The afternoon sun hung heavy over Uyo, turning the narrow footpath to the river into a shimmering ribbon of dust. The air buzzed with the sound of cicadas and distant laughter. Four teenagers made their way down the path, jostling and teasing each other with the carefree energy only youth could afford.
Abraham led the way, his tall frame cutting through the bushes with practiced ease. Behind him, Tamuno stretched his long arms like he was warming up for a football match.
"Today, I will break record," Tamuno declared, his voice booming. "I will dive into the river like Jay-Jay Okocha dives into defenders."
"You and Jay-Jay," Abraham said, glancing back with a small smile. "One day, the man will hear your noise and sue you for impersonation."
Tamuno burst out laughing, unbothered.
Trailing them were Paul Cooper, known to everyone as Emperor, and Glory Ikpe. Emperor's shirt hung loosely from his shoulders, his grin as mischievous as ever. He walked with a swagger that seemed too big for his teenage body, hands in pockets, eyes darting around like he was cataloging every detail of the world.
"So Glory," Emperor began, tilting his head toward her, "tell us true — do you come to the river for water or to watch Abe flex his muscles?"
Glory rolled her eyes, adjusting the small basket balanced against her hip. "I come because Mama sent me, of course. You think I have time to watch your friend splash around like a goat?"
"Ehen!" Tamuno clapped his hands. "See as she fired you, Emperor. Direct bullet."
But Emperor was undeterred. He leaned closer to Glory, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Don't mind Tamuno. I know the truth. If not for Abe, you would not follow us here. Don't worry, one day I will teach him how to toast properly."
Abraham turned, eyebrows drawn together. "Leave her alone, Paul."
"Akere," Glory said suddenly, her voice sweet with mischief, "better listen to Abe before I tell your mama. Or should I just call her now? Sergeant Cooper will deal with you."
The others roared with laughter, and Emperor groaned, throwing his hands dramatically in the air. "Why do you people always bring up my mother? Just one small slap from that woman, and all my destiny will reset."
They reached the riverbank, where the water shimmered under the sunlight, calm and inviting. Children splashed near the shallow end while older boys showed off their diving skills farther down. The familiar scent of wet earth and fresh leaves filled the air.
Glory knelt by the edge to rinse her basket, dipping it into the cool water. Abraham joined her, crouching to fill a calabash. For a moment, their hands brushed, and Glory's breath caught. She looked up quickly, but Abraham was already focused on the rippling surface.
Behind them, Tamuno stripped off his shirt and launched himself into the water with a loud whoop. "Ooooh! This is life!"
Emperor shook his head but followed, diving in with a splash that drenched Glory's dress.
"Paul!" she shouted, standing up in outrage.
He surfaced, grinning. "Sorry, Glory. The river just loves you too much."
Abraham straightened, handing her the calabash. "You should sit farther back," he said quietly, his voice almost lost beneath the noise of Tamuno's laughter and Emperor's playful splashing.
Glory held his gaze for a second too long before stepping away, her heart skipping in a rhythm she didn't understand.
---
As the afternoon wore on, the four of them settled into a rhythm. Tamuno challenged Emperor to diving contests, while Abraham occasionally joined in, his calm strokes contrasting Emperor's showy splashes. Glory sat on the bank, humming to herself, pretending to focus on plaiting strands of grass but sneaking glances at Abraham whenever she thought no one noticed.
Of course, Emperor noticed.
"See am!" he shouted from the water, pointing dramatically. "Our dear Glory has fallen for Abe's broad shoulders! I knew it! This is evidence!"
Glory's face burned. "Shut up, Akere, before I throw this basket at you!"
Tamuno nearly choked on river water from laughing too hard. Abraham only shook his head, pretending not to hear, though the corners of his mouth betrayed the faintest smile.
"Don't vex, Glory," Emperor said, climbing out of the river and shaking water from his hair. "It's only normal. Even in the Bible, women followed men of destiny. And Abraham here—his name alone is prophecy!"
"That's enough," Abraham said firmly, though not unkindly. He tossed Emperor a towel. "Go and dry your mouth before you drown from talking too much."
The boys laughed, and even Glory found herself smiling despite her embarrassment.
---
By the time the sun dipped low, casting the river in golden hues, the group gathered their things. Tamuno hummed a football chant, while Emperor walked ahead, still dripping wet, declaring that one day he would marry a Miss World contestant.
"You?" Tamuno scoffed. "Miss World will chase you with broom. Maybe Miss Agbado Market, yes. Miss World? Forget it."
The banter rolled all the way back to the village, their laughter echoing through the trees.
Glory lingered a step behind, watching Abraham's steady stride. Something unspoken stretched between them — fragile, uncertain, but undeniable.
For years afterward, whenever she thought of home, it was not just the river she remembered, but the echo of their laughter, the warmth of their friendship, and the quiet way Abraham had always made her feel safe.
---
That night, lying on her bed with the windows open to the cool village breeze, Glory thought of the river. Of Tamuno's booming laugh. Of Emperor's teasing grin. Of Abraham's calm presence beside her.
She was young, and the future stretched wide and unknowable before her. But in her heart, a seed had been planted — one that would take years to bloom.
And though she did not yet realize it, that afternoon by the river had been the beginning of everything.