He suggested I buy a 10KVΑ generator.
Not hire one. Buy. He spoke like it was a simple choice, like he was asking for a smaller fridge.
I hesitated, because 10KVΑ is not small money.
But he reminded me of all I had done already. He reminded me of “family name.” He reminded me that thanksgiving should not look cheap.
I made the payment.
I arranged delivery by truck. I told the dealer to send it straight to the village compound, and I felt proud like I was securing comfort for an old woman.
Emeka offered to travel early to supervise.
He said I should stay behind and manage the pharmacy so we wouldn’t lose money, because closing shop means losing customers.
He kissed my forehead and said, “You are the best thing that ever happened to me.”
I held that sentence close like a charm, because I wanted to believe it was still true.
Αfter he left, the house felt quieter than usual.
The children asked where Daddy went. I told them he went to help Grandma. They smiled, and that smile made me feel even more committed.
But the calls started changing.
Emeka stopped calling at night. When I called him, his phone would ring and ring until it switched off, then he would text, “Network is bad.”
Mama also stopped calling.
When I asked to speak to her, Emeka would say she was sleeping. When I asked for pictures, he said she was too weak.
One evening, I heard music in the background of his voice note.
Not church music. Loud, clean sound, like a DJ testing speakers. When I asked, he replied quickly, “It’s the neighbor.”
I ignored it.
Leave a Comment