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Across the distance

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Wale, a shy and introspective Nigerian man, leaves home for a work-and-travel program in Minnesota, seeking adventure and the chance to experience life beyond his borders. Overwhelmed by the chaos of a busy amusement park café, Wale navigates cultural shocks, workplace challenges, and homesickness. With the support of his outgoing roommate Felix, a tight-knit group of co-workers, and a newfound sense of courage, Wale begins to adapt.Among the chaos, he notices Sophia, a poised and confident British co-worker who seems to handle the pressure with ease. Their shared moments at the café open a window to friendship, but Wale’s journey is not just about connecting with others—it’s about finding himself. Along the way, he bonds with colleagues from around the world, including Maria, a driven Spaniard with big dreams, and Lena, a lively German who brings levity to the toughest days.As Wale learns to navigate life abroad, he reflects on his past heartbreak, struggles with trust, and aspirations for the future. Each connection he forms and every challenge he overcomes leads him closer to discovering what it truly means to belong.In a summer where friendships are forged and lessons are learned, Wale’s experience becomes a transformative chapter in his life—one he’ll carry with him long after the season ends.

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Chapter 1: A New Start
The icy chill of the Minnesota air hit Wale’s face the moment he stepped out of the airport terminal. He pulled his jacket tighter, marveling at how different everything felt—the crispness of the air, the organized rush of travelers, the sheer size of the city around him. Lagos was loud, chaotic, and familiar, but Minnesota felt like stepping onto the set of a movie he wasn’t sure he belonged in. Dragging his suitcase behind him, he followed the signs to the shuttle pick-up. His heart raced with equal parts excitement and anxiety. This was his chance to start fresh, to escape the ghosts of home and prove to himself—and everyone else—that he could thrive anywhere. A distant memory of his ex-girlfriend flickered in his mind, her voice accusing him of being too cautious, too afraid of change and being absorbed in his parents’ wish. He shook his head. “Not anymore,” he muttered under his breath. As the shuttle pulled up, Wale took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of possibility mixed with exhaust fumes. He smiled faintly. It wasn’t home, but maybe it didn’t have to be. “Rebecca, how could you do this to me?” Wale hollered into the phone, his breathing uneven as he paced to and fro. “I tried my best to be good to you—how could you cheat on me?” He squeezed the phone tightly, pacing aggressively while the person on the other end stayed quiet for a moment before replying. “Wale…” she began tentatively, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, but I was getting tired of the relationship…” Wale cut her off, his voice trembling with anger. “What? We could’ve talked things out. Why?” “You don’t pay attention to me, man! You’re always buried in your books, and it drives me crazy!” she snapped, her tone growing haughty. “I found someone better, someone who treats me right.” Wale paused, stunned. “What? That was a downgrade! The dude is, what, 5’6” tall at best, and he doesn’t even come close to me in looks! So why him of all people? Is it the d**k? ‘Cause I’m sure as hell it isn’t! Damn, this is an embarrassment to me. At least go for an upgrade, ‘luv.’ We’ve been together for two years—” Rebecca interrupted him sharply, her voice cutting through his rant. “f**k you, Wale!” she shouted before ending the call. “f**k you too!” Wale screamed at the blank screen, his chest heaving with anger. He dropped the phone onto the bed and sank into the chair miserably. Is it really true? he wondered. Am I so fixated on my dreams that I’m losing connections with other people? . . . . “Ever since you broke up with Rebecca, you’ve been living like a hermit. A studious hermit,” James teased, dropping onto Wale’s bed without a care. Wale sighed, running a hand over his face. “James, I’m not living like a hermit. I’m just focused, okay? Unilag isn’t a joke. You want to fail out of one of the most prestigious universities in Nigeria?” “Blah, blah, blah,” James mocked, stretching his legs out lazily. “Unilag this, Unilag that. You’ve been saying that since first year. And look at you now—third year, single, and no PS5 experience. A new PS5 joint just opened a minute away, man! This isn’t what life’s about, my guy.” Wale ignored him, shuffling the scattered papers on his desk. “I’m not in the mood for games, James. Go play with someone else.” James sat up dramatically, pointing at him. “See? That’s what I’m talking about. Do you even remember how to have fun? Rebecca dumped you a week ago, yet you’re still acting like you’ve got something to prove. To who, sef gan?” Wale paused, his hand hovering over a pile of notes. “It’s not about Rebecca, James. I just—” “Okay, okay,” James interrupted, holding up a hand. “Forget the PS5. Let’s talk opportunities. You know that work-and-travel agency I mentioned? They’re opening applications again. This is your chance to leave all this stress behind. A few months abroad, earning dollars, seeing new places… It’ll do you good.” Wale frowned, intrigued despite himself. “Work and travel? That thing your cousin did last year?” “Yes, that one!” James grinned, leaning forward. “He went to New York, worked at some game hub, and came back with enough cash to sort his final year. Plus, it was mad fun. You could do that too, bro. Maybe even meet someone new, eh?” “James,” Wale started, shaking his head, “I’m not sure—” “Of course you’re not sure,” James cut him off, clapping him on the shoulder. “You never are, Mr. Overthinker. But think about it. You’ve got the grades, the discipline, and you’re long overdue for a fresh start. We would also have a month and a half break before next semester. Life is waiting la outside, man.” Wale glanced at the window, his thoughts swirling. “I’ll think about it.” “That’s all I ask. Also, if you pass the agency’s interview,” James grinned, heading for the door. “But while you’re thinking, I’ll be at the PS5 shop. If you change your mind, you know where to find me.” As the door clicked shut, Wale sank onto his chair. Work and travel. A fresh start. The idea lingered in his mind, tempting him in a way he hadn’t felt in a long time. . . . Wale sat on the balcony of the school hostel as he dialed his father’s line, his thoughts a tangled mess of excitement and doubt about the work-and-travel program. “Hey, son, what’s up?” His dad’s thick voice came up. Wale hesitated before replying. “It’s this work-and-travel thing, Dad…” Wale’s dad was quiet for some seconds before replying. “So you’ve really made up your mind, huh?” “Not really, Pops. James pushed me to apply, and now that I’ve been accepted, I don’t know if I’m ready. Leaving home for a month and a half, working abroad… It’s a lot.” His father studied him for a moment before speaking. “Do you know why I worked so hard to send you to Unilag?” “To get a good education?” Wale replied, slightly unsure. “Yes, but it’s more than that,” his father replied, his voice firm but calm. “Wale, I see the potential in you. You’ve always had this hunger for more—for knowledge, for success. That hunger is rare, and I don’t want you to waste it. Opportunities like this work-and-travel program don’t come around every day. It’s a chance to step out of your comfort zone and see the world from a new perspective.” “But what if I fail, Dad?” Wale asked, his voice quieter now. “What if I mess up, or I can’t handle it?” “Failure is part of the process, son. It’s how you grow. Every great man you admire has failed at some point, but they didn’t let it stop them. You have to push yourself, even when it’s uncomfortable. That’s how you’ll achieve your dreams.” Wale looked down at his feet, processing his father’s words. “It’s just… It feels overwhelming. Leaving everything I know, working in a place I’ve never been before—it’s scary.” “Of course it’s scary,” his father agreed. “But you’re not doing this alone. Your family is here, rooting for you every step of the way. And remember, this isn’t just about the work or the money. It’s about the experiences, the lessons you’ll learn, and the man you’ll become because of it.” Wale nodded slowly. “You really believe I can do this?” “I know you can,” his father paused before continuing. “So send me the details about the program, and I’d review it when I’m free so I’ll call you at night when I’m settled at home.” . . . . A week later, Wale found himself at the bustling work-and-travel program agency. The air was filled with excitement and nervous chatter as participants came in, exchanging cautious smiles. Wale looked around, still trying to process the scores of events that had brought him here. “Hey, bro! You’re alone too?” a cheerful voice called out. Wale turned to see a tall guy with a wide grin approaching him. “I’m Justin. You know, I saw you and thought, ‘That guy definitely looks like he needs company.’ “Yeah, I am,” Wale replied with a small smile. “I’m Wale. Nice to meet you.” “Good to meet you too!” Justin said, shaking his hand firmly. “Finally, someone I can gist with!” As they talked, two more people joined the conversation. Jide was lean and sharp-tongued, quick to fire off sarcastic remarks, while Toyin, a bookish girl with a quiet demeanor, exuded a calm that balanced the group’s energy. Over the next few hours, they bonded while waiting for their interviews to begin. They shared their reasons for joining the program, their dreams, and their fears about what lay ahead. “I’m here to stack my dollars and flex when I get back home,” Collins declared confidently, leaning against his suitcase. “No one’s ready for my return glow-up!” “I’m just excited to explore,” Favour said softly, adjusting her glasses. “It’s my first time traveling, and I want to experience everything—new cultures, new people, everything.” Justin, however, leaned in conspiratorially, lowering his voice as if he were sharing a grand secret. “Well, you guys enjoy your plans, sha, because I’m not coming back.” “Wait, what?” Wale asked, eyebrows raised. “You’re not coming back to Nigeria?” “Nope!” Justin grinned mischievously. “See, I’ve done the maths, and there’s nothing for me there. I’m staying back, by hook or by crook. I’ve already got some funny moves planned.” “Funny moves like what?” Collins asked suspiciously. Justin shrugged dramatically. “Let’s just say a green card is the goal, and love might be the method. You’ll see!” He burst into laughter, his deep, booming voice drawing attention from nearby participants. “You’re mad,” Wale said, shaking his head with a chuckle. “Mad? Maybe,” Justin replied, wiggling his eyebrow, still laughing. “But don’t act like you’re not impressed.” As the group continued to banter, Wale felt the weight of his recent troubles start to lift. For the first time in months, he wasn’t thinking about Rebecca, his parents’ expectations of him, or even the stress of school. Instead, he was here, surrounded by strangers who were quickly becoming friends, on the brink of an adventure he’d never expected to take. Maybe this was a good decision after all, he thought.

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