I Understand You Want To Be A Hero

“I want to love you all my life, never to lose you”. K said after breaking out from the kiss. Lanre just stared at him. For a minute she looked like she was trying to recall something. And then when she snapped out of it, she asked him if she ever said anything like she loves him. He showed off his white teeth. His smile worth comparison to sunshine, as the warmth in his heart filled the room.

“Yes you did! And I’m glad. Eat your hamburger now”. K said to her. Lanre just stuffed the hamburger into her mouth without saying any more word. He stayed with her for the rest of the day.

They spent their time trying to catch up with the things they never got to share. They filled each other in on the things they have been up to and how life has been for them so far.

While K told Lanre about the project awarded him by the state governor, Lanre filled him in on every aspect of her life. She told him how she found Eno as well. K was shocked that human trafficking was being sponsored by people who already had a life for themselves.

“Why does the rich always exploit the innocent and poor ones?” K asked. Lanre smiled at him.

“It is because the weak, poor and innocent ones keep making themselves available for exploitation”. Lanre said. K looked at her. He had not expected her to answer in such a way. He was expecting she would throw blames at the greedy business men, misleading politicians, and disorganized government.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?” Lanre asked K. He told her he was just surprised at her answer. She asked him if it was not true.

“I mean, we made ourselves available in the first place for us to be used, misused and abused. We allowed the exploitations, watched them with our eyes wide open and when they splashed vinegar at us, we opened our mouths and let them fill us with gravel. So much hate and division in the country. Because we allowed it, happily!” Lanre said.

“And those who say they are tired, check it, most of them are still seated, unwilling to stand up. If you like, tie a rope around them and pull them, they won’t budge. Because they are used to it, the system”. Lanre said.

K kissed her forehead.

“I understand you want to be a hero. But I want you to know that our heroes already passed away. Let’s just try to make life better for ourselves first. If everyone focus on that, then the country be better”. K said. Lanre shook her head in disagreement to what K just said.

She told him that if the focus is self, then that is the only thing that has been existing for over 50 years and that is why the selfishness and greed keeps increasing while the nation’s economical status keep depreciating.