It did not matter to her whether the men were married. It did not matter how the money came. To Linda, the city was both an escape and an opportunity to enjoy life without limits.
Then both girls turned eighteen, and tradition spoke.
In their village, boys were sent to continue their education. For girls, once they turned eighteen, they were sent to the city to learn a trade or business.
One evening, Madame Oni called them into the sitting room.
“I have arranged everything with my friend in the city,” she said. “You will both go next month.”
Linda could hardly hide her excitement. The city. Freedom. A soft life. No more village boredom. That night she lay awake smiling, imagining attention, luxury, and powerful men calling her name.
Mayel could not sleep either, but her thoughts were different. She had never gone to school. She had never had opportunity. This felt like her first real chance.
She knelt beside her mat and prayed softly.
“God, let me not waste this. Let the city favor me.”
Two sisters: one going to chase enjoyment, the other going to chase growth.
Madame Oni only watched them both. Deep in her heart, there was a reason she treated them differently—a reason she had buried for eighteen years, a reason she had never spoken aloud.
But secrets do not stay silent forever, and the city has a way of exposing what the village hides.
Lagos did not welcome both sisters the same way.
The day they arrived, Madame Oni’s friend was waiting. She hugged Linda warmly.
“You will be working in a big salon on the Island,” she said proudly. “Our rich clients go there.”
Linda smiled. The Island. Big people. Big money. Big life.
