I wish there was someone I could have written to after that, someone I could have written to explain how awful it was to have someone touch you, then look at you properly and change his mind.
Helen OyeyemiNobody ever warned me about mirrors, so for many years I was fond of them, and believed them to be trustworthy. . .
Helen OyeyemiSo many times I've encountered people who are just kind of like, 'Yeah, Nigeria,' and, you know, thump their chest and seem very sure of, like, being Nigerian. And I'm just kind of, like, I wish I could be that sure.
Helen OyeyemiIt occurred to me that I was unhappy. And it didnโt feel so very terrible. No urgency, nothing. I could slip out of my life on a slow wave like thisโit didnโt matter. I donโt have to be happy. All I have to do is hold on to something and wait.
Helen Oyeyemi