THE MIRROR AND THE SHADOW 

CHAPTER ONE;

The afternoon sun pressed hard against the university of benin (uniben) gate, melting into the restless noise of passing students. Laughter, footsteps, voices — all blurred together — except for one.

Peace stood near the roadside, tears streaking down her face as her ex, Tunde, raged on.
“You think you can just leave me like that? After everything I’ve done for you?”

His voice was loud enough to draw a crowd.
“You forget who paid your hostel rent last semester? Or who bought that phone you’re holding?”

Peace tried to steady her voice. “Tunde, please… not here.” But the more she pleaded, the harsher his tone became.

“You think you’re better than me now, abi? Because you’re in university? Look at you — acting like you’re one of those classy girls!”

A few bystanders exchanged looks, some smirking, others pitying. Peace lowered her gaze, wishing she could disappear.

Then came a voice — firm, deep, deliberate.
“Guy, that’s enough.”

Every head turned.
A man stood by the curb — Salisu, mid-twenties, simple shirt, dark jeans, rough around the edges but self-assured. His presence drew silence without effort.

He took a step closer. “You don’t talk to a woman like that. Walk away.”

Tunde frowned, sizing him up. “And you be who? Her new man?”

Salisu’s eyes didn’t waver. “Just someone who knows a real man doesn’t raise his voice to prove a point.”

The words hung in the air. Tunde hesitated, glanced at the crowd, then turned abruptly and stormed off.

Silence followed — sharp and heavy — before Salisu turned to Peace.
“You shouldn’t let anyone talk to you like that,” he said softly, handing her a clean handkerchief.

Peace hesitated before taking it. “Thank you…”

He smiled faintly. “Don’t thank me. Just promise me you’ll stop crying. A woman like you deserves better.”

His words wrapped around her like comfort — the kind she hadn’t felt in a long time. She looked up, meeting his gaze for the first time. His eyes were steady, kind… maybe too kind.

And that was the moment she mistook control for care.

That was how it began.

To be continued…..

WRITTEN BY UMORU DANIELA JOHN 

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