She exchanged a knowing glance with Olaedo, who seemed to share her thoughts. Without missing a beat, Olaedo decided to subtly handle the situation.
"Hey, Nnenna," she began, her voice calm and light, "remember the first time we came here?"
Nnenna smiled faintly, catching on to Olaedo's plan. "Oh, how could I forget? We were a mess. Totally embarrassing. I wanted to dig a hole and hide when people started pointing at us." She paused for dramatic effect. "If not for what you told me that day..."
Together, they chorused: "NO ONE can make you feel inferior except YOU allow it."
The words struck Ifeoma like a lightning bolt. She stood frozen, her mind echoing the phrase. No one can make me feel inferior except I allow it?
Slowly, she turned to look at the people who had mocked her earlier. This time, she didn't feel the sting of their words. Instead, she felt a surge of quiet defiance. Then I won't allow it, she resolved silently.
