Have you seen Jùmọ̀kẹ́? She is not what she used to be. You see her swaying her wide hips down the hallway and you dare not greet her. However, Jùmọ̀kẹ́ was not always this way. In fact, you remember the day you observed her in the playground. She was surrounded by the ‘It-girls’. They taunted her because she wore clothes that were deemed unfashionable. That day, her eyes catch yours and you look away. You should have reached out to her then but you didn’t want to be an outcast.
The next school year, you spot Jùmọ̀kẹ́ studying in the library while her classmates play outside. Then later, in class, she sat at the front nodding along as the teacher talked about things she already knew.
Another time, you observed Jùmọ̀kẹ́ struggling to break free from a boy who was pulling at her cloth bag. Another was pointing out the holes in her tights. That was when you crossed to the other side of the road. The next day you see her on the bus, she is sporting a black eye. She glares at you and you sheepishly look away.
For some years, you don’t see Jùmọ̀kẹ́. Some say she has moved away, others say she has emigrated to the USA. Then finally at university, she emerges a beautiful force of nature surrounded by curious onlookers and admirers. You do a double take to ensure it is the same Jumoke that you used to know. Finally, she catches your gaze and you attempt to wave, but she gives you the dirtiest side-eye. Yes, you have gotten the message loud and clear!
You may ask others about her, and they will tell you, ‘Don’t you mess with Jùmọ̀kẹ́, she takes no nonsense at all!’
Why I wrote this
This story addresses themes of bullying, social ostracisation, and the consequences of not taking action. The story also touches on the theme of inner strength, and personal growth.
Let me ask you a question. If you see someone being treated badly, will you stand up for them?
We may all know someone like Jùmọ̀kẹ́. You might be one yourself. Someone who used to be so uncool and then as time went by they blossomed into a beautiful butterfly. Perhaps lessons can be drawn from the way we treat the underdog. Who knows, one day such a person could be your boss!
Meaning of the name Jùmọ̀kẹ́:
Jùmọ̀kẹ́ is a beautiful Yoruba name that means beloved and cherished by all.
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Ibs Writes 