Hello everyone
Esther, a hardworking nurse at Hope General Hospital in Ibadan, always took night shifts, caring for patients with steady hands. She loved her work, but it meant missing time with her fiancé, Tunde, who was patient despite her canceling their plans too often. They had a special date planned at a popular buka in Bodija, and Esther was determined to make it this time, she couldn’t bear Tunde’s quiet disappointment again.
In the hospital’s rest room, she found her friend Chioma, another nurse, eating puff-puff during a break. “Chioma, would you like to swop shifts tomorrow? I’ll take your day shift if you cover my night,” Esther said quietly. Chioma grinned, seeing Esther’s hope. “For Tunde, abi? Okay, I’ll do it, but you’re buying me kilishi!” Esther nodded, handed Chioma her ward notes, and felt a wave of relief. That evening, Esther wore a bright ankara dress and met Tunde at the buka, where the aroma of jollof rice filled the air. “You made it,” Tunde said, his smile lighting up. “I’m so sorry for all the times I’ve missed, Tunde. Tonight is for us,” Esther said, squeezing his hand. They ate amala and egusi, talking about his mechanic shop and their wedding plans for next year.
Esther felt like herself again, not just the nurse running on garri and prayers. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Chioma handled Esther’s night shift, managing a busy ward with her usual calm, though a patient’s emergency kept her on her toes past midnight. Esther returned the next day, her heart lighter after her time with Tunde. She brought Chioma a pack of spicy kilishi as thanks and took over her day shift, checking patients with care. Over a shared plate of suya later, Chioma teased, “Next time, bring Tunde to say thank you himself!” Esther laughed, grateful for her friend’s help and the chance to finally show Tunde she could be there for him.
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