By this time last year, I was in the hostel although acting busy, but really doing nothing. It looked like one of those days when the books felt too heavy for me and my room too small. Then my phone rang and It was Frank, my good friend, back in town. His voice was full of energy: “Oga, drop those books and come out, let’s see the outside world.”
I’m not someone who goes out a lot. I prefer staying in and studying. But there was something about Frank’s voice that excited me. I thought, why not? Hostel life can be boring, and maybe a little break was exactly what I needed.
We met just outside the school gate. Our greeting wasn’t like the loud, playful ones we used back in secondary school. It was calmer and more mature—two friends who had grown up but still shared the same bond. Frank smiled and said, “Oya, let’s go to Crunches.”
I paused for a second. My pockets were completely dry—school had swallowed my allowance. I told him, “Frank, I don’t really have money right now.”
He just laughed with that deep, contagious laugh of his. “Oga, you’re not paying. Just relax.”
I smiled in relief. “Well, since you’re the oga, let’s go.”
That was my first time entering Crunches, even though I’d passed by it so many times before. The place was full of life—the sound of plates, people talking, and the sweet smell of fried meat pie and Coke in the air. Frank ordered like he knew the whole menu, while I found a seat by the window—the best spot, in my opinion. That soft light coming through the glass just made me feel like a king sitting there.
Frank came back with Coke and meat pie. The first bite of that meat pie felt like a warm hug, crispy on the outside, soft and tasty inside. I looked at him and said, “Frank, isn’t this too much? Things cost a lot here, and I don’t want you to overspend.”
He laughed and said, “Have you ever tasted a meat pie like this in school?”
I shook my head. “Nope, never. However let's eat then”
Our table didn’t have a lot of food like others around us, but that moment.. just the two of us, good food, good conversation, meant the world to us. It’s one of those memories I will always hold onto.
When we were done, we stepped outside to take pictures. Frank loves taking pictures, so I became his cameraman for the day.
We laughed, checked the photos, made fun of each other, and enjoyed the time. Then it was time to say goodbye since he was travelling to the village.
Today is Frank’s birthday, and I just want to celebrate him.
Happy birthday, my friend..
May God keep you safe and bless you in all you do.
Thank you for being a true friend—genuine, fun, and always there.
Here’s to more memories, more laughter, and more shared meals.
Cheers to you, Frank!