“Let’s order some sushi…which movie do you want to watch?” Mutimucyeye asked.
“I don’t know, I’ll watch anything with you,” I answered.
As the soft glow of the TV illuminated the living room, we settled into our usual positions facing each other, holding onto our tea mugs and blankets to get warm.
Mutimucyeye and I had mastered the art of finding joy in the simplest of moments in a world of work and classes as the background noise to our lives. Our evenings often consisted of sushi treats, ice cream, movie marathons, and downtown walks where the only agenda was to breathe in and forget the outside world.
In the heart of the quiet Umugisha Ave, is where our wonderful friendship began as roommates. Mutimucyeye and I, despite our diverse backgrounds and being an odd pair that fit perfectly, found solace and companionship by fate. Our nights of dancing to Kinyarwanda and Arabic songs swirled into a warm friendship quickly. I introduced her to Anytime by Mike Kayihura, and she introduced me to Bel Bont El3areedh by Hussain Al Jassmi.
Time passed, and our beloved sanctuary – the house we rented was sold, forcing us to part ways and each fend for themselves. Our bond only grew closer despite not being roommates, and sleepovers at her house became my favorite ritual. We would lay on her single-sized bed, listening to music or watching a movie. Yet, often, the movies served as background sounds that lulled us into a good night’s sleep.
We were two young women navigating the complexities of life, each with our own dreams and aspirations. In the midst of it all, Mutimucyeye found love and was now on a journey of starting a family with a man who pleased her soul. Since she got married, we no longer do sleepovers. My path was still uncertain, marked by a non-existent love life and endless pursuit of academic success.
I know she waits for the day I find love, and stability and venture in life with fearlessness. We support each other, through every twist and turn. Mutimucyeye has never left my side, she supports me, and never made me question her friendship or love for me.
The void moments of silence, the moments of joy, and the dances are always filled with an understanding and comfort that feels like a warm hug on a sad day.
“I’m off birth control now, we’re trying to get pregnant!” Mutimucyeye said with a facial expression I could not read.
I was surprised, she had not told me. “You weren’t ready for this before, what changed?” I asked.
“Well, I had to sit down and have a conversation with my husband. We wanted children eventually. I do not want to delay it even more. Are you seeing anyone?”
She asked me. She likes stories of my dating scenery
“I’m sort of talking to someone,” I responded while trying to shake the conversation off.
We both continued to sip our drinks as we got carried away with our thoughts.
Mutimucyeye is the name I’ve given her. I adore her heart; her soul stands out as elegantly as her fierceness to confront life. She is a safe space and always radiates good energy. Something tells me I had to meet her, even in a crowded room, I’m certain I would find her. We are souls who were meant to collide.
This is a testament to the power of friendship and the beautiful bond between two women who found each other unexpectedly. A celebration of a simple life pleasure that is often overlooked, wonderful sisterhood.
We will always have each other…
The writer identifies as an authentic storyteller, music lover and finance enthusiast. Join her on her journey, one story at a time.
