My best friend Chidi vanished with our catering money and I had to lie to my mother

Last year during dry season, my best friend Chidi and I decided to start a small catering side hustle. We pooled our savings together, about ₦350,000 total. I put in ₦200,000 from my content work, she put in ₦150,000 from her salary. We got a big booking for a church event, 200 people. The client paid us in cash on the day, ₦500,000.

Chidi said she would take the money to the bank first thing Monday. That Monday, she didn't pick my calls. Tuesday, her phone was off. Wednesday, I went to her apartment in Ajah and the landlady said she packed and left on Sunday night. Just like that. ₦500,000 gone. My ₦200,000 savings gone. My mother asked me where my money went and I told her I bought equipment for a job that fell through. I couldn't tell her my best friend ran away with everything.

Three months later, Chidi sent me a voice note. She said she was sorry, that her brother was sick and she needed the money urgently. She said she would pay me back in installments. That was eight months ago. I have received exactly ₦25,000 so far. I still pray for her but I learned something that cost me ₦200,000 to learn: never mix your savings with anyone's dreams. No matter how close.