THE VEIL OF SHADOWS

Part 2

"Ladies and gentlemen, we hope you enjoyed your flight with Aerial Odyssey and we welcome you to Lagos city. The local time is 5:43pm. For your safety and the safety of those around you, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened and keep the aisle clear until we are parked at the gate. Thank you for choosing to fly with us!" I heard the flight attendant say but I was too deep in thought to actually process the words. This is my first time back in Nigeria in like... eight years?

In the midst of my grief, fifteen years ago, my world shattered with the loss of my father. Seeking solace and a brighter future, my mother made the difficult decision to send me across the vast ocean to the United Kingdom. Little did I know then that this would be the catalyst for a remarkable journey, one that would shape my destiny in ways I could never have imagined.

As the years unfolded, I immersed myself in my studies, working tirelessly to carve a path to success. The United Kingdom became my second home, and with each passing day, I climbed higher, fueled by ambition and determination. Yet, a part of me longed for the warmth and familiarity of my homeland.

My mother, wise and steadfast, chose a different path. She remained in Nigeria, surrounded by the love and support of her friends and family. Her words echoed in my mind, "You won't even have my time there, I'll be bored and lonely, but here I have my friends and everybody I know, the best bet for me is to come visit when I can." Her decision was rooted in a deep understanding of her own needs, and I respected her choice.

Throughout the years, my mother would make the journey across continents, visiting me in the United Kingdom, seeking respite and connection. These precious moments together, though fleeting, were filled with love and laughter, reminding us of the unbreakable bond we shared.

But as life carried on, I found myself yearning for a return to my roots, to the place that shaped me. It had been eight long years since I last set foot on Nigerian soil, save for that one crucial visit. It was even more crazy when I learned that I had only missed the reign of just one president since my last visit. The pull of my homeland grew stronger with each passing day, beckoning me to rediscover the essence of who I truly was.

Little did I know that the threads of fate were weaving a tapestry of destiny, entwining my path with that of another. The stage was set, and the proscenium of life was ready to reveal its grand spectacle. The time had come for me to embark on a journey that would not only reconnect me with my homeland but would also unravel the mysteries of love, loss, and the true meaning of home.

Why am I finally going back home?

In the depths of my heartache, I made a daring decision to return to Nigeria, seeking solace and a fresh start for my business ventures. The weight of my best friend's untimely demise in the UK was unbearable, and I couldn't pretend to be fine any longer. Leaving it all behind, I embarked on a journey to heal my wounded soul.

As I settled in Nigeria, I immersed myself in the pursuit of distraction, hoping to escape the piercing pain caused by Devon's cruel actions towards Felicia.

Devon was dead, but it still didn't take the pain away.

Finally we landed.

As I tried to navigate through the crowded airport, my mind filled with thoughts of finding my family. But in the chaos, a sudden collision interrupted my mission. "I'm sorry," I quickly apologized, bending down to retrieve the stranger's fallen keys.

"No, I am sorry. I should've been more careful," he responded, his voice sending a shiver down my spine. Oh, his voice! It was captivating, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

His voiceeee! Omg! anywayyy,

In an attempt to maintain my composure, I played it cool. "Thanks," he said when I handed him his keys. His eyes glanced at my luggage, and he asked if I had just arrived. I nodded affirmatively, silently acknowledging his observation.