Written piece
Home, Where?
Adeola Scott
Nigeria
About this piece
Partially inspired by my personal experience, this piece reflects on migration, identity and belonging. What began as a story about difference became a story about connection, revealing the invisible threads of kindness, resilience and humanity that bind us together.
The internet lied to me the other day. I asked how far I was from home. Four thousand miles, it said.
LIES!
Because how can it be? This wide gulf between warm smiles and cold stares. Danfos and double-deckers. Jollof and porridge. Homely warmth and icy grey; even icier people. Familiar chaos and foreign routine.
I was ready to rip it a new one. Surely, I was a million miles away. Until I saw my folly. Focused on the Fray instead of the Thread.
The stranger's smile that made all the difference. The bus driver who didn't zoom off. The shared complaint about rain. The neighbour who, like me, has known love and heartbreak.
Each a piece of home, found so far away.
So maybe it wasn't a lie after all.
I'm four thousand miles from home, but slowly finding another one.