THREADS OF SILVER

New Horizons

Elizabeth spent her days preparing for the next phase of her life, while also grappling with the choice of which city in Nigeria to serve in. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) would send her to a new place, where she would have to start anew. It was a daunting prospect, filled with both excitement and apprehension.

One evening, after a particularly long day at the lab, Elizabeth decided to seek guidance. She made herself comfortable in the cozy nook of Sarah's living room, surrounded by the comforting hum of the city outside. The soft glow of the lamp cast a warm light on her face as she picked up her phone and called Niho. Though miles apart, he remained a steady presence in her life.

"Niho, I need your advice," she said, her voice tinged with uncertainty."What's on your mind, Lixzy?" Niho's voice, warm and reassuring, came through the line, making her feel instantly at ease."I have to choose a city for my service, and I'm torn. I don't know where to go."There was a moment of silence as Niho considered her words. The crackle of the phone line seemed to amplify the distance between them, yet his next words closed that gap with their sincerity."Lixzy, wherever you go, you'll make an impact. Choose a place that feels right to you, where you think you can grow the most. Trust your instincts."Elizabeth closed her eyes, letting his words sink in. She pictured the bustling streets of Lagos, the serene beauty of Calabar, the historical depth of Kano, and the lucrative opportunities in Abuja where Niho resides. Each city held its own promise, its own challenges."I guess I'm just scared of the unknown," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper."We all are, Lixzy. But that's where the adventure lies. Think about what you want to achieve, the kind of experiences you want to have. You'll find your answer."His words provided a sense of clarity, and Elizabeth felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She opened her eyes and looked around the room, the familiar surroundings of Sarah's home grounding her."Thank you, Niho. I think I know what to do now.""Anytime, Lixzy. Remember, you're stronger than you think. Just follow your heart."As she ended the call, Elizabeth felt a surge of determination. She stood up and walked to the window, looking out at the city lights twinkling in the distance. The world felt full of possibilities, and for the first time in a while, she felt ready to embrace whatever came next.She turned away from the window and grabbed a pen and notebook. Sitting back down, she began to list her priorities: personal growth, professional opportunities, and cultural experiences. Each point brought her closer to her decision. By the time she finished, she knew where she wanted to go. Elizabeth smiled to herself, feeling a newfound sense of purpose. She had followed her heart, just as Niho had advised. And for the first time in a long time, the future seemed bright and full of promise.