INTRODUCTION

Hello beautiful ladies, I believe we are doing great today? I am soo glad to be part of this contest,and I really appreciate @ruthjoe, for organizing this wonderful contest. i am indeed grateful.

WHAT HAPPENED

Today marked the beginning of a much-anticipated trip to Calabar. I had been looking forward to this journey for weeks, planning every detail meticulously.

The day started off bright and early, with the sun casting a golden glow over the bustling streets. My spirits were high as I set out, but little did I know that the day would be filled with unexpected challenges.

As I drove towards the outskirts of town, I realized we needed to refuel. We pulled into a nearby filling station, only to be greeted by a chaotic scene. The station was crowded with cars and people, more so than usual. A long line of vehicles stretched out from the pumps, and the atmosphere was tense. It didn’t take long to figure out why—there had been a sudden spike in fuel prices, and everyone was scrambling to fill up before the prices went even higher.

Filling station

The line moved at a snail's pace, and the heat of the day made the wait feel even more unbearable. Drivers honked their horns impatiently, while others got out of their cars to argue with the attendants. Tempers flared, and it seemed like everyone was on edge. As I sat in the car, inching forward bit by bit, I couldn’t help but wonder if this was a sign of how the rest of the day would unfold.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, it was our turn to refuel. We quickly filled up our tank, paid the attendant, and got back on the road, hoping to make up for lost time. The road ahead was smooth, and I began to relax as the cityscape slowly gave way to the lush greenery of the countryside.

Peace park

When we reached the Peace Park, where I was to catch my bus to Calabar, I encountered yet another delay. The park was crowded with travelers, all eager to embark on their own journeys. The bus I was scheduled to board was still being loaded, and it was clear that the staff was struggling to manage the situation.

Luggage was being piled up haphazardly, and the process was dragging on much longer than expected. As I waited, I noticed a woman standing near the bus, visibly annoyed by the chaos. She was trying to keep her distance from the growing pile of bags and boxes that the staff was trying to cram into every available space.

Loading the lugages

When one of the workers attempted to place a large box right next to her, she had had enough. “Please, this is too much!” she exclaimed, her voice firm and unwavering. “You can’t just throw everything in here without considering the passengers’ comfort. I need space to sit, and this box is not going to be in my way.” With that, she pushed the box away from her seat, making it clear that she wouldn’t tolerate it.

Congested loading

Her assertiveness caught the attention of the staff, who quickly rearranged the luggage to give her—and the rest of us—more room. Finally, after what seemed like ages, the bus was fully loaded, and we were ready to depart.

As we pulled out of the park, I couldn’t help but admire the woman’s courage to speak up for herself. It was a small victory, but one that made the rest of the passengers more comfortable for the journey ahead.

Once we were on the road, the rest of the trip to Calabar was smooth and uneventful. The scenic landscapes passed by in a blur of green and blue, and I found myself lost in thought, reflecting on the day's events.

The delays and frustrations at the filling station and the park had threatened to dampen my spirits, but in the end, everything had worked out. As we neared Calabar, I felt a sense of relief and excitement.

Despite the challenges, I had made it, and the adventure that awaited me in this vibrant city was just beginning. The road may have been rocky, but the destination was worth every moment of the journey.

WHAT I LEARNT

• The woman's courage teaches a valuable lesson about the importance of standing up for oneself, especially in situations where others might be compromising your comfort or well-being.

• Her actions demonstrate that it's okay to assert your needs and set boundaries, even if it might make you stand out or cause a minor conflict.

• By speaking up, she not only ensured her own comfort but also indirectly improved the experience for others around her. This situation illustrates that sometimes, a little courage and assertiveness can lead to positive outcomes not just for yourself, but for those around you as well.

• It reminds us that we don’t have to passively accept circumstances that are unfavorable or uncomfortable. Instead, we can take control of our environment and advocate for ourselves, which can lead to better, more equitable situations for everyone involved.

i want to invite my friends to @ngozi996 and @jovita30 participate