My good intentions turn against me (#255).

In the heart of Kono District, where diamonds sparkle beneath the red earth, I learned a lesson that still stings me today.

It started with a simple act of kindness.

My friend Musa was always quiet, the kind of boy who would rather watch the birds than play football.

One day at school, I saw him hiding behind the water tank, his uniform torn and his eyes red.

I asked what happened, and he whispered that his father had beaten him again—for something as small as spilling water on the floor.

I couldn’t let it go, that night, I told my mother everything.

She told me to stay out of other family matters, but I couldn’t sleep thinking about Musa’s pain.

So the next day, I went to our headmaster, Mr. Kamara, and told him everything.

At first, he nodded with concern.

He even called Musa into the office.

I thought I had done something good.

But that evening, Musa’s uncle came to our compound.

He shouted at my mother and said I was spreading lies.

Said I was trying to disgrace their family.

The next day at school, Musa wouldn’t talk to me.

The other boys started whispering when I passed.

"Pikin snitch." "Na him make Musa get beat again."

Even the teachers avoided my eyes.

A week later, Musa stopped coming to school.

I still don’t know where he went.

All I wanted was to help.

But instead, I lost a friend.

And maybe made things worse.

In Kono, they say, “Even a mango with sweet skin can have a bitter seed.”

Now I understand what that means.

Thank you for reading.

Happy weekend.

Stay positive.