Rainy days

The rain pattered against the windowpane, casting a melancholic rhythm that echoed the beat of my heart. I sat on the couch, wrapped in a warm blanket, sipping tea as the gray sky outside seemed to mirror my mood. Rainy days always brought a mix of emotions. Some found solace in the calming sound of raindrops, while others, like me, felt the weight of memories, memories of Sandra.Sandra was my neighbor, a friend who was more like a sister, but after many years of applying for scholarships to further her studies abroad, she finally got a fully funded scholarship for her masters in the University of Luxembourg in Europe.When Sandra was leaving for her studies, it was a day I will never forget. We both cried as we went to the airport. I felt like something was leaving my body as we bid farewell. It still felt like a dream to me, that Sandra is now miles away from me.We couldn’t stop crying and looking at each other until I couldn’t see her anymore.I woke up the next day, and everything felt real, I couldn't hear Sandra calling for me anymore, all I have left is now memories.As I gazed out the window, I saw the Lagos streets come alive. The BRT buses rumbled by, their horns blaring, a cacophony of sounds that seemed to match the turmoil in my heart. The struggles of my city, of my people, felt like a reflection of my own struggles. We were all trying to navigate the rainy days of life, unsure when the sun would shine again.I thought of her laughter on rainy days, how she'd dance in the downpour, twirling her umbrella like a conductor's baton. But now, she is gone, and I am left with only memories. The rain continued its symphony, and I let the tears fall, allowing the sorrow to wash over The streets of Lagos pulsed with energy, a harsh sound that seemed to never cease, the chatter of pedestrians, and the wail of sirens created a symphony that was both chaotic and mesmerizing. Amidst this chaos, Nigerian youths navigated the complexities of life, their dreams and aspirations often clouded by the harsh realities of bad governance.The rainy days seemed endless, with corruption, poverty, and inequality pouring down like relentless showers. Many felt lost, their futures uncertain, their potential stifled by the weight of a system that seemed designed to hold them Yet, amidst the pain, I saw glimmers of hope. The youths around me, despite the challenges, remained resilient. They protested, they advocated, they dreamed of a better future. And as the election drew near, a sense of possibility emerged. Maybe, just maybe, our rainy days were about to end.The angel of change, a leader with a vision for a brighter tomorrow, emerged on the horizon and a fair and peaceful election was conducted.The election results were announced, and the nation breathed a collective sigh of relief. The new leader, with a mandate for change, set to work with a sense of urgency and purpose. They listened to the people's cries, and responded with actions that brought joy and relief.As the months passed, the city transformed. Roads were repaired, hospitals were upgraded, and opportunities flourished. As they took office the rains began to recede, and the sun broke through the clouds. The BRT buses still rumbled along the streets, but now they carried people filled with a newfound sense of hope and optimism.I smiled faintly, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin. Maybe, just maybe, the sunshine would bring healing to my heart, just as it brought hope to my city. The memories of her would always linger, but now they'd be tinged with a sense of possibility, of a future where love and joy could flourish once more.One year had passed since Sandra's departure, and I had often found myself thinking of her. Then, on a typical Wednesday afternoon, my phone rang. I picked it up, and my heart skipped a beat as I heard her voice on the other end."Sandra?" I asked, hardly believing my ears."Yes, it's me!" she replied, her laughter echoing through the line.We talked for hours, catching up on lost time. Four hours flew by, and we were still reminiscing about old times, sharing stories about our lives. The distance between us seemed to melt away, and our friendship felt just as strong as it had before.As we wrapped up our conversation, Sandra promised to stay in touch more often. I smiled, feeling grateful for the reunion, and the knowledge that our bond remained unbroken.The sunshine that had begun to warm my city seemed to spread to my heart as well. With Sandra back in my life, even from afar, and our city on the path to progress, I felt a sense of joy and hope that I hadn't felt in a long time. And the sun began to shine again. THE END!“The sun will shine again, no matter the storm!