WALK AWAY

Ayọ lived in the dusty hamlet of Ìbàdàn, where goats wandered freely and the evening wind wafted the aroma of roasted corn. Tall like a palm tree, he was 16 years old with eyes that glittered with malice, smooth chocolate-brown skin. Though his personality was forceful, it was kind; his background was firmly entrenched in Yoruba customs—raised by his grandma Mama Títí, who thought intellect was greater than muscle.

Ayọ̀ adored football and church hymns, yet his friends Kúnlé, Sàdé, and Jide were troublemakers. They made fun of his dreams, ridiculed his prayer, and pushed him into illicit acts. Jide scoffed, "Guy, no dey dull yourself." Let's roll with the big boys tonight.

That evening, they tugged Ayọ̀ towards an empty warehouse at the outskirts of the town. Older boys were congregated within, murmuring about cult initiation. The air was laden with smoke, and Ayọ̀'s heart beat like a talking drum. He recalled the Yoruba saying: "A bad road never arrives at a good place."

One of the older lads suddenly drew a knife. "Prove yourself if you want to belong," he growled. Ayọ froze. His mind sped. He pondered Mama Títí's words: "A friend who drives you to destruction is no friend at all".

Ayọ̀ made his decision in that split second of terror. He turned on his heels and wandered off after dropping the bottle they gave him.   🚶🏾‍♂️ Though his legs shuddered, his mind rose high. He sprinted across the dusty road, past the mango tree, straight toward Mama Títí's embrace.

His so-called buddies made fun of him the next day. You be mumu, they laughed. Ayọ̀ didn't, though. He had gotten out of a snare that may have ruined his life. Soon, he made friends among the neighbourhood young fellowship—friends who supported his football ambitions, honored his faith, and rooted for him.

Teenagers should hear this: walking away is bravery, not cowardice. It is deciding on peace over anarchy, light over darkness, and life over annihilation. Wisdom Yoruba notes: "He who knows when to stop really knows."

Therefore, walk away if a friendship brings you cultism, hookups, abuse, or anything stealing your joy. WALK AWAY if someone makes fun of your values. WALK AWAY if they spiritually, emotionally, or cognitively drench you.

Street slang describes it best: "No dey carry bad vibes, abeg!" 😎

Ayọ̀'s tale provides evidence: at times, the bravest act you might accomplish is simply… WALK AWAY!!!

© Charles, Vivian Chioma.