The anger started to boil up in my chest and then it began to spread all over. It went up to my head, through my arms and curled my hands into hard fists; went down to my belly and to my legs. I felt like I was going to explode. There were so many things I had in my mind to tell my opponent, and also many things I wanted to do. The atmosphere was thick like that of a boxing ring. The tension could be sliced through with a knife.
This friction was doomed to happen from day one. We were two very distinct people – a truckload of differences. We had very little in common but the oddest thing was we got along perfectly well. In no time, we became best of friends. We spent any free time we could get together because it was so much fun hanging out with the exact opposite of ourselves. We advised each other, knowing that we always had different, yet valid views on various matters.
However, we didn’t get along all the time but in those moments, we always agreed to disagree. We loved our connection and never saw the reason for a little spat to come between the great friendship we had going for us until this day.
Over one of the most trivial arguments we had ever had, I just decided to disagree not to agree for the fun of it. From there on, things escalated really fast. Tempers rose and instead of stepping away, we both stood there and exchanged words. This was easy to do, we threw daggers with our words high and low; twisted the daggers for the hurt and pain to last a little longer. And when that was done, we found another sensitive nerve to hit hard. We went hard with no mercy until I saw a glimmer of tears in my opponent’s eyes. Instantly, I felt a sharp pain in my chest.
At that moment, I was angry at myself. What had I done? I had turned into a wolf out for blood. Out for the blood of my friend who loves and whom I love. Who trusted me with deep dark secrets that I promised to carry with me to the grave if need be. Whom I had come to know like I know myself; I had said hurtful words like we were not just on the same team a few minutes ago. My words had dropped like eggs and it was almost impossible to take them back. I was filled with regret and instantly I rushed to my friend and began to beg for forgiveness. I said all the right words to make it better but the damage had been done.
I was forgiven but things were never the same again. I had done irreparable damage and the status quo could not be restored.
After a fight, life continues. So, be careful of the words you use on the ones you love.
Oluwaseyi Lawal
