I kept my head down as I walked through the campus courtyard, my books pressed tightly against my chest. The sun was warm, the green lawns vibrant, and students moved freely around me, laughing, joking, living like the world had no rules. And I… I tried not to exist too loudly.
"Finally!" a voice called, and I jumped.
Lia. Of course. She was practically bouncing on her sneakers, hair catching the sunlight, grin wide and unstoppable. "I was beginning to think you'd been kidnapped."
"I… I just got held up," I mumbled, tugging my bag strap tighter.
Lia rolled her eyes. "Morayo, you worry too much. You always worry. Life is not just notes, lectures, and being the good girl everyone expects."
I flushed, but I stayed quiet. I had learned a long time ago that arguing with Lia was pointless. She thrived on chaos, on boldness, on pulling people into life whether they wanted to or not. And somehow… I liked it. Even if it scared me.
"By the way," she said, leaning close and lowering her voice like she was sharing a great secret, "I got invited to a party next Saturday. And guess what?"
I stopped walking. "I… I don't think I can go, Lia. I have too much to do—assignments, readings—"
"Assignments, readings, blah blah blah," she said, waving her hand like my excuses were dust in the wind. "Morayo, you breathe, you study, you sleep.....and that's all? That's your life? Babe, one night won't kill you, I promise. One night of music, laughter… freedom."
"I can't…" My chest tightened. "I really can't, what will I tell mama or baba"
"Ah, that will be a problem but here's the fun part," she said, eyes gleaming, full of mischief. "The party is a week away. That gives me and you seven days. Seven glorious days to think about what to tell your parents, persuade you, maybe even guilt you into going. And you will go."
I groaned, but a small, rebellious spark flickered inside me. I knew resisting Lia was pointless. She would not relent. But… maybe one night wasn't so dangerous. Maybe it was okay to breathe outside my rules for just a little while.The only problem now is how will I tell my parents.
She tapped my shoulder. "Don't look so serious! I'm your best friend. I know you secretly want to go."
I forced a small smile. "Secretly? I think you're imagining things."
"Maybe," she said, smirking. "But the best things in life start with imagination. Or persuasion. Or both. You'll see."
Even as we continued walking toward the library, my mind kept drifting. Books, notes, lectures… all the rules I had lived by. And then Lia, bright and unapologetic, dragging me into a world that felt dangerous just by existing.
I sighed softly, gripping my books tighter. Maybe I could survive one week of Lia's persistence. Maybe… I could even let myself want something more.