From Wild Flower: Toyin was my best friend. A tall Yoruba girl with a silky chocolate brown complexion, Toyin walked with grace, unaware of her striking beauty. Not exactly the athletic type, Toyin loved to eat. But her slender body, regally modeling her school pinafore, did not reveal her hearty appetite. Her long curly hair was always neatly braided in simple cornrows patterns she created. We talked about everything: our families, our problems, our dreams. Her father had been a diplomat in India and although she could not envision the desperation I felt from the enforced separation, she could relate to my experience of living in a foreign culture. We cried together, Toyin and I. Really cried, unashamed of opening our hearts and letting it all out. And we found simple ways to smile: like sharing the 50 kobo snack sold by the matron in the afternoon. I ate the sweet chin-chin and she always enjoyed the peanuts. I affectionately called her Okoro Baks inspired by the common slang we used for those who were unsophisticated - Okoro! We studied together, had our meals together and sat next to each other in the classroom. And although she was in the yellow section of the boarding school, Obi House, I spent so much time in her dorm that one would think that yellow was my favorite color! Toyin and Geanina - then and now - friends forever!
Posted on: Fri, 18 Jul 2014 05:11:58 +0000