Fading Shadows

Fading Shadows

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Fading Shadows follows the journey of a young Nigerian woman struggling with financial hardship and the weight of her dreams. Desperate for stability, she falls for a man who offers her comfort, only to find herself trapped in a love that slowly turns cold. As betrayal and heartbreak threaten to consume her, she must gather the strength to reclaim her life. Through pain, healing, and self-discovery, she steps out of the shadows of her past and into a future she never thought possible.

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CHAPTER ONE
Fading Shadows follows the journey of a young Nigerian woman struggling with financial hardship and the weight of her dreams. Desperate for stability, she falls for a man who offers her comfort, only to find herself trapped in a love that slowly turns cold. As betrayal and heartbreak threaten to consume her, she must gather the strength to reclaim her life. Through pain, healing, and self-discovery, she steps out of the shadows of her past and into a future she never thought possible. please note 1. This story is based in Nigeria 2. This is my first attempt at writing a book. I appreciate constructive criticism and feedback from my readers. Thank you for giving this book a chance and God bless you. Chapter One: Hunger and Other Troubles It was that time of the day when the sun began its slow descent, painting the sky in hues of pink, orange, and soft lavender. The warm glow faded into streaks of twilight, signaling the arrival of the evening. From her window, she could see the girls next door laughing as they prepared for their usual night out. Their voices rang out in carefree chatter, their perfectly styled weaves catching the last golden rays of sunlight. They looked effortlessly beautiful, dressed in tight jeans and cropped tops, their heels clicking against the tiled corridor as they strutted toward the gate. She watched them, a dull ache forming in her chest. Not quite jealousy, but something close. A yearning. A quiet, unspoken wish to be as carefree as they were—to pick out a nice dress, fix her hair, and step into a world where money wasn't a constant worry. To sit in a restaurant and order a plate of food without mentally calculating the cost and how it would affect her allowance. But that wasn’t her reality. The gnawing in her stomach reminded her of that. She sighed and turned away from the window, allowing the dimly lit room to swallow her whole. The small space was cast in shadows now, the last traces of sunlight slipping through the curtains, leaving everything in muted darkness. On the opposite bed, her roommate and best friend, Maddie, was curled under the sheets, completely unbothered by the passage of time—or by the hunger gnawing at their stomachs. She hesitated for a moment, staring at the slow rise and fall of Maddie’s back, before whispering, “Maddie.” No response. She tried again, this time a little louder. “Maddie.” A soft hum of acknowledgment came from beneath the blankets, followed by an irritated groan. Rolling her eyes, she moved closer and gave Maddie’s shoulder a gentle shake. “Wake up.” “What do you want na?” Maddie grumbled, her voice thick with sleep. “I’m hungry. What are we eating tonight?” Maddie groaned, rolling onto her back and rubbing her eyes. “Omo, I don’t know o. I don’t have any money again. Besides, why do you think I’m sleeping? I’m trying to alleviate the hunger.” She exhaled in frustration. “But you won’t be able to sleep at night if you do that, which will make it worse. Abeg, let’s think of something. I can’t sleep hungry two nights in a row.” Maddie sighed, rubbing her forehead. “You sef, can’t you call your aunt? Last time I called my sister, she basically warned me not to call again for money.” She frowned, hating the idea of calling her aunt. “Last time I called her, she shouted at me like I was begging for gold.” Maddie gave her a pointed look. “And you expect me to call my sister even though she said the same thing?” “But you have three older sisters. I’m sure one of them can find something for you. After all, you’re the baby of the house.” She folded her arms. “So, pick up your phone and start making those calls because it’s already getting dark, and you know I don’t like walking at night.” Maddie groaned but reached for her phone on the bedside table. She held it in her hands for a moment, then cast a weary glance at her. “Fine. But if she embarrasses me, just know I’ll transfer my hunger aggression to you.” “Ah, no problem. As long as we eat, insult me all you want.” Maddie rolled her eyes before dialing the number. She listened to the phone ring, anxiety bubbling inside her. She hated this—this constant reliance on people who barely wanted to help. It wasn’t their fault, she supposed. They had their own struggles. But that didn’t make it any less humiliating. Maddie’s voice softened as she greeted whoever had picked up the call. The conversation was brief, filled with nods and murmurs. She couldn't hear the other end of the line, but she counted the seconds anyway. 247. When Maddie finally dropped the phone, her expression was unreadable. “Well?” she asked, barely able to mask her anticipation. Maddie stretched her arms over her head, a smug grin spreading across her face. “We’re eating tonight.” She let out a small, relieved laugh. “Ah, thank God! What should we make? I’m thinking concussion rice. Or should we get bread and tea tonight? Because, honestly, I don’t think I can wait for the rice to cook.” Maddie raised a brow. “See how your mouth is sharp now?” She chuckled. “Me too, I can’t wait. So we’ll just get bread and tea?” “Yes, abeg.” Maddie yawned, stretching lazily before sitting up. “Okay, wear something appropriate so we can go to the aboki.” Maddie groaned. “Can’t you go alone?” She placed her hands on her hips. “Who’s your house girl? Aunty, abeg, stand up and let’s go quickly.” Maddie buried her face into the pillow. “You’re literally the worst.” “And I love you too.” She smirked, heading for the door. “I’m waiting o, hurry up.” “Ugh!” Maddie reluctantly dragged herself out of bed, pulling on a simple gown. They stepped out into the cool night, the campus air carrying the scent of burning firewood and faint perfume from passing students. A group of girls walked past them, laughing loudly, their arms linked as they headed toward the campus gates. Probably going to one of those expensive restaurants outside. She didn’t stare too long. No use envying what she couldn’t afford. They made their way toward the small kiosk near the hostel, where the aboki sat behind a counter stacked with loaves of bread, sardines, sachets of milk, and tiny tins of butter. “Good evening, Baba,” she greeted. The man gave them a tired smile. “Evening, my daughters. What do you want?” “One loaf of Agege bread. The fresh one, abeg.” Maddie added, peering over the counter. “And two Peak sachet milks,” she added. The aboki nodded, grabbing their items and placing them in a black nylon bag. “That will be—” “We know, Baba,” Maddie said, already fishing out the money from her pocket. They paid, thanked him, and started their walk back. As they climbed the stairs to their hostel room, she exhaled deeply, already anticipating the warm, sweet tea that awaited them. Maddie nudged her playfully. “You know, one day we won’t have to beg anyone for money.” She glanced at her. “You think so?” “I know so.” Maddie smirked. “We’ll be rich babes, eating in fancy restaurants like those girls next door.” She smiled at the thought. Maybe one day. But for now, bread and tea would do. --- Thank you for making it this far. Please vote and leave a comment, or share the story with anyone who you think would like it.

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