Weekend-Engagement Week 267-Someone I Love.

There’s a saying that some people stick closer than family. That saying is exactly how I would describe someone very special in my life. Her name is Mercy Gift Maigida. And truly, she is a Gift to my life. She is not my sister, not a girlfriend, not a religious leader, she is just a true friend, the kind of friend that you don’t meet often in life.

I met Mercy in 2018 when I was in my first year at the university. Life then was not easy for me. I was adjusting to a new environment, facing some financial struggles and trying hard to fit in.
I knew her through my roommate and we started talking. From that day till now, our friendship has never broken. Even after we graduated from university, we still talk almost every day.

(First picture we took together 2018)..

I recall the particular day our friendship started. I was sitting outside my lodge quietly, lost in my own problems. I didn’t know that anyone was watching me. She came over and asked me what was wrong. I didn’t want to talk at first, but she persuaded. She kept pushing until I opened up and told her what I was going through. I didn’t really expect her to do anything. But the next day, she came to my room and gave me some money to help with my needs. I was shocked that I didn’t ask for help, yet she gave from her heart. When I tried to return it, she refused. She said it was nothing, but to me, it meant everything.

From that day forward, Mercy became my paddy. She became my backbone, my strong support. In school, no one cared for me the way she did. She would call me every single day just to ask how I was doing. She would visit me, cook and make sure I was okay before thinking of herself. Sometimes, I would leave for early lectures without food, and by the time I got back, there would be a delicious meal waiting for me made by her. Most times, she doesn't eat until I'm around even if is till evening. She never waited for me to complain or ask for help. She just knew when something was wrong and did everything possible to fix it.

There were times she received her monthly allowance from home and would split it in half, sending one part to my account. I didn’t ask her. Sometimes I would send it back and she would get angry and send it back to me again. Her love and care were pure, not fake, not for show.

Our closeness was the talk of our compound. People called us the oppressors because of how tight our bond was. We weren’t dating, but the kind of friendship we shared was rare and people would hardly believe it when we told them we weren't dating.

Now let me be honest with you, as sweet as she is, she can also be very annoying sometimes. She can do things that if it were just a normal person who did it to you, you would vow never to speak to that person again. You would become enemies. Sometimes she gets on my nerves so much that I would say to myself, I’m done with this lady, I will never talk to her again.But somehow, after a few days, we always find our way back. And not just return to being friends, but we become even closer than before. Our misunderstanding doesn't pass a week. That’s just how strong our connection is. It's like we can’t stay mad at each other for too long. Something always pulls us back and we will come back again like nothing ever happened.

I remember one day I played a prank on her, pretending I was in serious stomach pain. I acted it well, rolling on the bed and groaning like something was really wrong. She panicked and ran up and down trying to help me. When I finally told her it was just a prank, she cried. She locked herself in her room, saying I had messed with her emotions and she didn’t find it funny. That day, I realized how much she cared and how deeply she felt about me. I had to beg her for hours, apologize over and over before she came out. And even though she forgave me, she still gave me that look like, Don’t try that nonsense again.

One thing about Mercy that always makes me laugh is how attached she can be. Sometimes she acts a little stingy, not with money, but with attention. She sticks like glue. Sometimes it’s too much, but deep down, I love it. At least I knew how much she cares and how muchvof a care she is of losing our friendship. She is one person that doesn’t just say she loves you, she shows it in everything she does. Her love is different and you will feel it in the way she treats you.
When I'm sick, she would skip school to stay with me. She would do everything to make me feel better. The kind of treatment given to a prince, is what she will give me.

I’ve literally seen her cry when I was in pain and share in my joy when I was happy. She shared in all my emotions, the highs and the lows. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who understands me the way she does. Sometimes, she would finish my sentences or know what I was thinking before I said anything. It’s almost like we share the same heart. She knows my flaws and weaknesses.

The last time I saw her in person was February last year when we were preparing for our NYSC. Since then, even though we’ve not seen each other physically, the bond is still strong. We still talk every day. She is the only school friend that I speak to constantly.

To be honest, there were times when emotions came in and feelings tried to take over. But we always reminded ourselves of what we truly shared a friendship that was bigger than just romantic feelings. We chose to protect our bond, to keep it clean and true. That’s why I can proudly say today, that she is the best friend I have ever had.
Mercy is a rare soul. She came into my life when I needed someone the most and stayed even when things were hard. She didn’t walk away when I was broke or down. She stayed. And because of her, I believe in the power of true friendship. She is not just a person I love, she is a part of my lifea and If I ever write the story of my life, her name will be there, boldly written.

In a world where people come and go, where fake love is everywhere, having someone like her is like finding gold in the sand. She is my best friend, my sister, my angel. I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I know that as long as we’re both alive, our connection will remain. And even if life takes us to different places, the memory of what we shared will always remain fresh in my heart.