Vida had never believed in messages from the past. Not really. But tonight, her apartment smelled faintly of coffee she hadn't brewed, and a single word burned in her vision like neon in the dark:
Elior.
It wasn't written anywhere. No note, no screen, no voice. It just… appeared, floating in her mind the way a memory refuses to leave. She blinked. The letters shimmered for a second, then vanished—but the echo remained, stubborn and alive.
"Okay," Vida whispered to herself. "This is new. Weird. And impossible."
She stood and walked to her bookshelf. Every book, every notebook, every scrap of paper was untouched. Nothing explained it. And yet… the name had appeared again, this time in her reflection in the window. Not written. Not whispered. But somehow hovering behind her eyes, like the city itself was reminding her.
Her phone buzzed. A text from an unknown number:
"Do you remember me?"
Vida froze. She didn't know this number. And yet… she felt it knew her.
For a moment, the room was silent except for the city humming outside. Then a low vibration ran through the floorboards, almost like a heartbeat, and she realized it wasn't coming from the city. It was coming from inside her apartment—or maybe… inside her mind.
Vida hadn't just lost someone. Somehow, he had never truly left. And for the first time, she wondered if the world around her was no longer entirely real—or if she had been dreaming all along, and only now had the dream started talking back.
Vida stared at her phone, the text glowing like it had a pulse of its own. She typed a reply, her fingers trembling slightly:
"Who is this?"
Almost immediately, the response came:
"You know me. You always have."
Her apartment felt colder, though the AC hadn't turned on. The city hum outside was muffled, as if someone had pressed pause on the world. Vida's reflection in the window flickered. For a heartbeat, the figure behind her wasn't her own—it was him.
Elior.
She spun around. Nothing. Just her apartment, empty and quiet. The smell of coffee lingered in the air, stronger now, though she had never made any.
Vida swallowed hard. "Okay… breathe. You're not crazy." She tried to convince herself, but the word hovering in her mind—the text, the reflection—didn't feel like imagination.
Then it moved. Not like a shadow, but like a ripple in reality itself. Letters appeared, floating over her coffee table:
"Look outside."
Vida froze. Her window overlooked the street, the neon lights flickering over Lagos' chaotic pulse. Slowly, she moved closer. There, on the sidewalk, was something she had never seen before in her city: a single envelope glowing faintly in blue light. It rested alone on the wet concrete, untouched by anyone, even though people walked past it.
Her heart hammered. She knew, somehow, that opening it would change everything.
And maybe it already had.
The envelope pulsed faintly, almost as if it were alive, and the blue light reflected in the wet streets like a heartbeat. People passed by without noticing, their umbrellas brushing the rain, their conversations spilling into the night. But Vida couldn't look away.
Her fingers twitched at the edge of her notebook, craving action, craving answers, but she forced herself to stay put. Some part of her screamed to run downstairs, to grab it, to rip open whatever secret had been left there for her. But another part—the smarter part—knew that some things weren't meant to be touched yet.
She pressed her back against the cool glass, feeling the city's pulse, listening to the hum of neon lights, and wondered:
Why now? Why here? And why him?
Vida's thoughts were spiraling, her eyes still fixed on the glowing envelope far below. The city's hum felt distant, her mind trapped in the echo of a name that refused to leave: Elior.
Her phone rang, breaking the spell. The ringtone was loud and cheerful, jarring against the quiet storm inside her. She picked up quickly.
"Hello?" Vida's voice was cautious.
"Vida! There you are! I've been calling all morning," said Tomi, her friend from work, energetic as ever. "You missed the team meeting. You promised you'd be on time today!"
Vida blinked, shaking her head slightly to clear the fog. "I… I know. I got caught up. Sorry, Tomi."
"Caught up? That sounds suspicious," Tomi teased. "You've been spacing out a lot lately. Are you okay?"
Vida hesitated. How much could she tell her friend? Not about the glowing envelope. Not about Elior. "Yeah… I'm fine. Just tired, I guess. Long week."
Tomi sighed dramatically. "Uh-huh. Long week, mysterious thoughts, staring out windows… sounds like someone's falling for a crush again."
Vida couldn't help but smile faintly, despite the tension in her chest. "Nothing like that, I promise."
Tomi's laugh echoed through the phone. "Okay, okay, I'll drop it. But seriously, Vida, call me if you need a break, alright? You look stressed even over the phone."
"I will," Vida replied softly, tucking the phone against her shoulder. Her gaze drifted back toward the window, where the blue glow still pulsed faintly. "Thanks, Tomi."
"Anytime," Tomi said warmly. "Now go be productive… or at least look like it!"
Vida ended the call, and for the first time in what felt like hours, she felt a little anchored in reality. Yet the envelope remained, glowing quietly, impossible to ignore, and the name Elior still hovered at the edges of her mind, like a shadow she couldn't shake.
Vida stepped away from the window, forcing herself to leave the glowing envelope and impossible thoughts behind—for now. Her stomach growled, reminding her she hadn't eaten since morning.
Spicy Noodles, she decided. Simple. Quick. Comfort food to anchor her in reality. She moved to the kitchen, filled a pot with water, and set it on the stove to boil. While waiting, she flicked through her laptop and queued up a movie—something light, a distraction from the echo of a name she didn't want to think about.
By the time the noodles started to soften, the front door creaked open.
Vida's patience snapped. "It's 8 PM! Where were you?" she called out before even looking.
Her younger sister emerged from the hallway, her bag slung lazily over one shoulder. "I'm back! JAMB lesson finished late, so I stayed to practice with some seniors."
Vida groaned, rubbing her temples. "You could've called! I was waiting! And now you just come home this late like nothing happened."
Her sister gave a sheepish smile. "Sorry… I didn't think—"
Vida's voice softened slightly, though the irritation lingered. "Just… be more careful next time. Please?"
Her sister nodded and went quietly to the kitchen to grab a drink.
Vida stirred the noodles, trying to focus on the movie, when her younger sister, Sade, plopped onto the chair beside her.
"You won't believe what happened today," Sade began, eyes wide with excitement. "The Maths teacher—yes, the one who's supposed to be a genius—didn't know some of the equations we were asking about!"
Vida raised an eyebrow, half-amused, half-annoyed. "What do you mean he didn't know? That's literally his job!"
Sade flopped dramatically onto the couch. "Exactly! And the funniest part? He kept looking at the board like we were aliens. And then he whispered to another teacher, 'I think they're making this harder than it needs to be.' Vida! Can you believe it?"
Vida let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "So, let me get this straight. You paid attention to the lesson, and the teacher—supposedly the expert—didn't even know the answers?"
"Yes! And we had to help him!" Sade grinned, clearly thrilled by the chaos of it all. "Honestly, I think I could teach the class better. I mean, at least I know how to solve the equations without panicking."
Vida chuckled, trying to push the weird tension of the evening out of her mind. "I guess that's one way to make a Maths lesson memorable."
Sade giggled, then noticed the noodles on the stove. "Are you making food already? You never cook this late."
Vida shrugged, stirring the noodles. "I was hungry. Plus, a movie and some food might help me forget today… or just distract me for a while."
Sade nodded, settling in beside her. "Well, I'm glad you're finally relaxing. You looked like you were thinking too hard earlier. Something on your mind?"
Vida hesitated, then shook her head. "Nothing important. Just… tired, I guess."
Sade didn't press further, and for a few minutes, the apartment was filled with the sounds of cooking, laughter, and the movie—mundane, comforting, and completely ordinary.
But outside, somewhere in the city, the envelope still glowed faintly. And somewhere in Vida's mind, a name refused to fade: Elior.
~~~~~~~~~~
Vida woke with the sound of cars honking, engines revving, and Lagos already alive outside her window. At 4 AM, people were already moving—heading to work, markets, and schools, the city never truly sleeping.
She groaned, stretching under the sheets, and suddenly remembered: presentations at work today. Her heart skipped a beat. She hadn't even reviewed her slides yet.
Sade was still asleep in the other room, soft breathing filling the quiet of the apartment. Vida envied her sister's ability to sleep through anything.
Swinging her legs off the bed, she padded to the kitchen. Coffee first, she decided. She needed fuel if she was going to survive the day.
As the coffee brewed, Vida quickly glanced over her notes, rehearsing her points silently. She could already feel the tension of standing in front of colleagues and clients, answering questions, and keeping everything under control.
Once the coffee was ready, she sipped it slowly, letting the warmth center her. The city outside buzzed and blared, the early morning Lagos chaos pressing against the apartment windows, and Vida reminded herself: today was about work, focus, and getting through the day. Nothing else mattered right now.
Vida sipped her coffee, glancing at the clock. 5:00 AM. If she wanted to drop Sade off at school before Lagos traffic became unbearable, it was time to wake her up.
She walked down the hallway and gently shook her sister's shoulder. "Sade… come on, sleepyhead. Time to get up. School won't wait for you."
Sade groaned, pulling the blanket over her head. "Five more minutes, Vida… please. It's too early."
Vida rolled her eyes. "Too early? Sade, it's Lagos! By 6 AM, the roads will already be a mess. If we don't leave now, we'll spend the next hour stuck in traffic and you'll be late for class."
Sade peeked one eye out from under the blanket. "But… I'm starving. Can't we have breakfast first?"
Vida smirked. "Not a full breakfast. You'll get food at school anyway. For now, have some cereal. Quick and easy. I need you ready so we can leave before traffic turns the whole city into a parking lot."
Sade sighed, finally throwing the blanket off and heading to the kitchen. "Fine… cereal it is. But I swear, I'm still hungry!"
Vida shook her head with a small laugh. "You'll survive. Now hurry up before I drag you out of bed myself."
The apartment filled with the soft sounds of Sade pouring cereal and Vida finishing her coffee, the early hum of Lagos stirring outside.
Perfect, Flora! Let's continue with Vida and Sade getting ready and heading out, showing Lagos morning chaos and some playful sister dynamics:
⸻
Sade finished her cereal in record time, brushing crumbs off her shirt. "Done! Can we go now before the city swallows us whole?"
Vida grabbed her jacket and her bag, double-checking that she had everything for work. "Yes, yes. Let's move. And no dawdling—traffic waits for no one, Sade."
They stepped out into the warm, humid Lagos morning. Already, the streets were alive: okadas weaving between cars, commercial buses honking, and street vendors calling out their wares. The city had its own rhythm, chaotic but familiar.
Sade groaned dramatically as she slung herself into the passenger seat. "Why do people always have to drive like maniacs at this hour? Can't they just… I don't know… follow the rules?"
Vida laughed, starting the car. "Welcome to Lagos traffic, Sade. Rules are optional here. You get used to it."
They merged onto the busy road, the line of cars slowly crawling forward. Vida's eyes flicked between the rearview mirror and the road ahead. "Remember, we need to get you to school before the next wave of buses hits. If we're late, it's on you."
Sade leaned back, hands behind her head. "I'm totally ready for the adventure of surviving Lagos traffic! This is basically a life lesson, right?"
Vida shook her head with a smile. "Life lesson or not, we survive it every morning. Just… stay alert and don't distract me."
Sade grinned mischievously. "Distract you? Me? Never. I'm an angel behind the wheel… sort of."
Vida rolled her eyes, letting out a laugh that mingled with the city noise. Even in the chaos, these small moments—the banter, the early-morning energy, and the city alive around them—grounded her, made life feel real and manageable, at least for now.
Vida slowed the car to a stop outside Sade's school, the familiar red-brick building bustling with students. Street vendors called out, selling breakfast and snacks, and the faint honking of buses filled the air.
Sade unbuckled her seatbelt, glancing up at Vida. "Thanks for bringing me early. Lagos traffic is already getting crazy, and I don't even want to think about the streets later."
Vida smiled, tucking her bag strap over her shoulder. "No problem. You know I hate seeing you late. And besides, the earlier we get here, the less chaos we deal with."
Sade leaned back in the seat, looking thoughtful. "You always plan everything so perfectly. How do you do it? I mean… how do you manage work, school runs, everything?"
Vida chuckled softly. "I just… try to stay one step ahead. But don't let me fool you—it's not always perfect. Lagos has a way of reminding you that control is an illusion."
Sade grinned. "Yeah, I guess. Anyway, I should go before the bell rings. Don't wait too long to leave, okay?"
Vida nodded. "I won't. Go get your day started. And don't forget, school lunch is not optional—you eat something, alright?"
Sade laughed, grabbing her bag and hopping out of the car. "I'll survive! See you later, big sis."
Vida waved as Sade walked toward the school entrance, then leaned back in the car seat, letting out a small sigh of relief. She pulled out her phone to check her emails… and it rang almost immediately.
"Vida speaking," she said, answering quickly.
"Good morning, Vida. This is Chuka from the office," the voice said. "I wanted to let you know that the presentation scheduled for today has been postponed to next Monday. Our boss had to travel to Abuja for an impromptu meeting."
Vida blinked, a mix of surprise and relief washing over her. "Oh… okay. Thanks for letting me know, Chuka."
"No problem. Enjoy the unexpected free time," he replied cheerfully before hanging up.
Vida leaned back, exhaling. A free morning she hadn't expected. Lagos still buzzed around her, but for once, she could enjoy a little calm before heading into work.
She grabbed her phone and dialed Tomi, her colleague and friend.
"Hey, Tomi! You free?" Vida asked.
"Hey! Yeah, I'm free. Finally, some peace at work," Tomi said.
Vida grinned. "Perfect. I was thinking we meet at that café near the office. You know, the one with terrible coffee but amazing pastries?"
"Oh yes! I need that right now. I'll meet you there in twenty," Tomi replied.
"Cool. See you soon," Vida said, ending the call. She started the engine and merged into Lagos traffic, smiling despite the morning chaos.
Vida got to the cafe 20 mins later, surprised to see tomi there already.
She walked into the café and spotted Tomi already sitting at their favorite corner table. She slid into the seat across from her, smiling.
"Morning," Tomi said, waving. "I already grabbed us a spot. You know me—early bird perks."
Vida laughed. "Of course. You always beat me here."
A waitress appeared moments later, and Vida quickly called her over.
"We'll have two milkshakes and some croissants, please," Vida said.
The waitress nodded, jotting it down. "What flavors for the milkshakes?"
Vida grinned. "Oreos for me." She glanced at Tomi. "And for her?"
"Strawberry, please," Tomi said cheerfully, tapping her fingers on the table.
"Perfect," Vida said, relaxing back in her chair. The café smelled warm and comforting, the clinking of cups and chatter around them forming a cozy background.
"Finally, a break," Tomi sighed. "I needed this. Work's been… ugh, you know."
Vida nodded. "I get it. And today feels like a little gift from the universe, honestly. No presentations, no deadlines—just us, pastries, and milkshakes."
Tomi laughed, leaning back. "Exactly! Finally some peace before Lagos decides to stress us out again."
Vida smiled, looking out the window at the bustling street for a moment before turning back to Tomi.
After a while, Vida and Tomi had finished their milkshakes and croissants, leaving only crumbs and empty glasses behind.
Vida waved at the waitress. "Can we get the bill, please?"
The waitress checked her tablet. "That'll be ₦34,000."
Tomi whistled softly. "₦34k for snacks? This café is trying to finish my salary."
She pulled out her card anyway. "Don't worry, I've got it."
Vida frowned slightly. "Are you sure? I can—"
Tomi shook her head. "Relax. You called me out this morning. Let me be nice for once."
Within a few moments, the payment was done and they stood up.
"Alright," Tomi said, stretching. "Let's go before I order another croissant and regret my life choices."
They stepped out of the café and walked toward Vida's car. The street buzzed with the usual Lagos noise—cars honking, okadas speeding past, and vendors calling out to people walking by.
Just as Vida unlocked her car, a tall dark-skinned man walked toward them from the café entrance. He paused for a second, almost like he was deciding whether to continue or turn back.
Then he smiled.
"Excuse me," he said politely.
Vida and Tomi both looked at him.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything," he continued, rubbing the back of his neck slightly. "But I saw you inside the café and thought… if I walk away without saying hello, I might regret it later."
Tomi slowly turned to Vida with a grin spreading across her face.
The man continued, looking directly at Vida.
"So… I decided to be brave today. Hi."
Vida blinked, slightly amused.
"Hi," she replied.
"I'm sorry if this sounds random," he said with a small laugh, "but you looked interesting, and I thought maybe I could get your number… or at least your name before you drive away."
Tomi leaned closer to Vida and whispered,
"Hmm… bold. I like him already."
Vida tried not to laugh.
"Well," she said, folding her arms slightly, "that depends… do you always walk up to strangers like this?"
The man smiled.
"Only the ones that seem worth the risk."
Vida raised an eyebrow, trying to keep a straight face.
"Only the ones that seem worth the risk," the man repeated with an easy smile.
Tomi let out a small laugh beside her. "Okay… that was smooth. I'll give you that."
Vida shot her a quick look. "You're not helping."
The man chuckled softly. "I promise I'm not trying to make things awkward. I just figured the worst that could happen is you say no."
He gestured lightly toward the café behind him. "I saw you two laughing in there and thought… why not?"
Vida leaned slightly against her car door, studying him for a moment. He looked confident but not arrogant, calm in a way that made the situation feel less strange.
"And what happens if I do say no?" she asked.
He shrugged casually. "Then I'll accept defeat like a gentleman and walk away."
Tomi whispered again, not even pretending to be quiet this time. "Vida, this one came prepared."
Vida sighed, trying not to smile.
"You're enjoying this too much," she muttered to Tomi before turning back to him.
"Alright," she said. "What's your name?"
His smile widened a little.
"Daniel."
He held out his hand politely. Vida hesitated for a second before shaking it.
"Vida."
"Vida," he repeated slowly, like he was making sure he remembered it. "Nice name."
Tomi crossed her arms and looked between them. "And I'm Tomi, the witness to this very brave moment."
Daniel laughed. "Nice to meet you too, Tomi."
For a brief moment, the three of them just stood there while cars passed and horns sounded somewhere down the street.
Daniel finally lifted his phone slightly.
"So… Vida," he said, "should I consider today my lucky day?"
Tomi immediately nudged Vida's arm.
"Don't embarrass me in front of my new friend," she whispered dramatically.
Vida rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the small smile forming on her face.
She slowly took out her phone.
"Well," she said, "I guess there's no harm in exchanging numbers."
Daniel's grin widened as he unlocked his phone.
"See? Taking risks works sometimes."
Tomi clapped once. "Ah! Love to see it."
Vida shot her another look. "You're enjoying this way too much."
Tomi just shrugged.
"Hey, I paid ₦34,000 for breakfast. I deserve entertainment."
Daniel saved the number and handed Vida's phone back to her.
"Nice meeting you, Vida… and Tomi," he said with a polite nod.
"You too," Vida replied.
"I'll text you," he added with a small smile before turning and walking back toward the café.
The moment he was a few steps away, Tomi turned slowly toward Vida with the widest grin.
"Ohhh my God."
Vida immediately opened the car door. "Don't start."
Tomi followed her into the passenger seat, barely containing her excitement.
"Did you see that?" she said, buckling her seatbelt. "A fine man just walked up to you like something out of a movie!"
Vida started the engine. "It was not a movie. It was just a guy asking for a number."
"Just a guy?" Tomi gasped dramatically. "Vida, that man was fine. Tall, dark, confident. You're acting like he asked you for directions."
Vida pulled the car out into the road. "You're exaggerating."
"I am not!" Tomi insisted. "You should have seen your face when he said you looked interesting."
Vida tried to focus on the road, but a small smile escaped.
Tomi noticed immediately.
"Aha! There it is!" she pointed at her. "You liked him!"
Vida scoffed. "Please. I barely know him."
"But you gave him your number."
"That doesn't mean anything."
Tomi leaned back in her seat, folding her arms with a knowing smile.
"Mmm-hmm. That's how it always starts."
Vida shook her head. "You're unbelievable."
"I'm serious!" Tomi continued. "First it's 'just a number.' Next thing you know, you're smiling at your phone like a teenager."
Vida laughed despite herself.
"You watch too many romantic movies."
"Maybe," Tomi said with a shrug. "But I know what I saw. That man liked you the moment he saw you."
Vida kept her eyes on the road, but her mind briefly drifted back to the moment he said her name.
Vida.
Tomi nudged her again.
"So," she said with a mischievous grin, "when he texts you later, what are you going to say?"
Vida sighed.
"I don't know. I'll figure it out when it happens."
Tomi smiled like someone who already knew the answer.
"Oh, he's definitely texting."
Traffic had grown heavier by the time they reached the office. Cars lined the road and the security guard at the gate waved them through after recognizing Vida's car.
Vida pulled into the parking area and parked close to the entrance.
Before she could even switch off the engine, Tomi turned to her with that same mischievous smile.
"I'm still thinking about that guy," she said.
Vida groaned softly. "Of course you are."
"I'm serious!" Tomi continued. "Vida, that man walked up to you like he had been practicing that speech all morning."
Vida grabbed her bag. "He probably says that to every woman he sees."
Tomi shook her head. "Nope. That one looked serious."
Vida stepped out of the car, and Tomi followed, still smiling as they walked toward the office building.
"You should at least admit he was handsome," Tomi said.
Vida rolled her eyes. "You're impossible."
"But am I wrong?" Tomi pressed.
Vida stopped at the entrance door and turned to look at her.
"You talk too much," she said, though a small smile slipped through.
Tomi laughed. "Just wait. When he texts you later, don't pretend you won't be smiling."
Vida shook her head again as they walked into the building.
"Go and do your work, Tomi."
Tomi leaned closer as they reached the hallway.
"Fine," she said with a grin. "But remember… I saw everything."
Vida sighed, trying to ignore her.
Still, as she walked toward her desk, one small thought stayed in the back of her mind.
Maybe Tomi wasn't completely wrong.