I once dated this guy who was sweet like fresh suya at least at the beginning. Always calling me “my peace,” sending me morning texts, and acting like he’d walk barefoot to Pluto just to see me smile. 

Then came his birthday. I wanted to surprise him, so I saved small from my allowance, borrowed small amount from my friend Tola, and planned a cute celebration. I baked a cake with love and YouTube confidence.

I carried that cake to his house like a proud chef. When I got there,  I called him no answer. I knocked, no response. But just as I was about to leave, one girl opened the door wearing his hoodie.

I smiled politely, pretending my heart wasn’t shattering into garri.
She said, “Oh hey… you’re the cake girl, right?”

The cake girl. Me, that I was the girlfriend. 😭

I just stood there holding the cake like a clown in love. 

The guy later came out, shocked, stammering, trying to explain something about “a misunderstanding.” I didn’t even wait. I dropped the cake, wished him happy birthday, and left before my tears betrayed me.