The Favorite Stranger.

“Look at him, that's the man,” Adekunle Gold heard whispers as he made his way to the bar. He had learned to turn a blind ear to the whispers of the townspeople. Ajegunle was a small town with a very small population. Almost everyone in the town knew each other, and it wasn't long before they noticed Adekunle Gold's arrival.

It had been six months since Adekunle entered the town of Ajegunle, and he hadn't been able to make a single friend, This was because the people of the town were cautious of outsiders. The only place he was able to find solace was in the bar and the comfort of his alcohol. As he pushed open the creaky door of the bar, the familiar scent of cold beer and faint laughter filled the air.

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Adekunle felt like an alien in a world where he didn't belong. As he settled onto a bar stool, he glanced around, searching for the bartender so he could escape from the weight of solitude that clung around him like a cobwebs.

He saw James the bartender; he then waved to him so people didn't know he was calling James. James came by fast, then they exchanged pleasantries. "I am surprised to see you here today," James said. "If I don't come to check on you, I am sure those old men will work you to the bone," Adekunle replied as he gave a faint smile. "Give me my usual beer; I won't be staying with you for long," Adekunle said to James as James made his way to the counter.

It was then that his eyes met hers. Simisola, with her carefree smile and vibrant spirit, stood out like a beacon in the gloom of the bar. She was laughing with her friends, her laughter ringing like music through the air. For a moment, the noise faded, and all Adekunle could see was Simisola. “What are you staring at?” Simisola called out with a teasing grin, catching Adekunle off guard.

He felt the words go through his right ear and out of his left because no one has ever said anything to him. "Are you talking to me?" he said. "Who else would I be talking to if it's not you, Mr. Staring?" Similola backfired. “I wasn't even staring; I found you looking at me," Adekunle Gold said with a slight grin on his face. "Men will never accept," Similola said as she rolled her eyes.

Adekunle found himself sliding off the stool and joining Simisola's table. The conversation flowed easily, like they had known each other for years. Simisola was free spirit, unafraid to speak her mind, and her energy was contagious. They talked about everything, from music to dreams, and for the first time since arriving in Ajegunle, Adekunle felt a connection.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Adekunle and Simisola continued to meet at the bar, their bond growing deeper. They shared stories and laughter, and through Simisola, Adekunle began to see the town in a different light. "When will you visit again?" Simisola asked Adekunle, "I will come any day you wish." One evening, as they both sat at the bar discussion, Simisola noticed everything she was saying wasn't getting through to Adekunle, and he wasn't giving the usual response. "What is the matter?" she asked him.

Adekunle looked at Simisola and then gave a huge sign. "It is well. What did I do wrong that she left me?" Simisola looked at him with concern. “Tell me what the issue is, and I will listen." Simisola urges him to speak up. Adekunle gave another sign and then said, "I came to this town because my fiancé left me for a wealthy man, and ever since I came, I haven't had a good day till I met you." Simisola’s expression softened, and she reached across the table, placing her hand over his. “I’m so sorry, Adekunle. You didn’t deserve that.

Things are not always the way they seem; I am glad you could open up to me. I am sure other people will accept you, just like James, Madam Kemi, Iya Ponmo, and Daddy Wa." Her words wrapped around him like a warm embrace, and Adekunle felt a weight lift off his shoulders. For the first time, he realized that things weren't what they seemed. He had come to Ajegunle seeking solace, but in that small town, he had found so much more—a friend, a connection, and perhaps a love that could heal the wounds of his past.

As time went on, Adekunle starts exploring other parts of the town, and the people of the town start seeing him in a new light. He was happy to have gotten a job at Daddy Wa's place, and they were through the help of Simisola. "Daddy Wa, he is my friend. It's like you want me to tell my mommy that you don't want to give my friend a job," Simisola said to Daddy Wa as she held Adekunle by the hand.

"Are you sure this man is your friend? The way you are fighting for him, it looks like he is your lover." It was then Simisola realized she had been holding onto his hand all the time they were at Daddy Wa's workshop. She immediately dropped his hand and then tried to compose herself so she could continue with what she was saying. "Please, sir, help him. I promise you, he is a good person." After a little deliberation, Adekunle was employed, and he started working at Daddy Wa Shop.

It had been 2 months now. Adekunle smiled as he remembered the event that took place that day. "Things aren't what they seem," he said as he lifted the bag of maize on his shoulder and then continued his work.

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