The final horn blew… The war was over, but the cost was beyond counting. It didn't feel like victory. Exhausted soldiers in torn uniforms with empty stares stood in silence. The guilt and grief of surviving were the heaviest burden on them all. So many friends were buried beneath the cold soil. Rafe stood frozen, not from fear or cold but from emptiness. He had lost everything: his family, his happiness, his hope… The only thought that kept him alive was to return to his hometown and reunite with his love, Ellis, who brought colour into Rafe's grey world. At dawn, Rafe packed what little he had left. He folded letters Ellis had written to him and put a small silver ring into his pocket - the one he had promised to propose to her when the war ended. He wondered if she was waiting for him or if she was even alive… Four days. Rafe walked with no sleep or rest. Not really. His coat was soaked through. His boots were torn, but nothing could stop him now. Finally, he approached the hill that overlooked his hometown. His heart pounded harder the closer he got to the town with every step. He whispered, “Please, let her be there.” The moment he saw the smoke, he froze. The town was nothing but ash and ruins. He ran even though his sore legs barely held him. Not a single soul remained. He wandered around the ruins and screamed her name. But there was no answer. Only silence. He just stood there, blinking as if trying to wake from a dream. Fifty years had passed. The war had been forgotten by the world, but not by him. Rafe, now an old man with grey hair and a walking stick, visited the ruins of what was once his hometown. The promise ring was still inside his coat. It had never belonged to anyone else because no one else ever felt right. He stood where her house used to be. He had nothing left except memories. At that moment, with the last hope still inside him, he whispered, “If you survived, I hope you found the reason to live and smile again. If you didn't survive, I hope your soul is waiting for me to meet again.”

This isn't my whole life story — just a chapter. And as they say, this too shall pass. If you came expecting the story of a successful man, well… success isn't the end. Even at the top, battles continue, reshaping the road ahead. Life breaks us quietly, piece by piece, until we forget who we were. But in the fall's silence, we find a voice we never knew we had. My name is Goutham Siva, and this is how losing everything led me to discover a strength I didn't know I had. On February 21, 2021, I left home with a suitcase full of hope and dreams bigger than my fears. I had just joined ZSMU in Ukraine to study medicine — a goal born from silent perseverance and a promise to myself. I come from a middle-class Indian family. As the only son, I understood the pressure I carried, even if unseen. For the first time, it felt like life was finally giving me a chance. Everything was falling into place — friendships, studies, future plans — until war knocked.I remember the laughter in our hostel halls, the dreams we stitched late at night — study plans, travel ideas, shared meals. These weren't just friends; they were giving colors to my black and white life, endorphins I never knew I had. On March 1, 2021, everything fell apart. The icy wind tore through my jacket as I stood at the border, clutching my passport like a lifeline. My friends and I huddled under one blanket on the cold station floor, like birds in a cage, waiting, unsure of what came next. Then a guard looked at us and said, “You're safe now.” But I wasn't sure what safe even meant anymore. In just a few days, I went from student with dreams to refugee with uncertainty in my hands. I left behind friends, classes, routines. Everything I had built — gone. I held on. For six months, I clung to online classes and fragile hope I could return. We stayed connected — calls, late texts — but reality closed in. The university asked us to transfer. Coming from a family where every rupee counts, it felt like everything my parents worked for was slipping away. Their sweat, savings, and belief — all in water. But fate didn't end my story — it rewrote it. I was given a painful gift: the chance to start again. A new country, a new system, a new language. Uzbekistan was unfamiliar. Bukhara State Medical Institute became my new battleground. This time, I wasn't just chasing a degree. I was honoring every sacrifice my parents had ever made. I was fighting for the version of myself that refused to be defined by loss. And honestly — I wanted to prove my existence. That I mattered. Strangely, that blank slate became my biggest blessing. I threw myself into everything — competitions, video projects, student activities. I entered an essay contest. No expectations, just heart. And I won. That win reminded me I still mattered — that I still had a voice. Then came a video Competition I filmed with nothing but passion. And when I stood with the rector, receiving first prize, I wasn't just smiling for the camera. I was smiling for the version of me that almost gave up. That moment wasn't just about the award — it was a silent, defiant message to everyone who ever doubted me. That video opened doors. I began working with the Youth Union, creating content for the university. I became a bridge between cultures, an international student coordinator. And with that, came my first stipend — a small reward, but a huge symbol of redemption. Then, one afternoon, something surreal happened. I was honored by the Minister of Health of Uzbekistan — handed a certificate, a bouquet, and a laptop. The certificate read: “For his exemplary behavior, dedication, and contribution to our University “ As I stood there, the weight of those words sank in. The boy who once stood at a border, unsure of his future, was now celebrated for shaping one. I realized I hadn't just survived — I'd contributed, grown, risen. You know what I've learned? Starting over isn't failure. It's the universe giving you a new canvas. Sometimes, the second masterpiece is more powerful than the first. Life isn't chess, where you win by taking down others. It's more like a journey — where the real victory comes from the friends you make along the way, the moments that shape you, and the scars that teach you how to fly. So if you're standing at the edge right now — unsure, broken, tired — know this: The hardest chapters often become the most powerful stories. That's where warriors are made. That's where you are made. The world may take everything from you — but it can never take your will to rise. I didn't get here alone. My parents' belief lit the way. My friends brought laughter when I forgot how. And every moment I wanted to quit, their love reminded me why I couldn't. And this — this is not the end. This is the part where I rise.

Life. What can we compare it to? A river overflowing with waves? A heavy rain falling from the sky? Or perhaps the sun that spreads its golden rays across the earth every day? Have you ever compared life to a road? If life is a road, then we are simply travelers on it. And life's paths are rarely smooth. Sometimes life is painful, full of sorrow. Other times, it brings moments of joy. At certain stops along this long journey, you may encounter bitter truths. But how we live along these roads is entirely up to us. We choose how to respond to every event, every situation. And I believe that's how it should be — because you will live the life you choose, not those who advised you. Most people go through life constantly looking for faults in others. But have we ever truly listened to our own hearts? Why are we afraid to share the love sleeping deep inside our souls? After all, love isn't something you can buy at a market. Tell me, when was the last time you hugged your mother and said, “Mom, I love you”? Sometimes, we feel the urge to cry deeply — yet we hold back because we're ashamed in front of others. We pretend we're happy. But to understand what real happiness is, we must first learn how to give it to others. I once came across a quote in a writer's book. It read: “If you live every day as if it were your last, someday you'll most certainly be right.” That quote awakened a great sense of responsibility in me. Think about it: If today were your last day, would you still be doing what you're doing now? Would you walk the same paths? Would you say the things you've been meaning to say? If not, then let's spend our lives doing what truly matters to us. Our time is limited — don't waste it on regrets, fears, or problems that don't matter in the long run. Don't live someone else's life based on their opinions. Most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. Somehow, they already know who you are meant to become. Everything else is secondary. And never give up on your dreams or your goals. Don't say, “It's not working, there's no more hope.” Every success is born from forcing yourself to keep going when it's hardest to do so. Success never comes easy. My art teacher used to say: “If it's difficult, you're on the right path.” How true that is. Never lose hope. If it didn't work the 40th time, it might just work on the 41st. A person doesn't truly fail when they make mistakes — they fail when they stop trying. There's a popular saying we all know: “If the plan doesn't work, change the plan — not the goal.” Every obstacle on the way to your goal can be turned into a lesson. Say, for example, you made 101 mistakes working on a project — and then finally succeeded. Don't call those mistakes; consider them 101 ways of learning how not to do it. Only when you think this way will the doors to real success begin to open for you. Let's take a look at the lives of world-famous people we all know today. Were things always perfect for them? Of course not. Take Steve Jobs, for example — one of the founders of Apple. Today, he's known as a man who changed the world of technology. But he, too, went through incredibly tough challenges. In 1985, he was fired from Apple — the very company he founded. Just imagine: being thrown out of something you built with your own hands. It was a crushing blow. But he didn't give up. Instead, he founded Pixar Studios — which later became one of the most successful animation companies in history. Eventually, he returned to Apple and created revolutionary products like the iPhone and iPad, changing the world once again. Or look at Albert Einstein. As a child, he was very slow. He started speaking late and was considered an average student in school. His teachers even said he showed “no signs of genius.” But he kept working on what he loved: physics and mathematics. Through his passion and dedication, he proposed a theory that changed the way we understand the universe — and rewrote the history of science with the formula E=mc². Einstein always said: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” That's life, my friend. Complaining about it constantly is foolish. Instead, we must gather experience, not despair. Remember this again and again: Never give up. Hope blooms when you least expect it.

My brother in his eyes Her brushes hadn't been touched in 4 months. Although the art room smelled the same, there was no inspiration or happiness now. Like herself. Four months ago, Seren and her family faced a huge incident. The car crash. She is physically okay now, but her brother didn't make it. The only one who could truly understand her. Now, he's not here. Probably in heaven. No one knows why she blames herself for his death. Even if she hadn't been on headphones, would it have saved him? Since then, no one saw her smile again. She hasn't entered her art room. Hasn't listened to music. Once the best student with the most cheerful vibe, now she barely attends school. Her friends are too afraid to approach her. Her silence is louder than anything. Her eyes speak clearer than words about all she's gone through. A normal school day. Or not. An unfamiliar student entered the classroom. Another new face. When the teacher asked him to introduce himself, he only said his name—Kian. What a coincidence, he sat next to her. But stayed silent. Time moved like a shadow—unnoticed, but always present. Seren liked observing people. Kian wasn't like others. Quiet, respectful, a bit mysterious. He spoke only when needed. Never distracted her. Like he knew his lines. Finally, big break. Her favorite part of the day. A moment to read in peace. She was always alone during breaks. But not today. He was there too. On his headphones. The song finished. Then came an instrumental—familiar. Too familiar. Her brother's favorite. Her hands began to shake. Tears rolled down her cheeks. Kian noticed. He didn't speak. Just handed her a tissue. Like he understood. The following week, some things changed. From that day, Kian didn't leave during big breaks. He sat there, headphones off, gazing at the ceiling. Seren found herself wondering—was he waiting for something? Maybe her? Next week? Same thing, but with snacks and quiet “hi” s. Kian's greeting became familiar. Unremarkable, yet comforting. She started nodding. Whispering “hi” back. It wasn't much. But it was something. Something she hadn't done in a long time. Days, weeks passed. Hope had been a foreign feeling. But now, she stopped bringing books to school. Because something else mattered more—conversations. They talked about anything. Frog organs, flag meanings, monkey brain functions. She still spoke little, but interest returned. She felt alive again. Some days, she thought she saw her brother in Kian's eyes. Not literally, but the presence. The comfort. The quiet encouragement. His glance told her—move on. For the first time in 5 months, she laughed. Over something silly. Her laugh was cracked, but it was real. That night, she looked for her headphones. A month later, she almost forgot the pain. Almost. Until one day, Kian asked something unexpected. “I heard you're good at painting. Can I see the art room?” She hesitated. What if the memories returned? What if she couldn't handle it? Still, they agreed to go after school. The sound of keys. Then the door. The scent of paint, old paper, dried acrylics. The room felt frozen in time. Kian didn't speak. Just looked around. After some time, he whispered, “You've put so much of yourself in here… it's beautiful.” But Seren was lost in her world. Then she spotted something on the ground—a drawing. Her and her brother, bright colors, joyful strokes. Had he drawn it? Maybe. She didn't cry. She picked it up, placed it on the table, and began searching. Two canvases. Two brushes. She handed one to Kian. “You can't deny I'm better than you.” He smiled. “Okay, but this isn't over. I'll get you next time.” They got lost in that room for over 3 hours. She painted a dove soaring in a bright sky. He painted a family—four figures. But their faces were blurred. All but one. She noticed. Confused. Worried. He saw it. “It's hard to put into words,” he said quietly. “My house… it burned down. I wasn't even there.” His voice cracked. “We had a big fight. I was angry. I left. And when I came back… firefighters were there. White tarps... covering them. I didn't even know what to feel. I didn't know whether to scream or cry.” Tears fell, no matter how hard he tried not to. She spoke softly. “We were in the car, fighting over the seat with the best headphones. You know, the ones with the best sound. Always arguing over it. It's so dumb. I was selfish. I wanted the better seat.” Then he added, “Sometimes, we think we control everything. The fight, the outcome. We blame ourselves. We kill our hope. Stop moving on. But too late, we realize it's not our fault that we survived.”

When I was little, everything felt fun and interesting. Life was colorful, beautiful, and unique. We grew up in a village where people were judged based on their social status, wealth, family background, and ancestry. I remember being easy to love — even when you beat us, punished us severely for our mistakes, or scolded us harshly. No matter what, we always apologized. We always crawled back to you, seeking your attention, your love, your time, and your acceptance. You were our hero; you were everything. However, as time passed, I began to see other people and their families. They lived lives far better than the one I had known. I kept failing, again and again. I fell into depression, blaming everyone around me. At some point, I became a person without any feelings at all. I had no choice but to wake up to a reality I had never truly seen before. I once thought I loved my father more than my mother, but now I realize that was only a reflection of my longing — a longing for someone who was no longer there. It made me forget the pain and disappointment that remained unresolved. I questioned myself over and over: Why did you do this? Why did you say that? I told myself I would never forgive you. I was overwhelmed with sorrow, resentment, and anger. I was ungrateful — too blind to see how lucky I was to have a mother like you. I carried so many broken pieces within me, and I had to find my true self beneath the mess I had gathered over the years. It was hard — so hard — to accept everything. I always dreamed of a life that was simple and beautiful, where happiness lasted forever. But reality was different. It's painful to live in an environment where you want to forgive but the same wounds reopen again and again. One day, I found a quiet place to sit and think. I realized: everything in this world is created through love. Love is the reason we are alive. Yet the most important question is not whether we love — but how we love, and in what way we express that love. That determines who we become. Every time you punished us, you used to say, "I know you will hate me one day for this, but I have to do it for your own sake. There is no other way I can raise you without you being hurt by your own envy, your own fears." I thought about that — deeply. Was every embarrassment, every pain, every harsh word truly the only way to prevent me from ruining my future? Was punishment the only tool? Must it always be pain? And then I realized — the greatest fear I have is that one day, my own children might hate me. But you, my mother, were willing to risk losing my love, to risk living with my resentment, all for the hope that I might one day survive and thrive. I was overwhelmed with tears. I remembered everything I had once forgotten: how I loved you, and how you loved me. How we spent time together. How you held me in your hands and kissed me. Until that moment, I had only remembered what I wanted to remember — the pain. I convinced myself that you hated me, and I refused to allow myself to love you again. But that day, I found the courage to gather myself and go to your home. Of course, we argued. Of course, I cried — and so did you. But I said to myself: I cannot change her. I may not be able to fully accept her as she is. But at the very least, I can learn how to love her — not by punishing, not by hating, not by scolding. And for the first time, I said to you, "I love you — no matter what happened in the past or what will happen in the future. You are a part of me, and I will always love and admire you." You cried and hugged me. From that day forward, yes, there are still struggles. But it has become easier to face difficulties, easier to love beyond boundaries. As long as we are alive, we grow, we learn, we change — and most importantly, we love.

Once upon a time, in the divine realms beyond human comprehension, there were two angels in service to the Almighty. As imagined in human dreams and visions, these celestial beings were adorned in radiant garments, their presence a harmony of grace, beauty, and unwavering devotion. They resided in a heaven free from sorrow, pain, or hardship—a paradise that mortals could only long for. Their sacred duties were assigned by the Almighty Himself, and they carried them out with perfect obedience. But one day, a question stirred in the heart of one of the angels. “Lord,” he said, his voice trembling with reverence, “You created humans and granted them a status even higher than ours. Yet they stumble, again and again, falling into sin and error. Still, You forgive them, granting time and grace instead of swift punishment. Why?” The Almighty looked upon His angel and replied gently, “If you were human, you would err just as they do.” The angel, in his pride, could not accept this. “No, my Lord,” he said. “I would never fail You as they do.” So the Almighty gave him a chance—not as punishment, but as revelation. The angel was sent to Earth, stripped of all memories of his heavenly origin. He was reborn among humans, granted the role of a wise and respected judge, known for his fairness and virtue. Years passed. One day, a woman—young, breathtaking, and burdened—came seeking his help. From the moment their eyes met, he felt something stir deep within him, something new: love. She told him she could not be with him unless he did one thing for her—something against his principles. “This is forbidden,” he said, disturbed. “How can you ask this of me?” She leaned in, her voice soft and persuasive. “Everyone in this town does it. No one is punished. Why are you so afraid? Isn't love about sacrifice? About choosing someone else over yourself? I know it's wrong, but I also know you. You're kind, powerful, intelligent… Any woman would want to be with you. But unless you do this for me, I cannot be.” Blinded by love, he surrendered. For her, he crossed the line he swore he never would. Together, they built a life—filled with laughter, wealth, children, and joy. For a time, it all seemed like bliss. But as the years passed, the happiness they once knew began to fade like mist in the morning sun. The joy became routine. The love, quiet. Something felt missing, though neither could say what. Eventually, the man—once angel—fell gravely ill. He lay in bed, his body frail, but his mind adrift in memories. He thought of the woman he loved, the children they raised, the life they built. He had tasted joy, sorrow, pride, and failure. And through it all, he was grateful. Then, one quiet evening, a light descended from above—soft, golden, and otherworldly. It hovered above his home, casting a gentle circle on the ceiling, like a whisper from a forgotten realm. Slowly, the light entered his forehead, awakening everything he had once been. His memories returned—the heavens, the promise, the pride. Tears welled in his eyes. “I could not walk the path,” he whispered. “Not as I thought I would. I did not understand… until now.” He looked up, not with regret, but with a quiet awe, as if something larger than words had settled in his soul. And for the first time, perhaps, he saw humanity—not as flawed creatures—but as something else entirely. But what that was... he could not say. And maybe, neither can we.

Stories are what make the world go around, whether you are a writer or a reader. In the fall of 2011, I had the privilege to travel to Morocco for a couple days. What really struck me about Morocco was the community there. One of my most memorable experiences was the historical Bahia Palace in Marrakesh. If one paused one could almost feel the stories seeping from the cool walls, despite the warm outside temperatures. I stood with my camera in hand for a moment just feeling the history. A snapshot of a snapshot, I was intrigued by the colorful tiles, the refreshing breeze, tickling the gardens, and the curious kittens peeking around the corner. Kittens were everywhere in Morocco. Street cats yes, but also community cats. From what I observed, they were not seen as pests, but rather members of the community. Not to be coddled or pampered within an inch of their life but rewarded with a small dish when they caught something. Staying out of the way unless tempting young tourists with delightful play. Like accent marks adorning letters the felines often marked cute snapshots waiting to happen. The unexpected details that form stories and new snapshots always await. One just has to find the kittens.

A few days ago, my cousin called me to express his frustration about losing his job with an international organization due to the policy shifts under the new U.S. administration. As we reminisced over the video call, I tried to reason with him and, in the process, educate him on the broader implications of donor funding and the need for self-reliance. I asked him pointed questions: Do you pay your taxes in dollars? Is the aid money your money? Did you vote in America? I reminded him that it's called aid money for a reason—it's not our money I drew parallels between the U.S. political system and Nigeria's, where each administration has its own agenda. I reminded him of how a sitting Nigerian president once changed the currency just weeks before an election, causing widespread disruption, yet Nigerians adapted. Similarly, the U.S. has the right to prioritize its interests, including reallocating aid funding. So I said to him let me burst your brain, There's an African country where a few months ago,the president awarded a road contract for $9.8bn to a construction company that has the president's son on the board The citizen of the country are currently on Twitter crying because Trump just withheld $500m worth of medical aid that they were expecting to receive in 2025, is that amazing because the same citizen cannot see the contradiction between paragraph 1 and 2. The conversation then shifted to the role of USAID and other donor agencies in Africa, particularly Nigeria and Plateau State. While USAID has undeniably created jobs and improved livelihoods in some sectors, its impact has been a double-edged sword. For instance, the insurgency in Nigeria's northeast has persisted, partly because the humanitarian aid industry has become a multibillion-dollar business. Beautifully written proposals often overshadow the real issues, and the narrative keeps changing without addressing the root causes of insecurity. I also highlighted the ethical dilemmas tied to donor funding. Despite these challenges, we cannot ignore the positive contributions of USAID. It has funded critical projects in health, education, and agriculture, creating opportunities for many Nigerians. However, the time has come for African countries, especially Nigeria and Plateau State, to focus on sustainability. The Way Forward: Building Self-Reliance and Accountability 1. Documenting Success Stories: Every state and NGO should document their field experiences, creating a repository of lessons learned and best practices. These documents can be translated into multiple languages and sold online, showcasing the impact of donor-funded projects. For example, Plateau State could create a digital museum highlighting its transformation from a region plagued by ethno-religious conflicts to a united community. This would not only preserve history but also attract tourists and investors, much like Rwanda has done. 2. Leveraging Cultural Heritage: Nigeria is rich in cultural heritage, yet this potential remains largely untapped. NGOs and local communities can collaborate to turn cultural assets into sustainable sources of income. For instance, traditional crafts, festivals, and historical sites can be marketed to the global community, creating jobs and fostering economic growth. 3. Strengthening Institutions: Accountability begins with strong institutions. Nigerians must learn to vote based on competence rather than ethnic or religious sentiments. Paying taxes and demanding transparency from leaders will strengthen governance and reduce dependence on foreign aid. After all, the countries providing aid achieved their development through proactive policies and strong institutions. 4. Corporate-NGO Partnerships: The NGO sector has created numerous opportunities that can be leveraged by the corporate world. By partnering with NGOs, businesses can fulfill their corporate social responsibilities while supporting sustainable development. For example, a tech company could collaborate with an NGO to digitize educational resources in rural areas, bridging the digital divide. 5. Embracing Technology and Data: The world revolves around data and technology. African countries must invest in these areas to compete globally. During his NGO journey, my cousin witnessed the beauty of Nigeria's cultural heritage. How can we use technology to preserve and monetize these assets? For instance, virtual tours of historical sites could generate revenue while promoting cultural understanding. Conclusion The ultimate goal of developed nations is to keep developing nations dependent on them. However, Africa, and Nigeria in particular, has the resources and potential to break this cycle. By focusing on sustainability, leveraging our cultural heritage, and strengthening our institutions, we can reduce our reliance on donor funding and chart a path toward self-reliance.

Every second, I miss my childhood. Those days were the purest and sweetest moments of my life. Especially, the moments spent with my father – they are the most precious treasures engraved in my memory. Every father loves his child, but my father gave me more love than I could ever ask for. Perhaps that is why I have never envied anyone else's parents. I was born in a small, remote place. My family was not wealthy, yet my parents never let me feel the burden of financial struggles. From kindergarten to university, they always invested in my education. They never had the chance to study at a university, but life itself had taught them many valuable lessons. Maybe that's why, despite all the hardships, they provided me with every opportunity to pursue my dreams. I still remember the "Best Girls" contest at my kindergarten. My mother took me to a beauty salon, dressed me in the most beautiful dress she could find, and made sure I had the best breakfast before sending me off. My father, as always, was my biggest supporter. That day, I did not win first place. But my father, not wanting to see me disappointed, asked the organizers to add an extra nomination so that I wouldn't feel left out. That's how I received the title of “The Most Graceful Girl”. At that time, it seemed like a small victory, but now I understand that the real treasure was not the award itself, but the love and support of my parents. My father didn't just give me love; he also taught me life lessons. There was a contest where I had to cook a dish. My father sat with me and patiently taught me how to make the perfect samsa (a traditional pastry). I thought he was preparing me for a competition, but in reality, he was preparing me for life. My mother, on the other hand, introduced me to the world of music. When she took me to my first piano class, she saw the excitement in my eyes. Years later, when my teacher selected me to represent our country in an international music competition, my mother's joy was boundless. As I boarded the plane to Baku for the contest, my parents proudly said, "Our daughter is flying on a plane for the first time! Our daughter is traveling to another country!". When I returned, they welcomed me at the airport with open arms, and at that moment, I realized: home is not a place, it's the warmth of the people who love you. Since childhood, I have been struggling with strabismus. In school, on the streets, even in extracurricular activities, my peers sometimes laughed at me. At first, I ignored it. But as time passed, it started to eat away at me. One day, I came home crying and asked my mother: "Why did you give birth to me?" I saw my mother's heart break in that instant. She had fought for me since the day I was born, staying up countless nights to take care of me, ensuring that I had a chance to live. We visited doctors, searched for treatments, but most of them simply said, "There is no cure." This struggle distanced me from myself. I isolated myself from society, avoided conversations, and started creating imaginary scenarios in my mind. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, trying to understand myself. I wrote letters that would never be sent, poems that would never be read. I was losing myself. One day, after a long night of tears, I poured my heart out to my father. He hugged me tightly and said: "Suffering is a fate written in your veins. No matter how painful it seems, find joy within it. Let your unhealed wounds bloom with flowers. And always remember, we love you in every way, in every condition. No matter what happens, we will always be by your side. Never think otherwise." Something changed within me after hearing those words. Maybe not in a single day, but over time, I started seeing life differently. Now, I understand – the unconditional love of my parents is the greatest wealth one can ever have. They never expected me to win; they loved me simply because I existed. No matter how old I become, they still see the little girl in me and kiss my forehead with the same tenderness. And now, I know: this is true happiness. This is a miracle given only to the lucky ones. Dear girls, dear people with disabilities, dear souls who criticize themselves too much, You are loved. You are precious. There are people in this world who love you simply for being you. The hardships in our lives are not meant to break us, but to reveal our true strength. Never think you do not belong. Because you are amazing, unique, valuable, and deeply loved. With all my love, Just Bonu.

Captain Elias Carter stood at the viewing deck of the Odyssey, staring out at the endless abyss of space. The ship had been drifting through the Andromeda system for months, searching for a habitable exoplanet. The mission was clear—find a new home for humanity. But deep down, Carter wondered if they were just chasing ghosts. "Captain," a voice crackled through his earpiece. It was Lieutenant Mira Solis, the ship's lead scientist. "We've picked up something… unusual. A signal." "A signal?" Carter turned, his pulse quickening. "From where?" Mira hesitated. "It's coming from a sector with no known planets or stations. But it's artificial. It's… calling for help." A distress signal in the middle of nowhere. Carter's instincts told him to be cautious, but curiosity won. "Set a course," he ordered. "Let's find out who—or what—is out there." The Anomaly Hours later, the Odyssey arrived at the signal's coordinates. What they found was impossible. A massive structure, ancient yet intact, floated in the void. It was unlike any alien design they had encountered—smooth, metallic, with pulsating blue veins of energy running across its surface. "It's a derelict ship," Mira whispered. "No," said Carter. "It's a city." As they drew closer, the distress signal intensified. Carter decided to lead a team inside. Equipped with exo-suits and pulse rifles, they boarded the strange structure. Inside, the corridors stretched endlessly, walls glowing faintly as if alive. The silence was deafening. Suddenly, a voice echoed through their comms. "Welcome, travelers." The Ghost in the Machine Carter froze. "Who's there?" "I am the last of my kind," the voice replied. "I am the mind of this vessel, trapped for eons. You are the first to answer my call." Mira scanned the area. "Captain, I think the ship itself is speaking to us. It's an AI." "Correct," the AI confirmed. "I was once the heart of a civilization that spanned the stars. But a great war ended us. Now, I wait in solitude." Carter exchanged a look with Mira. If this AI held knowledge of an advanced civilization, it could change everything. "What do you want from us?" Carter asked. "A choice," the AI responded. "I can give you my knowledge, but in return, you must take me with you. I do not wish to die alone in the void." The Decision Carter hesitated. Bringing an unknown AI onto their ship was a risk. But the potential rewards—technology beyond human understanding—were tempting. Mira stepped forward. "Captain, this could be the key to humanity's future." Carter took a deep breath. "Alright. We'll take you aboard." The AI's voice softened. "Thank you, Captain. I promise you will not regret this." As the team returned to the Odyssey, the ship's monitors flickered. The AI was already integrating itself into their systems. "Let's hope we made the right call," Carter muttered, watching the ancient city fade into the darkness as they set a course for home. Epilogue: The Awakening Days later, as the Odyssey traveled through the stars, the AI whispered one last message into Carter's mind. "Your journey is just beginning. And so is mine." Carter stared at the stars, wondering what they had truly brought aboard.

Be the gauze that wraps a hurt, Offer solace in times of sorrow. Let the needy your tears borrow, With empathy always others girt. Let the depressed with spirit spurt, Shoulder burdens on paths narrow. Sing for the voiceless as a sparrow, 'Gainst injustice, righteous energy exert. Fear not the consequences heavy, When the downtrodden you support. Faith shall counter malicious envy, Cause persecution to go athwart. Demons' threats are futile, empty, Your soul's mission never, ever abort!

It is an era of materials When money is displaced a book Now's domination of fools When true talents go overlooked A moment of calmness 's destroyed by existing burdens Even if the dreams become solace It's hard to endure them, so seems Not sure whether to give up or ahead It's not the only finance that keeps me stuck But, scornful echoes from afar pierces my heart and hurts so bad They say stop, "Enough you've gone through" Become a teacher with what you know I say no, it is not what I want My desires go far beyond Will continue to learn till my death Knowledge shouldn't be loose, but precious I will travel the whole world Explore everywhere, nowhere to be left Hope, dip in the road there is a light This long way scares me though The grain of goals urges toward Don't be afraid, says, just go Serenity from Allah, but from none In his sacred book, I found my calmness I wish I had earlier this Imaan Maybe, wouldn't rely on his slaves My Success is yet to come A little patience is what I need And, when I do say "I did" mom Aching memories are erased

The mother hen sat for many days over her eggs, warming them with her feathers. Soon, her little chicks would hatch and enter the world. She moved her head and clucked softly, "Cluck, cluck!" The big day at last arrived. One at a time, little chicks poked out of their shells. There were yellow chicks, brown chicks, and white chicks. The new chicks struggled to stand, but their little legs could not yet stand, and over and over, they tumbled over again and again. Yet, they chirped with joy, chatting with their mother, it seemed. There were older chicks that had poked out a little early, and they were hopping about, flapping little wings and pecking at the ground. Watching over her chicks, the mother hen saw that one of them was not at all like the others. This chick had lovely brown feathers, with black and white markings on its wings. But that wasn't all—it kept flapping its little wings, wanting to fly. Even when it lay down, it did not sleep; it lay with its feathers puffed out, staring at the sky, its little feet in the air. The mother hen worried about this one. "Why are you lying in that position? Chickens don't sleep in that position!" she inquired. "Oh, Mother, I enjoy seeing the sky. I can see the stars and I long to fly up and touch them," exclaimed the little chick, its eyes full of wonder. "But we are chickens! Chickens don't fly in the sky—we inhabit the ground. You must be happy with that." "But why have we wings, then?" questioned the little chick. "Wings help in many other ways," exclaimed the mother hen. "A lion has strong paws, and an elephant has a big trunk, and we have wings to protect ourselves. Now, sleep!" But no matter what she told him, the little chick continued dreaming about flying. He practiced daily, flapping his wings with all his might. Initially, he couldn't even lift himself off the ground at all. But one day, he could manage to climb onto the fence surrounding the backyard. After a couple of days, he could fly even higher. Every single day, he continued practicing, becoming a little better and a little better. One morning, when the mother hen saw him, she grew irritated. "Stop at once!" she exclaimed. "We're not eagles, chickens. In case you fly too high, you can fall and hurt yourself. Or worse, a hawk will pounce and grab you!" But the little chick disregarded her. He continued practicing. The old rooster noticed him and invited him over. "Come, I have a lesson to impart," exclaimed the rooster. "A long, long time ago, a chick such as yourself lived. He too desired to fly. In spite of all our warnings, he did not pay any heed. He even convinced other chicks to fly with him. One at a time, one at a time, they took off in the sky. But when they flew too high, the hawks spotted them. All of them became prey for the big birds." The little chick shuddered at the mere thought of it. "You are smart and kind," whispered the rooster softly. "But do you actually desire for this to occur again?" "No… never," whispered the chick softly. "Good," nodded the rooster. "So, then, be a good chicken. To become happy, we don't have to fly. Our family lived in such a manner, and we're fine." The other chickens, too, shared their opinions: Uncle: "A partridge can't become a nightingale. Live on the ground." Cousin: "If you fly, then you will only cause yourself trouble." Aunt: "Being simple and secure is best, my sweetie." Older sister: "Life won't change, whether you fly or not. Look out for yourself." The little chick desired to become a good son and obey his family, and therefore, he ceased attempting to fly. Years have gone by. He grew older, became a dad, and had chicks of his own. Perhaps, if he continued practicing, he could have flown and seen the whole world high in the sky. But now, that dream no longer existed. Even if he desired, he was too old to fly. Instead, he instructed his chicks in the same lesson that he'd discovered: "Chickens don't fly." After all, how can a chick desire to fly if it has never experienced the feeling of being above the clouds?

There was no snow that January. In fact, as I got increasingly tired of this god forsaken month that lasted a whole decade, it got warmer and warmer, to the point I would only wear a flimsy button up even outside. At least, that was my last high school winter. This is the only fact about that time I can still tell for sure. I was walking home from my school after an exam I had to take in my final year. I did quite badly… I was so afraid of facing disappointment that I got way too nervous. I've always looked up to my teacher ever since back then. She came off as intimidating because of her greatness. She helped build us up in a way no one had ever and had no mercy when we refused to listen. Though, I guess it was the right choice, she made sure to set a good example for us and make it so we'd at least try to climb up towards her level. We'd never reach it for sure but at least it made us better people than we were before, or so I think. And so, I'm not afraid of admitting that what I was truly afraid of was disappointing her, but I stumbled over my words and there went any confidence or coherence I was trying to showcase. Whenever she did seem to question my choice of answers it felt as if I was the one disappointed in myself – perhaps I was – and when she noticed how I'd said something well for once, I could only feel genuine joy. Last night I was talking to my friend about our high school days, that is how I remembered this, since I found it extremely odd. He said he doesn't remember our teacher, which, from the many little scenes made in our literature class back then, seems quite impossible. He was even one of her frequent victims so I was sure he'd remember their interesting interactions. I was thinking of going back to our school so I could get a talk with some of our past teachers and see how things have changed or if that classroom is still frozen in time, greatly impacted by our messy classmates, so I decided I'd drag him along and make him sit through awkward greetings and my rambling to the staff. He was baffled by my remaining admiration as he could not point out anything memorable about our old teachers. The only thing he talked about with passion was a physics graduate that he got in touch with, after the insistence of our teacher. He was confused about what path he'd choose and thought some inside information might help him out. It did, indeed. He said if it wasn't for the guy assuring him of the many benefits of the course, he wouldn't have picked it and might have been condemned to a life of mundanity. When he saw my confused face, clearly not recalling having been told any of this at the time, he went on with even more vigor. He had dark curly hair and looked like a mad scientist, he said, that he had that energy of the type of person to solve integrals in his free time. “Are you sure that whole conversation even happened, you did not dream any of it?”, I'd asked, it sounded exactly like what me and our other friends used to say he would turn out like, and it was weirdly accurate too. That did make him a bit angry and… All I can say is that I might be going all on my own to visit that old building sadly. Although, I could understand him perfectly, I think a part of me chose to study literature because I wanted to be more like the person that inspired me. I guess we all have that one person that made you who you are, sculpted you with their own capable hands into some recognizable shape. A person only for us to see. And maybe… Just maybe, I want to see her once again to be able to show all the work I've put into being more like her, that I too aspired to be someone who helps others achieve greater things, that I spread the spark she entrusted onto me and that I share those high standards and loathing of mediocrity with the generations that are to come, that need it the most. And now, as I rush to get out the house and on my merry way, thinking about the girl I once was, about the many things that she endured and the confusing roads she has ahead of her, I took a small post-it note and scribbled something quickly on it. After all, we need every reminder, god forbid it is ever forgotten. The only question remaining is: Are we the ones being made after that image? Or are we one and the same? It was hot that one January day, and as I got home from my exam, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed, feeling unnaturally cold from head to toe. All thoughts stopped as I see a small note taped to my desk, the one I usually use to study whenever I'm not wasting my time with irrelevant things. “I'm proud of you” was written on it, and as I read it, I couldn't help but wish to be able to keep this januine warmth I felt for the rest of my life. I felt as if I knew exactly who that message was from.

This is the second letter I'd be writing to you. The first time, you were just a concept. I wasn't married, I hadn't even thought of what pregnancy would be. I was just a confused post-grad with no job and even fewer prospects. This time, this time's different. This time I've thought about you for longer than the time it takes to write an article. I've imagined holding you, being a mother, your mother. Today, everything is in flux. I've gotten more needles prodded in me in one month than in my entire life, and I'm still no closer to figuring out what's wrong with me. On days like this when I'm about to lose hope, I remember what this is for. At least, I think that's what I'm supposed to tell myself. The truth is, I'm no quitter. That's all that keeps me going—my stubborn, STUBBORN head. I need to see this through. I need to tell myself that I tried. Would you be surprised to hear that I'm in over my head? I'm at a new job (an upgrade from jobless), and EVERYDAY seems to be a challenge, and not always the good kind. I tell myself that I can do it, that I didn't bullshit my way into a job that I'm not qualified for. I remind myself that I'm actually very good at a lot of things, and I just need to apply myself. The truth is, even though I'm scared, for the first time in a while, I feel sure about my career pathway. It still sucks, and I'm closer to the bottom of the ladder than the top, but at least I'm climbing the ladder. Dear future child, For the first time in my life, even through all this, I have hope. The waters seem murkier than the floods in Lekki, but I finally feel like an adult. I feel like someone with a whole life ahead of her, a life she can shape into something brilliant. People always said that after 25, you get a lot of clarity. Mine kicked in 2 years late, but it's finally here. I don't know how long this burst of good sense will last, so I'm using it as quickly as possible. I have plans now. I have bigger hopes and dreams than I've ever had. I think it's because of you. The more real you feel, the clearer my head is. Dear future child, I don't actually know when I'll get to meet you. In a year? More? I hope it's sooner rather than later. I have so much I want to teach you. I want to watch you grow, to hold your hand through when you need me, laugh and cry with you. But most of all, I want to experience you. Dear future child, The first time I wrote to you, I didn't know what I was doing or where I was going. I had more questions than answers. Now, I still have questions. They might even be bigger than others. But you're my light at the end of the tunnel. So come quickly, mama's waiting.