The Bus Journey That Started It All. LOH #299

There's this saying that says " You never know who will truly know who will stand by you until life gives you a reason to find out."

Looking back I never imagined someone I met in a bus would become one of the people I trust the most today. Few weeks ago, I shared the story of how a young lady I sat beside in a bus from nasarawa state accommodated me in their house because it was very late at night and I couldn't continue my journey to my state. Instead of treating me like a stranger, she treated me with kindness.

In the world where people are understandably cautious, that level of trust and generosity meant a lot to me.

What made our friendship even more special was that it didn't end after that day. Chinenye retuned to her base in nasarawa while I continued my journey in porthercourt but we stayed in touch. Overtime she became more like a sister than a friend.

One period I will never forget was when I was no longer comfortable in my former place of work because of how toxic the boss was. I knew I needed to change so I started looking for another job. Even though she was still far away from porthercourt, she didn't just wish me luck and move on, she made phone calls on my behalf, asked around for opportunities and did everything to help without expecting anything in return.

Today, I'm working at that very job.

That experience changed the way I see friendship. I used to think that friendship was mostly about spending time together, or keeping in touch regularly, but not I have realized that it's all about showing up for someone even when distance separates you.

A true friend doesn't have to be physically present to make a difference. Sometimes the greatest support comes from someone you're not in anyway related to.

Chinenye's kindness reminds me that genuine friendship still exist. She came into my life as a stranger, but today I see her as a family.

I will always be grateful that one ordinary bus journey introduced me to an extraordinary friend.

Thanks @yechee for this prompt.

Image is ai generated.