"Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for the delay in baggage delivery. Our ground crew is working diligently to ensure your luggage arrives as soon as possible. We appreciate your understanding," the announcement continued repeatedly as Oladayo waited for his baggage that had not shown up even though the flight arrived more than 40 minutes ago.

"As above, so below, I can't even be mad, MMA shege pass this one," he muttered to himself as he went back to his thoughts. Life back home wasn't that bad, but it had peaked. The economy had tanked, politics had drowned out the youth's energy, and nothing ran on merit anymore. He hissed again as he reminisced about the going-away party his family and friends had thrown him barely 48 hours ago. He might never see some of those guys again, or at least not together in the same place. Nigeria had made it impossible to maintain a long-lasting social circle. He had known those guys for over a decade; they were university friends. He had a good-paying job relative to the Nigerian economy, a car, and he supported his family in ways he could. Yet, here he was, in Europe, trying to get an MSc at 29.

He got distracted again, but this time because he could see his three "ghana must-go" bags and hand luggage on the conveyor belt. He sighed in relief.

He had to get to his hotel and call his family. He hadn't spoken to them since his first stopover in Addis Ababa 17 hours ago. "Taxi, Grand Hotel," he shouted as he pushed his bags out of the airport. "This had better be worth it," he said to himself. The European experience - not the taxi.

The exhaustion that clung to him was washed off under the cascade of showers, and he shed a few tears because even though he was a man in and of himself, he suddenly felt a little smaller. He was about to be at the mercy of others who were not exactly like him in looks and perhaps in deeds. Some of them may be fresh students off their BSc. He had not read a single educational book in five years, and now he was back to that life. He dried himself with his towel and mentally picked out an attire for tomorrow. It's the welcoming party for new international students, and he looked forward to making a long-lasting first impression.

The next day arrived quickly. Oladayo meticulously chose a sleek navy-blue suit, tailored to perfection, with a crisp white shirt underneath. The suit accentuated his tall, lean frame and the rich color brought out the warm undertones of his skin. It could only be described as dashing, thanks to the modern cut and subtle pinstripes that added a touch of sophistication. Completing his ensemble, he opted for a pair of classic brown leather oxfords. The shoes, well-polished and with just the right amount of shine, spoke of his refined fashion sense.

Even though the chilly evening air had him yearning for a warm embrace, Oladayo had made a valiant effort to immerse himself in the welcoming party from the moment he arrived. He indulged in a delightful assortment of appetizers - mini quiches and bruschettas, savoring each bite. The flavors danced on his palate, and he found himself pleasantly surprised by the culinary prowess of the hosts.

He held a glass of velvety red wine, its aroma mingling with the sounds of laughter and chatter that filled the air. The venue was adorned with soft, ambient lighting, casting an inviting glow over the crowd. Oladayo had initially gravitated toward an open area near the bar, where he leaned casually against a high table. The time seemed to pass swiftly as he took in the vibrant atmosphere, and it was only after a glance at his watch that he decided to grant himself an additional hour and a half before retiring to his room.


The lively ambiance of the party was punctuated by the arrival of a captivating figure. Oladayo couldn't help but notice her even before she ventured toward him. Dressed in an elegant yet...