, and the sound grated on her nerves. Oreoluwa thought they looked wretched with their wrinkled skin and lined foreheads.

The Agofure bus had slowed down to a minimal speed limit, not wanting to go overboard and risk an accident. Oreoluwa was sure the actual reason for the slow pace of the bus was a faulty brake, and friction caused by lack of oiling, it was a major problem of the transportation systems in Nigeria.

They found it difficult to service their engines properly before taking on the lives of various individuals on a trip, whether it was an act of indolence or mere ignorance, Oreoluwa wasn't too sure either.

The one thing she was certain of was that she was going to flex her life as an undergraduate of the University of Port Harcourt. Since her birth, her parents had nestled her like an egg and made sure no harm came to her. They restricted her movements and safeguarded her throughout her childhood to her teen years.

Now, they weren't going to be with her, and debate her decisions. She would break free of that cocoon, and come out in the open with a breath of fresh salty air—it was the thought that kept whirling in her head as the driver announced their long-awaited arrival at Port Harcourt.


"Choba!" The man's cracked voice called out. "Na here we dey drop ni."

A broad smile spread across Ore's face as she replied excitedly, "driver, dropping ooo."

Passengers began to shuffle out of their seats as the bald-headed man opened his worn-out door and clambered out of the bus. He unfolded the trunk where suitcase after suitcase, with various travel items were stacked side by side. Oreoluwa offered a silent prayer to God, an appreciation for a safe journey.