Adora!” Mr. Okonkwo’s deep voice thundered through the marble halls of their Asokoro mansion. “How many times do I have to tell you to stop acting like… like a street fighter?”
Adora rolled her eyes, hoodie pulled over her head, barely acknowledging the lecture. Her parents’ shouting was routine, but today, there was a new tension.
“You are grounded!” Mrs. Okonkwo snapped, pointing at Adora’s sneakers as if they were a crime against civilization.
Adora had spent the morning racing friends through Jabi Lake’s jogging paths and climbing the hills near Millennium Park. She laughed, tumbled, and flaunted her tomboy mask—covering the curves her parents scolded her for—but today her rebellion seemed pointless.
“We’re sending you abroad,” Mr. Okonkwo announced. “You will finish your schooling in China. They teach girls to be disciplined, elegant… controlled.”
Adora froze. Her friends waited outside, ready for their usual fun. Leaving Abuja, leaving freedom, was unthinkable.
“China?” she scoffed. “You want me to become some… quiet, fancy girl who bows and smiles all day?”
Her parents exchanged a look that said: We’ve tried everything. Adora’s defiance, legendary in their household, would not stop them.
And so, her journey began—not on Nigerian streets, not among friends—but in a world far away, where rules were foreign, bullies were different, and the challenge of merging her proud Nigerian identity with a completely new culture awaited.

The weekend had flown by. Adora spent Saturday and Sunday wandering the campus, taking in the sprawling gardens, pristine dorms, and perfectly maintained pathways. Everywhere she went, students moved in perfect lines, silent and disciplined.


Adora, hoodie up, sneakers squeaking, moved differently. She ducked under a low branch and laughed softly. "Na so China take fine well well," she muttered to herself, shaking her head. Even in a new world, she couldn't stop her little Pidgin slips—it was part of her charm.


By Sunday evening, she had mentally mapped out the campus and decided how to survive her first week: stay alert, be confident, and don't hide who she was.


Monday came quickly. Adora strode down the hall, backpack slung casually over one shoulder. Whispers followed her. Heads turned. Phones discreetly clicked pictures.


She entered her classroom and scanned the room. Desks perfectly aligned, textbooks stacked neatly, students sitting silently, waiting for the teacher.


Bold, brave, and unapologetically Adora. She repeated it in her head. Her mantra was her shield.


Adora spotted an empty desk in the middle. As she moved toward it, a girl beside it raised an eyebrow.


"Hi… I'm Mei," the girl said, voice polite but cautious. "You're the new student?"


"Yes," Adora replied, smiling. "I'm Adora. From Nigeria. Don't worry—I'm friendly." She leaned back slightly, letting her confidence show. "Abi, I dey tell true."


Mei tilted her head, studying her. "You're… bold."


Adora grinned. "Thank you. You go soon learn say Adora dey bold every day."


The teacher entered, a tall woman with sharp eyes and commanding presence. "Good morning, class. Today, we welcome a new student—Adora from Nigeria. Let us give her a warm welcome."


Polite claps followed, though the whispers didn't stop. Adora smiled, sitting upright. She noticed the teacher's eyes lingered on her for a moment longer than usual, assessing, judging—but she didn't flinch.


"Adora," the teacher said, her voice firm but calm, "please introduce yourself to the class."


Adora stood, cleared her throat, and spoke clearly: "Good morning, everyone. My name is Adora Okonkwo. I am from Nigeria. I am excited to learn, meet new friends, and experience everything your school has to offer."


A few students nodded, some whispered, some stared. The teacher raised an eyebrow. "Very well. I hope your actions match your words."


Adora's lips curled into a small smirk. Challenge accepted.


As the lesson began, Adora sat down and began organizing her notebook. Mei leaned closer and whispered, "You… speak English very well, but sometimes you say funny things. It's… cute."


Adora chuckled. "Thanks. Na wetin dey inside my head dey come out small small. I dey learn fast o, don't worry."


By the end of the first class, Adora already felt a sense of possibility. She had survived stares, whispers, and authority. She had made a small connection with Mei, and she knew the others were curious.


Bold, brave, and unapologetically Adora. Her mantra wasn't just words—it was her way of life.


Chapter 6 - CHAPTER SIX Exploring and First Class