Root Connections
25
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It’s a new day! And although yesterday’s call with Special lingers in my mind, along with the odd conversation I had with Alice, I decide to focus on the positive, pushing negative thoughts aside.
Stretching and yawning, I glance at my phone on the bedside table, expecting to see a sweet morning message from Special. But to my surprise, there’s no text or missed call. A tiny knot of worry forms in my stomach, but I quickly dismiss it. Maybe he’s just caught up with something or had an early start to his day. We’re both adults with busy lives and… missing a morning message doesn’t mean anything serious.
I get out of bed and head to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Something simple—oatmeal. While chopping carrots and apples for my oats, I think about the pepper soup I made yesterday and the nerve of the person who ruined it for me.
I fin ish my breakfast, get ready for work, make sure I have all my essentials for the day ahead, then rush to catch a bus that will take me to the office.
I need to start planning my move. Schedule time with agents to view new places. I have enough money to get somewhere better, where no one would tell me what and what not to cook.
As I step into the office, my focus shifts to my role as a data analytics associate. It’s a new job, a new day, and I’m determined to make the most of it.
Throughout the morning, I immerse myself in tasks and meetings, channeling my energy into my work. The day progresses, and I check my phone during a quick break, hoping to see a message from Special. Nothing. Don’t jump to conclusions. Stay positive. Stay positive.
I sit at my desk, typing away on my keyboard, when a notification pops up on my work messaging platform. It’s from a colleague based in the USA.
New Message from Charles:
Hey Fifi, hope you’re doing well!
Can we have a quick chat about the project plan?
Smiling, I quickly respond with, Absolutely! I can hop on a call in 10 minutes.
A few minutes later, I’m on a video call with Charles, who shares my skin color and accent. After introductions, our conversation takes a natural turn towards our shared background. I find out he is originally from Nigeria—his last name, Olarotimi, already gave it away.
“You know, Fifi,” Charles says, leaning back in his chair, “it’s always great to connect with fellow Nigerians. I only passed through Lagos when I was leaving the country.”
I nod, resisting a smile. “Woah. I keep forgetting that not everyone from Nigeria is a Lagosian, my bad. And yes, it’s… great to connect with one of mine here. Makes me feel less alone.”
“Tell me about it. I remember when I first moved to the States for my studies. I had no idea what a ‘potluck’ was, and I ended up bringing jollof rice to one.”
I giv e a short, mirthless laugh, recalling my own experiences. “Oh, I can relate.”
“And the looks I got when I pronounced ‘schedule’ with my Naija-Britico accent.”
We exchange stories and chuckles, bonding through our shared cultural shocks and humorous mishaps. It’s a refreshing break from the usual work discussions.
Our conversation shifts back to work, with Charles asking, “So, what are your goals for this project? And by goals, I mean personal ones. What do you hope to achieve?”
I really don’t have one completely thought out, but because of instant connection, I lean forward spewing the words dancing my head. “I’m really focused on optimizing the data analysis process and ensuring that our insights are more actionable. I really want to make a meaningful impact with the work we’re doing.”
Charles nods approvingly, like what I’ve said is gold. We discuss different approaches for the project and he tells me where to find data, past projects, and software within the company’s intranet. Deadlines, project tasks and who to consult were not left out.
“This was a time well spent Fifi,” Charles says, smiling. “Thanks for the chat.”
“Likewise, Charles. It was really nice connecting with you.”
Disconnecting from the video call, I smile, appreciating the glimpse of diversity and familiarity this role just afforded me.
As my workday winds down, I pack up my belongings and prepare to head home. It’s been a productive day, but I can’t shake off the slight unease that has settled in. Special still hasn’t reached out with his reassuring messages that often brighten my day.
Heading back home, I’m lost in my thoughts, replaying yesterday’s conversation and the events of today. I thought we reached an agreement. Is something amiss?
I step through my front door, deciding to hold onto hope. Maybe he’s just had a busy day, or some unexpected situation came up. With a deep breath, I remind myself to reach out to him later before settling into my evening routine.
It’ s only almost 7 PM... what can I do with myself? Maybe I should start a YouTube channel titled “Living Alone Diaries: Spend the Evening with Me.” Chuckling, I open my laptop to distract myself, considering whether to catch up on a Korean drama or dive into the new book I just got on business leadership in data.
The evening wears on, and my thoughts drift back to Special. It’s been an unusual day without our usual exchanges. I can count how many times something like this has happened. Once—that time I went to a party without letting him know. I hope he’s still not mad at me. Would he respond if I reach out? As much as I want to believe everything is fine, I can’t shake off the feeling that something might be wrong.
With a sigh, I pick up my phone and scroll through our chats. Our messages are filled with jokes, pictures, questions, passwords, and the intricate details of our lives.
I think I should reach out to him. Break the silence. Make sure he’s alright. Because, this is completely unlike him. But a part of me fears I might be overreacting or burdening him with unnecessary concerns. Maybe he needs space to think. We haven’t really done that in our relationship—I don’t know how I would survive without keeping in touch with him. I bite my bottom lip, torn between wanting to know what’s going on and not wanting to come across as clingy.
Relationships have their ups and downs, and silence doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. Maybe he’s just caught up in his own world. Hmm… A simple thinking about you text never hurt nobody.
Finally gathering my courage, I type: Hey love, hope you’re having a good day. Missing our chats. Please call me.
Nah… ‘please call me’ sounds too clingy. Something simple, fun and cute will do.
I edit the message to read, Hey Mr. UK, hope you’re having a good day. Missing you.
The moment I hit send, his message comes in with a ping sound. I can’t make this shit up. It like the network has been holding back his message. We have the same timestamp.
New Message from Special:
Hey baby, sorry for being quiet today.
It’s been a bit hectic on my end.
I’m still at work, working on this project report that has a deadline for early tomorrow.
Missing you badly.
I’ll call much later to catch up, stay up for me?
Woah, woah, woah! I chuckle, my heart bubbling with emotions. Here I was, thinking about ups and downs, and space in relationships, when my man was just having a tough day.
I type a response, letting him know what I’m up to and will be up for a while because I have work gist for him.
Thank God… A sigh of relief escapes my lips, and a smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. He’s doing okay, that’s all that matters.