Yesterday's Future 2✔️

22. The more you travel, the more you see.

As early as five the next morning, most of the campers were awake, dressed and excitedly geared up for the next activity of the weekend itinerary—an early morning nature walk up Mount Patti to experience the one-of-a-kind view of the confluence point where the famous flowing rivers Niger and Benue, the two largest rivers in West Africa meet. On their way back, they stopped shortly at the historical Lugard rest house, and then the notable sakura tree, where Ada and Simi inscribed their names as a testament to having climbed the mountain. The group of campers settled down for brunch at a nearby fish village for a delicious fish delicacy, fresh from the river and when it was afternoon, a flying-boat conveyed them back to the campground.

"Now...that's one adventure of a lifetime. I swear, nothing I've ever done in my life compares to standing at the top of that mountain, and looking down at where River Niger and River Benue meet. Oh my days! It was so magical. And the fish. Ugh! You should have come with us." Under a tree out on the campground on a picnic table where the three of them sat with some other ladies who were playing a jenga game on the other end, Ada narrated to Aunt Shaffy, scrolling through her iPhone and showing her all the zillion photos and videos they had taken on their hike and tour.

"Damn, looks like I missed a lot, too much. But, after all the drinking and the dancing last night, how come you guys woke up that early? I mean I'm just fifty-two but you guys make me feel old. By the time I got up, you were long gone, Simi left her phone back in the yurt and it's not like there's even any network here." Aunt Shaffy smacked her lips, swiping left and right on the phone screen.

On Ada's phone, there were numerous pictures of the crew on the mountain top, with fishermen, in the flying boat, writing on the sakura tree, posing in front of the statue of the couple holding hands at the Rest House and the overview of Lokoja...from numerous angles. In her mind, Ada couldn't wait to get back to Abuja and show off to the guys at the studio, her friends and on her Instagram page. She was literally dying to use the captions 'The more you travel, the more you see' and 'I wish my eyes could take photos' on her posts because that was how she felt.

"At least we brought back some fresh seafood for you. I've never seen any fish as big as these ones. Bimbo is working on grilling them already. You're gonna love it." Simi tried to cheer Aunt Shaffy up and she raised her chin.

"Anyway, I'm glad you guys had a good time, 'cos it's been a great weekend for me too. I had the longest and most refreshing sleep in a long time without any office calls or Yvonne. And I've never spent this much quiet time with my darling Simi since forever. Thank you Ada." Aunty Shaffy beamed at both of them with a dimpled smile and crinkles at the corner of her eyes, patting Ada's hand on the table.

"Awn Aunty. It's thank you. I mean, you brought us here. I only just thought of the idea but you made it happen. You're by far the coolest Aunty I've met."

"Oh dear, you flatter me." She blushed. "Now, you tell me, how did you meet Simi?"

Simi smiled slightly, peeling tangerines in the tray in front of them and Ada wasted no time in telling Shaffy the story of how she was got scammed processing her migration out of the country the night she met Simi and how she had liked her right away. She added that when she learnt Simi was into music and was particularly good at it, she just wanted to help at first until she realized she was hooked on her. And ever since, she'd been working with her as a manager and a friend to bring her dreams to life.

"And, so far so good." Ada concluded, giving a half shrug.

"Hmm, that's sweet. She does have her way of growing on people," Aunt Shaffy responded, fascinated by the story. "It's good that you find friends who can help you get through life especially at your low times, and at an early age. You're both lucky to have each other."