THE MAGIC IS IN YOU ✨

After that phone call, I couldn't sleep.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Tope — explaining equations in class, correcting my grammar, smiling at me when she thought I wasn't looking. The thought of her leaving felt unreal, like something out of a bad dream.

But this wasn't a dream.

It was happening.

And I had to act fast.

The next morning, I waited for her by the hallway, near the staff room. She walked by with her usual calm steps, but when she saw me, she raised a brow.

"You look like you haven't slept," she said.

"I didn't," I replied. "We need to talk."

She blinked. "About what?"

I took a deep breath. "About you. About home. About school fees."

She froze.

For a moment, she just stood there, her walls rising high again.

"Who told you?" she asked softly.

"Your sister," I said. "She called. She thought I deserved to know."

Tope looked away. "She had no right."

"No," I said, stepping closer, "she had every right — because I care."

She looked at me, eyes narrowing slightly. "So what now? You're going to 'save' me? Throw money at the problem and play hero?"

Her words stung, but I didn't flinch.

"No," I said gently. "I'm going to stand with you. The way you stood with me."

She didn't say anything, but I could see the emotion in her eyes.

Later that day, I called my parents. I told them about Tope. About her strength, her intelligence, how she helped me become better. I asked if we could help with her fees — not as charity, but as a thank you. A way of paying forward the kindness I was shown.

My parents were surprised — but supportive.

"We'll talk to the principal," my dad said. "Quietly. Respectfully. If she's as special as you say, she deserves the chance."

That evening, I found Tope again under the tree.

"They said yes," I told her.

She looked at me, eyes wide, lips parting — but no words came out.

"I didn't do it to rescue you," I added. "I did it because I believe in you."

She sat down slowly, then whispered, "No one's ever done anything like this for me before."

I smiled. "Well… it's your turn to be believed in."

And for the first time since I met her, Tope didn't argue. She just nodded — and let herself be vulnerable.

Maybe that's what real friendship is.