To my Stranger-Sis

Photo Credit: istockphoto.com

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In this journey of life, we all should show warmth, however little it may be.

– Dúpé Jayé

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Last Friday, I was enjoying a certain group conversation so bad I had to walk to the bus station while simultaneously typing on WhatsApp (v for very bad, I know). On getting there, I was told the bus would arrive in another 5-10 minutes, so, I tried an alternative but it failed as the nearest available bolt ride was far away, and riding a bike was out cos choosing a Hausa guy to cycle you to your desired location requires you to pay keen attention especially to control their speed (cos those guys definitely have 9 lives and are not scared of losing one), and since I wasn’t in a rush, I decided to wait.

Few seconds in, a lady began her analysis of the situation and it felt rude not to respond since she was talking to me. Long story short, a guy, another lady, and an old woman joined… We face a lot here in Nigeria so I won’t sadden you with the altogether unnecessary details…

When the bus finally came, I, the guy, the second lady, the old woman, and others boarded it. Along the way, the guy and the old woman alighted, but only the guy said bye, and when I got to my destination, the lady said, “bye, sis.” I responded with a smile and a “bye, babe.”

Sis; short for sister

• (British) IPA: /ˈsɪs.tə/

• Any woman or girl with whom a bond is felt through common membership of a race, profession, religion, or organization.

• (slang) A black woman

Some may have felt awkward to be called sis by a stranger, to the stranger herself, it might have meant nothing but for me, it is the little things, it was small yet touching.

We come from a common race, we are black, and we shared a journey.

It felt homely and in that split second, whatever I was going through in life didn’t matter, I smiled wholeheartedly.

To my stranger-sis, you may never see this, but I’m rooting for you with prayers, may you always find reasons to smile!