The icy chill of the Minnesota air hit Wale's face the moment he stepped out of the airport terminal. He pulled his jacket tighter, marveling at how different everything felt—the crispness of the air, the organized rush of travelers, the sheer size of the city around him. Lagos was loud, chaotic, and familiar, but Minnesota felt like stepping onto the set of a movie he wasn't sure he belonged in.
Dragging his suitcase behind him, he followed the signs to the shuttle pick-up. His heart raced with equal parts excitement and anxiety. This was his chance to start fresh, to escape the ghosts of home and prove to himself—and everyone else—that he could thrive anywhere.
A distant memory of his ex-girlfriend flickered in his mind, her voice accusing him of being too cautious, too afraid of change and being absorbed in his parents' wish. He shook his head. "Not anymore," he muttered under his breath.
As the shuttle pulled up, Wale took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of possibility mixed with exhaust fumes. He smiled faintly. It wasn't home, but maybe it didn't have to be.
Flashback: Rebecca's Betrayal
"Rebecca, how could you do this to me?" Wale hollered into the phone, his breathing uneven as he paced to and fro. "I tried my best to be good to you—how could you cheat on me?" He squeezed the phone tightly, pacing aggressively while the person on the other end stayed quiet for a moment before replying.
"Wale…" she began tentatively, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but I was getting tired of the relationship…"
Wale cut her off, his voice trembling with anger. "What? We could've talked things out. Why?"
"You don't pay attention to me, man! You're always buried in your books, and it drives me crazy!" she snapped, her tone growing haughty. "I found someone better, someone who treats me right."
Wale paused, stunned. "What? That was a downgrade! The dude is, what, 5'6" tall at best, and he doesn't even come close to me in looks! So why him of all people? Is it the dick? 'Cause I'm sure as hell it isn't! Damn, this is an embarrassment to me. At least go for an upgrade, 'luv.' We've been together for two years—"
Rebecca interrupted him sharply, her voice cutting through his rant. "Fuck you, Wale!" she shouted before ending the call.
"Fuck you too!" Wale screamed at the blank screen, his chest heaving with anger. He dropped the phone onto the bed and sank into the chair miserably.
Is it really true? he wondered. Am I so fixated on my dreams that I'm losing connections with other people?
"Ever since you broke up with Rebecca, you've been living like a hermit. A studious hermit," James teased, dropping onto Wale's bed without a care.
Wale sighed, running a hand over his face. "James, I'm not living like a hermit. I'm just focused, okay? Unilag isn't a joke. You want to fail out of one of the most prestigious universities in Nigeria?"
"Blah, blah, blah," James mocked, stretching his legs out lazily. "Unilag this, Unilag that. You've been saying that since first year. And look at you now—third year, single, and no PS5 experience. A new PS5 joint just opened a minute away, man! This isn't what life's about, my guy."
Wale ignored him, shuffling the scattered papers on his desk. "I'm not in the mood for games, James. Go play with someone else."
James sat up dramatically, pointing at him. "See? That's what I'm talking about. Do you even remember how to have fun? Rebecca dumped you a week ago, yet you're still acting like you've got something to prove. To who, sef gan?"
Wale paused, his hand hovering over a pile of notes. "It's not about Rebecca, James. I just—"
"Okay, okay," James interrupted, holding up a hand. "Forget the PS5. Let's talk opportunities. You know that work-and-travel agency I mentioned? They're opening applications again. This is your chance to leave all this stress behind. A few months abroad, earning dollars, seeing new places… It'll do you good."
Wale frowned, intrigued despite himself. "Work and travel? That thing your cousin did last year?"
"Yes, that one!" James grinned, leaning forward. "He went to New York, worked at some game hub, and came back with enough cash to sort his final year. Plus, it was mad fun. You could do that too, bro. Maybe even meet someone new, eh?"
"James," Wale started, shaking his head, "I'm not sure—"
"Of course you're not sure," James cut him off, clapping him on the shoulder. "You never are, Mr. Overthinker. But think about it. You've got the grades, the discipline, and you're long overdue for a fresh start. We would also have a month and a half break before next semester. Life is waiting outside, man."
Wale glanced at the window, his thoughts swirling. "I'll think about it."
"That's all I ask. Also, if you pass the agency's interview," James grinned, heading for the door. "But while you're thinking, I'll be at the PS5 shop. If you change your mind, you know where to find me."
As the door clicked shut, Wale sank onto his chair. Work and travel. A fresh start. The idea lingered in his mind, tempting him in a way he hadn't felt in a long time.