Alagna.
A city that never slept — alive with horns, chatter, and the restless rhythm of ambition.
People from every walk of life passed through its streets, for Alagna sat at the heart of Alaschal, connecting every corner of the country. If one wanted to go anywhere, they first had to pass through Alagna.
Alex stepped off the bus into a blur of sound and motion. The air smelled of roasted corn, diesel, and dust. She was pushed, pulled, and squeezed through the crowd until she finally stumbled out of the park, clutching her small bag as though it held her entire life — which, in truth, it did.
She flagged down a motorbike and gave the rider her sister's address.
By the time she reached Clara's house, the sun had dipped low. Her sister stood outside, waiting.
"Alex!" Clara smiled, opening her arms. "How was the journey? I hope it wasn't too stressful."
"I'm fine, just tired," Alex replied, returning the hug.
"I made food for you already. Go take a shower and come eat," Clara said warmly.
Later that evening, after Alex had eaten and settled in, Clara leaned against the doorway, watching her sister.
"Alex, have you thought about what you want to do? Do you want to go back to school or learn a skill?"
Alex hesitated. "I don't know yet. I need to think about it. But for now, I'll help you in the canteen."
Clara nodded, her tone gentle but firm. "That's fine. Just don't take too long to decide, alright? Time waits for no one."
That night, Clara's husband, Tom, came home from work. They had dinner together — laughter filling the room — before everyone retired to their rooms.
Lying on the small bed that Clara had prepared for her, Alex stared at the ceiling fan spinning lazily above. Her voice was barely a whisper.
"God… please make things easier for me."
~~~
The next morning, she rose early. After saying her morning prayer, she swept, washed, and tidied up before sitting down to eat. Soon after, she followed Clara to the canteen.
The canteen was only fifteen minutes away, nestled in the bustling market square. Vendors shouted prices; the smell of pepper soup and fried plantain filled the air.
As they arrived, a woman from across the street called out.
"Clara! Is this your twin sister? You look so much alike!"
Clara laughed. "No, Mama Tamadu, this is my younger sister — our fourth born."
"Ah, really? The resemblance is shocking!" Mama Tamadu said, shaking her head with a grin.
"That's what everyone says," Clara chuckled.
Alex greeted Mama Tamadu politely and hurried inside to help the other waiters. Clara followed, tying her apron as she prepared for the morning rush.
~~~
Two Months Later
"After washing these clothes, I'll head to the market to buy foodstuff," Alex murmured to herself.
"Alex! Alex!" came her sister's voice from inside.
Alex sighed, rolling her eyes. "Ah, she's calling me again — probably for the remote," she muttered.
Sure enough, when she walked in, Clara smiled sweetly from the couch.
"Alex baby, please help me with the remote… and get me some juice from the kitchen."
Alex glanced at the remote sitting right beside Clara and couldn't help herself.
"Sis, why the f**k are you disturbing me? The remote's right there! If this continues, I'm not washing those clothes again!" she snapped, though half in frustration, half in jest.
Clara burst into laughter. "Just bring it, my dear. You know I love annoying you."
Grumbling, Alex fetched the remote and juice, then stormed back outside. "I won't answer her again until I'm done!" she muttered — though they both knew she would.
Later that evening, as she folded the clean clothes, Alex found herself smiling faintly. Despite the teasing, life had started to feel brighter.
She opened a small notebook and wrote down her thoughts.
"I'll learn a skill first, then go back to school. I want to become a fashion designer."
For the first time in a long while, she felt a spark of purpose.
The next morning, she shared her plan with Clara, who listened with a proud smile.
"That's a good choice, Alex. I'm glad you've decided."
A week later, Alex was officially enrolled in a fashion school, her heart beating fast as she walked through its gates for the first time.