February 28

|7|

MARCH 2020.
KANO, NIGERIA.

"Captain!" A young man, likely in his late twenties, called out for the third time, exasperated.

"Remind me never to lodge in the same suite with you, big head," Captain Aaban glared at his friend, earning a hiss in return.

"Whatever! We have a flight to Abu Dhabi at 12:30pm, in case you've forgotten, and it's already 10:50 am, Captain!" Auwal yelled again.

"Calm down dude, we're going to make it on time. We always do." He winked at his annoyed friend before sashaying into the ensuite bathroom. Emerging shortly after, he dressed in a brown kaftaan that looked all shades of perfectness on him, he wasn't a male model but he should have been, his lush black curls coiffed to perfection. His eyes had the same startling clarity as a mountain stream and the lineaments of his face were in perfect proportion to each other. His crescent-of-moon eyebrows were thin and narrow. He carried an imperious nose well and his angular cheekbones carved down towards a flinty jaw. He seemed moulded from a different cast as he had an androgynous look uncommon to most people, lacquered and enamelled by the sun, he radiated energy and brio. His mountain peak cheekbones appeared chiselled into shape. With eyes as bright and spellbinding as lode stars, they bewitched all those who fell under his steady gaze. They were a-sparkle with mirth and shone like two eternity-brown jewels enwrought in snow. His eyes were as deep and expressive, where you could get lost if you stared long enough. His luscious, slightly plump red lips added to his handsomeness, not to mention his built physique, a product of excessive gym time, and his impressive 6'7" height.

They checked out of the suite and, in twenty minutes, arrived at the Aminu Kano International Airport.

"Dude, you're the one familiar with Kano, so what's the name of the area where the suite was located?" Captain Aaban asked as they made their way into their airline office.

Auwal nodded at some junior workers who had been greeting them since their arrival before replying, "Magajin Rumfa, Nassarawa GRA."

Aaban nodded at a worker and boarded the lift before replying, "Nice." His mind drifted back to the hazel-eyed girl he had encountered. He chuckled, remembering how her mouth had hung open, completely lost in staring at him.

After reaching their respective offices, they changed into their smart black and white uniforms, looking every bit as handsome and polished as ever.

Aaban grabbed his suitcase containing his belongings for the Abu Dhabi stay and exited the office. Together with Auwal, they made their way out of the building and onto the tarmac after showing their IDs at security. The Emirates flight was already filled with passengers upon their arrival, so they boarded and set to work.

****
Dear Diary,
February 28, 2020, is a day I'll never forget. It's the day I saw my Mr. Unknown. I know I'm being weird, but I feel like there's a connection between us. I don't know why I keep thinking about him! Those captivating bright eyes are stuck in my mind, and I can't seem to shake them. Should I take this as a sign of something blossoming? I guess I'll have to wait and see what destiny has in store for me!

10th March 2020.

***

Dear Diary,
Today is March 20th, and it's the day my mother, siblings, and I leave Kano. Honestly, I don't know what to feel. I'm so sad to leave behind all my childhood memories, all the sweet moments with Baba! And, most importantly, I'll be leaving behind the place where Baba is laid to rest. I just pray Abuja brings happiness, and I hope it can soften my mom's hatred towards me...