A Beachside Conversation: Amara Nnaji’s Story of Self-Care and Friendship

In this BellaNaija Prose piece, Amara Nnaji shares a candid beachside conversation between two friends, Eiss Hanty and Lantana. The exchange unfolds on the sand, where Eiss Hanty sits playing with shingles and pebbles, and Lantana questions why she is there instead of attending her alternative therapy session.

A Missed Appointment and a Change of Plans

Eiss Hanty explains that she had booked a session with her therapist, Iwona, but was running late. She sent a message to Iwona, who replied that she had another customer. Lantana is incredulous, asking how Eiss Hanty could lose her slot. Eiss Hanty clarifies that she was 26 minutes late after missing the 3:15 bus, walking 15 minutes to the next stop, waiting 10 minutes for a delayed bus, and then finding the following bus stop closed. She chose not to take a cab, saying she did not foresee how the journey would unfold.

Reframing the Loss

Lantana worries that Eiss Hanty is punishing herself, but Eiss Hanty reframes the situation: instead of missing her wellbeing session, she says the therapist missed out on the £50 fee. She considers booking with a Polish woman in her neighbourhood or trying an Egyptian acupuncturist she has not seen in a long time. Lantana points out that the Polish woman charges £50 for 30 minutes, while Iwona charges the same amount for an hour. Eiss Hanty attributes the difference to overheads: one works from home, the other pays rates and rent. Their banter touches on geographical distinctions, with Lantana joking about failing Geography at WAEC.

Cold Water Therapy and Memories of Naija Spas

Eiss Hanty wades into the sea, explaining that she came for cold water therapy, a practice she learned from the Polish woman. Lantana, who has aquaphobia, stays on the bank and questions the logic of cold water therapy in cold and windy weather. Eiss Hanty says the cold water shock is good for the system. The conversation drifts to spa experiences in Nigeria, where a full session includes sauna, steam, exfoliation, bathing before the massage, and sometimes a pedicure—all for less than the £60 charged for a massage alone in their current location. Lantana laments missing those Naija spa sessions, and Eiss Hanty agrees that comparisons would spoil the present experience.

Friendship, Space, and Moving On

Throughout the exchange, Lantana teases Eiss Hanty about needing space and being alone, while Eiss Hanty insists she is her own best company. Lantana’s concern is evident, even as she jokes about Eiss Hanty’s love of water and her choice to endure cold water therapy. The conversation ends with Eiss Hanty putting on her crocs and walking away, telling Lantana she will see her at home. The piece captures a moment of friendship, self-care, and the small disappointments that come with missed appointments.