The Unspoken Gesture - by Waripamo Allen

A Tale of Pride, Humility, and Time. As I locked eyes with my old friend, Somto, a rush of memories flooded my mind. It had been years since we last met, and the excitement of reconnecting was palpable. We exchanged warm smiles, and I instinctively extended my hand for our traditional Nigerian handshake – the one that ended with a distinctive finger flick, producing a crisp, sharp sound. But as our palms touched, I sensed a change. The firm grip, the energetic shake, and the signature finger flick were all absent. Instead, Somto's hand slid limply into mine, as if hesitant to truly connect. The lack of enthusiasm was jarring, and I couldn't help but wonder what had brought about this transformation. As we parted ways, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss. It wasn't just the handshake; it was the pride that now accompanied it. Somto's demeanor had changed, and the confidence he exuded was tinged with arrogance. The unspoken gesture had spoken volumes. Time has a way of altering people, and sometimes, it's the smallest actions that reveal the greatest changes. The Nigerian handshake, once a symbol of camaraderie and shared culture, had become a relic of the past – a reminder of the carefree days we once shared. But life has a way of teaching us lessons, if only we're willing to observe. Months went by, and Somto's circumstances changed. The wealth and success that had once fueled his pride were no longer there. Yet, when we met again, something was different. This time, as our eyes met, I saw a glimmer of the Somto I once knew. The pride was gone, replaced by a humility that was both refreshing and familiar. He smiled, and we shook hands – properly this time. The firm grip, the energetic shake, and the signature finger flick were all back, accompanied by the unmistakable sound that had been missing for so long. In that moment, I realized that sometimes, it takes a reversal of fortunes to remind us of what truly matters. Somto's experience had taught him a valuable lesson, one that I was grateful to have witnessed. As we parted ways, I couldn't help but think that God often uses people to teach us lessons, if only we're willing to open our eyes and observe. The unspoken gesture had spoken volumes once again, but this time, it was a testament to the power of humility and the importance of staying grounded, regardless of life's twists and turns.

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