A writer's haven

About two months ago, I was standing in line at Starbucks in a hotel waiting to order decaf coffee. A lady had just placed her order and was waiting to pick up her stuff when she ran into some old friends. Let's call this lady, Lady A. They started talking about their children. Lady A talked about how her daughter had just graduated in flying colors and was starting some job or had already gotten a job.  She gushed over how her daughter was helping out with this bill and that. The other ladies looked on in awe. When lady A finally left the group, they began to talk among themselves. "Oh, do you remember Lady A from way back? Her daughter is doing very well. She's graduated and is supporting her parents." One of them laughed. She said, "Wow, look at that and I'm here still chasing after my teenage kids and dealing with paying school fees." I flinched because comparing  myself with others is a personal rule I have set for myself to not indulge...

The drive from Lekki to Banana Island was very enjoyable. Celeste found herself laughing as Liyel told some silly jokes. “Oh my goodness! I forgot that there was a comedian on the inside of you.” “You did? You forgot me so soon?” Liyel teased with one hand on the steering wheel and the other hand on Celeste’s side tickling her. Celeste chuckled. “Focus, bro!” Liyel laughed. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The weather was perfect for a garden or tea party. They were on their way to the Akenzua family home in Banana Island. “We’re here”, Liyel said as he punched in the code leading to the estate. “So soon?” Celeste asked. She had dozed off a little bit as the air conditioner in the car caressed her smooth skin. “Liyel!” Nkoyo rushed at her brother and hugged him. “Nkoyo, do you always have to jump on me every time you see me?” Nkoyo chuckled. “Sorry, bro! You know you are the world’s best brother.” “Ha!” Liyel exclaimed. “Wait till Ivan hears. He’s going to...