Mey
by Helen BrightNobody in the village market ever believed anything good could come out of Julia’s life.She was the girl born with a weak leg, the girl who moved about with heavy wooden crutches that left bruises under her arms.From birth, they had she was termed cursed so Julia grew up knowing rejection like a shadow that never left her side.But rejection did not feed the stomach, and tears never cooked food. So every morning, even before the cock crowed, Julia rose from the small mud house she shared with her ageing mother. She would balance a large tray of bananas on her head, hold her crutches firmly under her arms, and begin the slow painful journey to the market.That Thursday morning, the sun had barely touched the sky, but the village market was already alive. Women’s voices rang out, shouting prices. The rattling of wheelbarrows mixed with the bleating of goats and the stinging smell of fresh pepper. The ground was dusty, the air heavy, but the energy of trading was thick everywhere. Julia stood at her usual corner, leaning slightly on one crutch while balancing the tray. Her lips carried a forced smile as she called softly, “Bananas, sweet bananas, come and buy.” But instead of buyers, the first response was mockery. Two young girls selling oranges giggled, pointing at her leg. “Look at her dragging herself like a snail. Who will even marry this one?” Another woman, bigger and prouder, hissed loud enough for everyone to hear. “Crippled girl, leave this market for people that are strong. Go to the junction and beg, that is where you belong.” Laughter followed, loud and cruel. Julia’s eyes stung, but she swallowed hard. She had heard such words all her life. Her father had walked away when she was still a baby, ashamed of her condition. Growing up, every mockery had cut her heart like a blade. But she had learned one thing — if she let tears break her, hunger would finish her and her mother. So she straightened her tray and called again, her voice firmer this time. “Bananas, sweet bananas. Come and buy.” It was then that a strange man passed by. He looked ordinary at first glance — tall, wearing a simple shirt and a cap. Yet there was something different about him. His skin was clean, his shoes polished, his gaze sharp, steady. He did not walk like a farmer or a trader. He walked slowly, like someone who was studying the world, taking in everything around him. And when his eyes rested on Julia, they lingered longer than they should. Julia noticed, but ignored him. She was used to stares. Moments later, a small boy ran to her with coins in his hand. “Aunty, one man sent me. He said I should buy bananas, but only from you.” Julia blinked in surprise. Still, she sold to the boy, carefully counting the change. She looked up once and saw the man from before, watching quietly from a distance. His face carried something unusual — not mockery, not disgust, but a strange mixture of pity and interest. Julia quickly looked away. She shook her head. People like that, rich people with clean shoes, sometimes played with the feelings of the poor. She refused to think much of it. The morning dragged on. Customers came in bits. Some bargained too harshly. Some mocked her under their breath. Some refused to buy. The sun climbed higher, burning the ground, and sweat rolled down Julia’s back. Her arms ached from pressing hard on the crutches, her leg throbbed painfully, but she forced a smile for every customer that stopped. Then, trouble came. Julia was about to sell bananas to an elderly woman when a reckless teenage boy, carrying a truck of tomatoes, ran past and bumped into her and the old lady. The tray of bananas slipped and scattered across the dirty ground. But instead of sympathy, the market exploded with laughter. “Ha! Cripple cannot even hold a common tray.”
“Better go home, the market is not for people like you and that old woman. Stop causing trouble.” Julia froze, tears burning her eyes but rather, she helped the old lady who had fallen to stand and unhurt, then she lowered herself to the ground, her hands trembling as she began picking the dirty bananas. Her heart pounded, shame washing over her in waves. Her mother’s words echoed faintly in her mind: “Never give them the joy of seeing you defeated. Rise, my daughter, rise.” She whispered to herself, voice breaking, “I will rise again. I will rise.” As she struggled, a shadow fell beside her. A hand reached down. It was the same tall stranger. He bent without hesitation, gathering bananas with his clean hands, ignoring the dust staining his shirt. The laughter of the market grew softer, confusion spreading. Who was this man helping the crippled girl?. “Leave her alone, she is used to this,” one woman shouted. But he ignored them, picking the bananas carefully, one by one, until the tray was filled again. When he finally looked at Julia, his voice was low, steady, and kind. “Stand strong. The world may laugh at you today, but tomorrow it will bow before you.” Julia’s lips parted, but words refused to come. She only nodded, gripping her crutches tightly. “Keep selling your bananas. Do not give up.” Then he turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd. It was then that Julia noticed an envelope on the floor. She picked it up and hurried towards the direction the stranger had gone but she couldn't find him. There was nothing written on it except for something that was perhaps an address “This must be his? Where did he go?”. She quickly folded it back and hid it under her tray, her heart racing wildly. Who was that man? Far from the market, at the edge of the village, the same man removed his cap and walked towards a black jeep parked discreetly by a bush path. “Welcome, Sir Mason,” the driver greeted. Yes, Mason. Mason Okafor. A billionaire. Owner of estates, oil blocks, and businesses all over the country. One of the youngest, richest men in the country. But here he was, dressed like an ordinary traveler, blending into his home town after staying away for a long time. The driver frowned. “Sir, why did you go to the market alone? It is not safe.you’re a prince”.Mason smiled faintly. “Sometimes you must see life with your own eyes, not always through tinted glass.” He leaned back in his seat, his thoughts heavy. He saw again Julia’s trembling hands, the determination in her tear-filled eyes. He had met countless women — women of beauty, of wealth, of power. Yet none had carried that quiet strength. None had looked so broken and yet so unbending. Later that night, in his mansion far away, Mason poured himself a drink. The sound of Julia’s voice calling “Bananas, sweet bananas, come and buy” echoed in his memory. He tried to brush it aside, but it clung to him. Her pain had stirred something in him. Something he thought he had buried long ago. “Maybe… just maybe… this crippled banana seller is the answer I never expected.” Meanwhile, in a small mud house at the edge of the village, Julia sat by a dim lantern with her mother. She carefully showed the folded envelope to her. “Mama, look at what he left behind,” she whispered. Her mother gasped. Her wrinkled hands shook as she touched the paper. “My daughter… this is more money than we have seen in our lifetime. Who gave you this?”.Julia explained everything, every detail of the encounter. Her mother's’s eyes filled with tears. She looked at her daughter and said softly, “Maybe your destiny has started, my child. Maybe the world that mocked you will one day celebrate you.” But Julia laughed bitterly. “Mama, do not deceive yourself. I know my life. I was born crippled. I will die crippled. Nothing good can come from me besides this money is not mine. The owner must be looking for it.” She turned back to the small pot of yam boiling on the fire. Her mother sighed deeply, shaking her head. “Do not speak such words. When God wants to lift a person, He does not ask the crowd for permission.” Julia sighed softly. She didn't know if there was still much faith left in God to hold on to. “First thing tomorrow morning I'll go to the palace as that is the only writing on the letter. I'm sure he works there or has a connection with the palace”. Mama Julia's eyes widened . “My daughter, what if.., what if the man you met is the prince. I heard he's back already and will be officially welcomed tomorrow”. Julia chuckled, almost choking on her own saliva. “You must be seriously joking mama. What would a prince be doing in the market of all places, much more buying bananas from a person like me?”. She asked . Mama Julia thought of it too. It was ridiculous but also not impossible especially when God and destiny was involved.Before sunset the next day, Julia had left the house, she had wrapped her tray of bananas carefully, balancing it with her crutches. Every step was a reminder of the life she had always endured—the whispers, the pointing fingers, the laughter at her limp. And yet, today was different. Today, she would leave the village behind, at least for a moment, and face a world she had never imagined. When she arrived at the palace gates, Julia’s breath caught in her throat. Golden pillars glimmered under the morning sun, and guards stood tall and still, their uniforms immaculate. Julia’s hands shook. She had never seen such grandeur. She felt painfully out of place, a small girl from the dusty village standing in a world of wealth and power. “Well,well, look, it's the cripple Julia. Did you come to welcome the prince with your crutches too?”. A sudden female voice came behind Julia. Julia turned to the familiar voice. It was Rebecca the village bully, daughter of one of the richest chiefs in the village. Julia remained silent, choosing not to share the same space with her and her friends. “Are you not going to talk? Who let you in in the first place, get out before you plague this place”. Rebecca said . Julia smiled softly . “As far as I know this place is accessible to everyone in this village, Rebecca. If you don't want to see me you might as well cover your eyes”. Rebecca's face reddened. “How dare you incomplete cursed human talk to me in that manner. she shoved Julia hard and she stumbled losing her balance, luckily a pair of firm arms caught her. “Must you treat her this way because she's vulnerable?”. MASON asked angrily facing Rebecca. “But my..” Rebecca tried to explain. “Get out!”. He barked interrupt her. Julia bowed slightly casting a full glare at Julia. The entire village who had come to welcome the prince was watching and she felt highly embarrassed and bitter. “Julia, I'm glad you came”. Mason said his voice warm. Julia's brows furrowed. “You were expecting me?”. Mason modded his head affirmatively. Julia lowered her eyes, her pride warring with her fear. “I… I didn’t know I could…” she stammered. Mason smiled, stepping closer. “You don’t need to know. I just wanted to see you.”
“Me too. You dropped this at the market so I thought of bringing it to you”. Julia replied, handing him the envelope which mason took with a smile. “I'd like to take my leave now. I don't want any more trouble”. She turned to leave but he held her arm stopping her. And then, without warning, mason knelt, pulling out a ring. Rebecca and the others gasped, unable to believe what was happening. “Julia,” he said softly but firmly, “I have watched you. I have seen your courage, your heart. Will you marry me?” Julia froze. Her heart raced, and tears blurred her vision. She had spent her life believing she was invisible, defined only by her disability, mocked for every effort she made. And now, a prince—Mason Okafor, powerful and wealthy—was offering her a life she could never have imagined. “No… I… I can’t,” she whispered, shaking her head violently. “I… I am just a banana seller, a crippled girl. I don't even know you. You… you cannot want me. You… you are just… just pitying me!”. Mason’s eyes softened, but he remained kneeling. “Julia… I don’t pity you. I see you. That is why I chose you. I've only known you for barely 24 hours but I've seen the real you. I saw how you helped the old lady first without thinking about yourself”. But Julia’s fear overpowered her. ‘I’m sorry, you don't go about proposing marriage to any one you see, most certainly not a girl like me” She gribbed her crutches tightly and bolted. Tears streamed down her face as she fled from the palace. Even as she rushed up, tears refused to stop. Julia collapsed onto her bed, exhausted and overwhelmed. For the first time in her life, she realized that life could offer more than struggle, that someone could see her for her courage and heart, not her disability.But the thought of accepting it… the thought of allowing someone like Mason into her life… filled her with terror. Could she truly allow herself to be loved, not pitied, and not mocked? Could she believe that she was worthy?. The sun set over the village, painting the dusty paths in gold and shadows. And Julia, the banana seller who had always been mocked and overlooked, cried quietly, wrestling with a future she had never imagined, a future that was being offered to her by a prince who saw her, truly saw her, in a way the world never had. Her journey had taken a new turn, but Julia knew this—accepting love, accepting change, and accepting herself would be the hardest journey of all. Julia stayed indoors for several days after the palace incident, avoiding the market and every public place Her mom watched silently, worried for her daughter, knowing that pride and fear were often stronger than hope. Each morning she would gently urge Julia to at least look beyond her walls, to open her heart to possibilities she had never dared imagine, reminding her that Mason’s intentions could be genuine, that some people truly see worth where others only see weakness. Julia wanted to believe, yet fear clung to her like a shadow, whispering that she was nothing, that her disability defined her, that a prince could never love her. On the fourth morning, a small bundle was left at her doorstep: fresh flowers, perfectly arranged, with a handwritten note that simply said, “For the bravest girl I know – M.” Julia stared at the gift, her hands trembling, unsure whether to feel anger, embarrassment, or curiosity. Mama Julia smiled gently. “See, my child, he does not give up. Perhaps his words are true.” Julia shook her head. “Mama, it’s just pity,” she whispered. “He feels sorry for me… that’s all besides I barely know him. This must be one of the village pranks again to put me in the spotlight of mockery.” However she could not ignore the sincerity in the note, the careful way the flowers were arranged, the thoughtfulness that no simple act of pity could inspire. By the next few days, Julia prepared herself to finally step out but when she opened the door, Mason was standing there waiting for her. “Your highness?, what are you doing here?” . “I'm I not allowed to visit a friend of mine?” Mason asked. “I'm sorry to say but I don't think we are that close to be called friends “ Julia sternly replied with a frown. “Julia, how rude of you. Please offer our guest a seat first”. Her mother reprimanded . Julia motioned to the small bench under the mango tree. “I came here to apologize for my sudden proposal. It wasn't my intention to make you uncomfortable but I'm here now to let you know about my feelings and if it's alright with you, I'll like to know you”. “Thank you but I'm not interested “. Julia responded. Mason smiled gently. “ I understand and I'm not rushing you into accepting me but I won't let you reject my friendship either”. He stated. “See, I told you he's different from the people who usually mock you. Please give him a chance to befriend you atleast”. Mama Julia said minutes after Mason left. But Julia was adamant . “Mama you know that's not how life works with us..with someone like me. In my world a prince can't just show up claiming to be in love with me”. “Why? Because you think you don't deserve him?” Her mom asked. Julia chuckled sadly. That was not even a question to ask. Besides the speed with which Mason claims to have fallen in love with her just at first glance made his intentions even more doubtful. However the following days.Mason’s acts of kindness became impossible to ignore. He visited the village quietly, helping the elderly repair their homes, purchasing goods from struggling vendors, and arranging for supplies for the children to attend school. He treated everyone with respect, and most importantly, he treated Julia with patience and dignity, never drawing attention to her disability, never flaunting his wealth, never making her feel small. He repaired her banana stall when a sudden rainstorm damaged it, helping her lift the heavy trays and showing her how to secure the stall better. When village children tried to tease her, he would step in calmly, guiding them away with a gentle but firm voice. Each time he helped, he never looked at her with pity, only with warmth and admiration, and slowly, Julia began to notice the difference. One afternoon, while she arranged bananas under the scorching sun, a young boy tripped, spilling a basket of yams directly in front of her. She stumbled, nearly falling over her crutches, but before she could regain her balance, Mason appeared. With strong, careful hands, he lifted the basket and placed the yams neatly beside her. “You don’t have to do everything alone,” he said softly. “Even the bravest need help sometimes.” Julia’s cheeks burned, and she quickly looked away, pretending to be absorbed in her work, but the warmth of his words lingered, stirring feelings she could not yet name. Weeks passed, and Mason’s presence became a comforting constant. He visited the village regularly, assisting with school projects, repairing roofs, and distributing clean water. He always found small ways to make Julia’s life easier without being intrusive—leaving baskets of fresh fruit, helping carry supplies, or simply offering a kind word. Every act demonstrated that his interest in her was genuine, built on admiration, respect, and care, not pity. Slowly, her heart began to soften. She started to notice how he laughed with the villagers, how his eyes lit up when he spoke with her mother, and how he never overlooked her opinions, no matter how small the matter. One evening, as Julia closed her stall, Mason appeared with a basket of ripe mangoes. “I thought you might like these,” he said, smiling. Julia hesitated. “You… you remembered?” she asked, surprised. “Of course,” he replied. “I notice things about you. The small details matter.” Her heart raced, but she turned away quickly, ashamed at the strange flutter in her chest. She wanted to run, to hide, yet she also felt a comfort in his unwavering attention, his gentle care, and his respect for her pride. Meanwhile it wasn't only the villagers who had noticed Prince Mason's closeness to Julia. Rebecca herself had seen them in close contact, discussing lively with each other and she was bitter. She thought the Mason's proposal was just a prank, something to make Julia once more a laughing stock but now she was completely wrong. Her father and the late king had promised her that she would be Mason's bride once he returned to the village but that was not happening all because of Julia. "What does he even see in that cripple girl? I mean I'm beautiful, I have a good figure and above all I'm a complete girl. Well, I'll rather die than watch that cripple girl end up with the prince and make me a mockery in this village. I can't lose to her". She vowed angrily. One evening Rebecca and her friends hid by the bush beside the stream waiting for Julia. The moment they spotted Julia coming to fetch water, Rebecca came out of the bush. "So you think I will sit by and allow you to take Prince Mason away from me?". Julia, startled, turned to face her. "Why not? Is prince Mason your property?. Whoever he chooses is none of your business". "It looks like the cripple girl has been dreaming ". One of Rebecca's friends mocked earning laugher from the rest of them. Rebecca smirked evilly. "Well then darling, I'm sorry to cut your dream short because I'm reality it's not going to happen ". She pushed Julia and she fell into the water before she and her group ran away. Unbeknownst to them, a little boy had seen all what happened. Julia struggled, feeling the water suffocating her. She tried so hard to fight but to no available. MASON had arrived at Julia's house and was. Chatting with her mom when the little boy came running with his friends. "Mama Julia!, mama Julia!, your daughter is dying in the stream". "What? Children, what are you saying?". Mama Julia quickly rose, her eyes wide. Before she could turn to look at where Mason was seated, she only saw his car speeding away. "Julia!". Mason screamed, pulling her out of the water. She had already lost consciousness. Mason began giving her CPR . "Don't die on me please". Julia's eyes opened as she gasped catching her breath."Mason, thank you for saving me". She whispered. Mason only smiled though the worry was still on his face and voice. He took her home and insisted on taking care. Mason personally made sure Rebecca and her friends were arrested for attempted murder by the police. Three days later, Julia fully recovered after bed rest. Mason never missed a single day without coming to her. By the third day, Mason arrived at her house early, calm, his expression serious but kind. “Julia,” he said, “I want to take you somewhere.” “Somewhere?” she asked, unsure. “I… I don’t know if—” he cut in gently. “Trust me. I want you to see something for yourself.” Reluctantly, curiosity and a cautious hope guiding her steps, she agreed. They traveled together to a nearby clinic in the city, a modest but well-equipped facility, where a doctor examined her thoroughly. Mason stayed close, attentive, supportive, never making her feel weak or inadequate. After a detailed assessment, the doctor smiled warmly. “With proper treatment and rehabilitation, Julia, there is a strong possibility you could walk normally.” Julia’s eyes widened. “W-walk?” she stammered. Mason took her hands in his. “Yes, Julia. I do not love you because of pity. I love you because of your strength, your courage, your heart. You are not defined by your disability, and you never were. I want to help you, not out of sympathy, but because I believe in you and I'm going to be sincere. What happened at the stream scared me to death. If those kids were there, I could have lost you already. So please, let the doctors do their job to help you”. Tears filled her eyes. For the first time, she felt the truth of his words in her chest. The consistent acts of kindness, the patient attention, and the genuine admiration were real. She looked at him, at the unwavering gaze, the steady hands, the warmth of someone who had never doubted her worth, and the wall around her heart crumbled. “Mason… I… I never believed someone could love me like this. I… I thought—” he gently cupped her face. “Shh… it’s okay. You don’t have to say anything yet. Just believe in this… in us.” Then, kneeling before her in the quiet room, he offered the ring once more. “Julia, will you marry me? Will you let me help you, not because I pity you, but because I love you with all my heart?”. “But what about your family?, you're a prince and I'm sure the village wouldn't want me for you?”. Julia asked. Mason smiled. “ I already made my decision. If they won't accept you, then I have nothing to do with them” he stated firmly. Julia’s hands trembled as she took the ring, her heart overflowing. She looked at him, at the hope and love in his eyes, and whispered, “Yes… yes, Mason. I love you wholeheartedly.”. Word spread quickly through the village. Those who had once mocked her felt a deep shame for their cruelty, while others looked on with admiration and joy. Her mother wept openly, embracing Julia tightly, pride and relief mingling in her tears. The girls and other villagers who heard the news became silently pale with guilt. From that day forward, Julia and Mason were inseparable. They worked together to prepare for her treatment, for the possibility of walking, and for a life full of love, dignity, and hope. The whispers of pity faded, replaced by admiration for her courage and Mason’s unwavering devotion. Julia walked with her head held high, her heart full, and the knowledge that she was loved for exactly who she was. The journey had been long, filled with doubt, fear, and ridicule, but Julia had emerged stronger, braver, and ready for a future she had never imagined. With Mason by her side, she knew no challenge could diminish her heart again. The village, once full of mockery, now celebrated courage and love, and together, Julia and Mason prepared to leave their home behind—not as a prince and a banana seller, but as two people whose hearts had found each other through patience, respect, and unwavering love. And as the sun set over the village, painting the dusty paths in gold and shadow, Julia felt a peace she had never known. She had been chosen not for pity, not for charity, but for who she truly was. And in that truth, she found the strength to walk into her future, with Mason, hand in hand, ready for everything life would bring. The end. This story teaches us that your weakness does not define your destiny and true kindness sees beyond appearance .Dear family, what lessons did you take from this story?. we'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Don't forget to tell us where you are watching from. If you enjoyed this story, please hype this video, give us a thumbs up, share it with friends and hit that subscribe button. Turn on notifications so you never miss out on our latest updates. This is Lenie again. Thanks for watching and stay blessed.
