Chapter Ten: A Call from Home
The evening sun cast long shadows across Adora's dorm room. She had just finished unpacking the last of her clothes, and the room smelled faintly of fresh detergent and her favorite Nigerian perfume.
Her phone buzzed insistently on the desk. The screen flashed Mrs. Okonkwo. She knew immediately—her mother.
"Hello, Mama," Adora said, picking up.
"Adora! My dear child, are you eating well? Sleeping well? How is everything? Are you—"
"Calm down, Mama," Adora interrupted gently, suppressing a laugh. "I'm fine. Really."
"But you're so far away! How do we know you're safe? How do we know you are adjusting? And have you gone to see your uncle? He is very eager to meet you!"
Adora leaned back in her chair, letting out a quiet chuckle. "Mama, I told you—I'm fine. Uncle will see me when the time is right. Don't worry, I'm surviving just fine here."
Her mother huffed softly on the other line. "Adora, you are only sixteen! You cannot just… just go wandering the streets of another country without proper supervision. And your clothes! You always wear those hoodies—why don't you dress more like a young lady?"
Adora rolled her eyes playfully. "Mama, it's comfortable. And I am a young lady, trust me. I know what I'm doing."
Just then, her father's voice joined the call. "Adora, your mother is right. We sent you abroad not just for fun. You must learn discipline, manners, and how to navigate life in a proper way. And don't forget to visit your uncle—he is very proud of you."
"Yes, Papa," Adora said, a grin creeping onto her face. "I understand. But I also have to find my own way. I need to live a little, Papa."
Her mother sighed. "Oh, Adora. You are too bold sometimes. But we know your heart is good. Just… promise me you will take care of yourself, eat well, and don't get into trouble."
Adora smirked. Bold, brave, and unapologetically Adora. She repeated it quietly, letting the mantra comfort her. "I promise, Mama. I'm fine. I'll be careful… mostly."
Her father chuckled. "Mostly? What does that mean?"
"It means I will live my life, Papa. Don't worry, I'm Nigerian. I can handle myself."
There was a pause on the other end of the line. Her mother sighed again, then softened. "We worry because we love you. Promise us you will not forget your roots."
"I will never forget, Mama. Nigeria is always with me," Adora said sincerely.
As the call ended, she tossed her phone on the bed and laughed softly. "They worry too much. Little do they know, Adora is already making her mark here."
She opened her notebook and scribbled:
Bold, brave, and unapologetically Adora.
It wasn't just a mantra anymore—it was a pledge. She would make her parents proud, survive this foreign school, and most importantly, stay true to herself.
Looking out the window at the sprawling campus below, Adora felt a rush of excitement. New friends, new challenges, and new adventures awaited her.
And somewhere in the distance, her rich uncle awaited, oblivious to the whirlwind his niece was about to become.