TOO PERFECT TO BE FOOLED - by Abbas

Amoke, as she was fondly called, walked with effortless elegance through the dusty streets of her town. Heads turned almost instinctively whenever she passed. Her sleek appearance had earned her the nickname “oyinbo” among the locals, a quiet nod to how polished she seemed compared to everyone else.Her skin glowed with a natural radiance, and her teeth were as bright as freshly polished ivory under the morning sun.But it wasn’t just her beauty that set her apart.Amoke spoke the Queen’s English with enviable fluency, carrying herself in a way that constantly reminded those around her that she was different, elevated, even. She never hesitated to correct the grammar of anyone who spoke poorly, subtly reinforcing the idea that she no longer belonged to the same class of people she had grown up with.Level had changed, and so had she.While a few admired her and longed to be like her, others chose to quietly build themselves without drawing attention.Then one afternoon, a sleek, expensive-looking car drove into the neighbourhood, the kind that made people wonder if a government official had come visiting. Instead, it was a group of strangers bearing what they claimed to be an opportunity.The young man who addressed the gathering spoke in complex terms that left many confused. Eventually, they had no choice but to call for Amoke.She arrived in all her elegance and listened as he explained their mission, a foundation that sought to identify intelligent individuals and sponsor them abroad, offering them the chance to earn in millions.Amoke translated his words to the community, presenting the opportunity in a way that subtly suggested it was meant for someone like her, intelligent, refined, exceptional.But Jane stepped forward.Though she admitted she was not as educated as Amoke, something didn’t sit right with her. She voiced her suspicions and said she would conduct her own research before committing.Amoke dismissed her concerns, reprimanding her for trying to act knowledgeable and assuring everyone that she could never be deceived so easily.Two days later, Amoke announced that she had done her research and confirmed the foundation’s legitimacy.Still unconvinced, Jane dug deeper. She reached out, asked questions, and sought opinions beyond the town. What she discovered was alarming, the organization did not exist on any official record. They were known scammers who staged credibility with expensive cars and polished appearances to deceive unsuspecting victims.When Jane shared her findings, no one believed her.They accused her of jealousy, of trying to sabotage Amoke’s once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.Many, including Amoke, paid the initial processing fee.The first phase appeared successful. Those who advanced were asked to pay more, while those who didn’t felt defeated. Amoke passed each stage effortlessly, boasting that her intelligence was the reason.Finally, the last phase came.Only three candidates remained. The required fee was significantly higher this time. The other two withdrew, having exhausted their resources.Determined to win, Amoke sold her belongings and borrowed money from friends.Two days later, the letter arrived.She had been selected.Preparations began immediately, congratulations poured in, and some even scolded Jane for nearly costing her the opportunity.But the foundation never contacted her again.Two weeks passed. Then months.Five months later, reality dawned on her.The opportunity had been nothing but a scam.Now burdened with debt and shame, Amoke was no longer the same. It was only then that an elder in the community remarked quietly:“It is often easier to deceive those who are wise in their own eyes. The humble are more likely to seek counsel before they act.”© Akinsanya. D. TumininuAbbas_Comforted

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