Amina's mother returns to the kitchen a few minutes later, helping her pack the food into hot-pots. One is quickly taken to Grandma, who is already asleep, and Amina hurries back to find her mother has taken the rest of the meal to the living room.
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEekgeeqIy5
"Amina, come," her mother says, gesturing to the kitchen. "We'll eat here while the men talk."
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZwXBtPwu8
But Papa Chukwuma interrupts, his voice firm. "No, Nkechi. This is not the 1950s. Amina will eat with us. She's part of this family, and she should be part of this discussion."
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpLMdPZDJX
Amina wishes her father had considered this progressive mindset before arranging a marriage for her without her knowledge, but she says nothing. She sits at the table, her posture stiff, her movements deliberate. Normally, she eats quickly, but tonight she eats slowly, like a Victorian princess, her eyes downcast and her mind racing.
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTVxye4z8P
After the meal, Amina clears the table and brings water for her father and Ifeanyi to wash their hands. She then retreats to the kitchen with her mother to wash the dishes. As they work, Mama Nkechi is constantly called back and forth to the living room, where she eavesdrops on the men's conversation.
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oT9Y4ombZ
According to their talk, Ifeanyi already likes Amina. He's presented her father with a small briefcase and a bag containing a swollen envelope, a few yams, dried fish, and expensive spices imported from Indonesia and Singapore—luxuries that can't be grown locally. The briefcase contains a laptop and a smartphone, gifts that clearly impress her father.
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbU3tBXYhVp
"He's a generous man," Mama Nkechi whispers to Amina as she returns to the kitchen. "This is a good match."
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiZoSkb5AJ
Amina says nothing, her hands trembling as she scrubs the dishes.
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLxOtuRnAT
***
After finishing the dishes, Amina tries to slip past the living room unnoticed, but her father calls her back.
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5a1Ipnle8
"Amina," he says, his tone commanding. "Take Ifeanyi to the bedroom at the edge of the compound. He's tired from the journey and needs to rest."
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtG0hVJCHc
Amina hesitates, her heart pounding. "Me, Papa?"
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWS29ASItP
"Yes, you," her father replies, his expression stern. "It's just a short walk. Take the lamp."
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSx6sBkAy0V
Ifeanyi stands, his tall frame towering over her. He smiles, his confidence unnerving. "Lead the way," he says, his voice smooth and commanding.
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1VdRweE57
Amina picks up the kerosene lamp, its flickering light casting long shadows on the walls. She steps outside, Ifeanyi following close behind. The night is cloudy, the air heavy with the promise of rain.
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzWRCqCePz
They walk in silence, the lamp illuminating the narrow path through the fields. The compound is quiet, the only sound the rustle of leaves in the breeze. As they pass Grandma's hut, Amina notices a light shining through the window—Grandma is still awake.
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUP6Te9gqq
The sight gives her a small measure of comfort, though she can't shake the feeling that something is watching her. The shadows seem to move on their own, the darkness pressing in from all sides.
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZmsGtypkr
Ifeanyi breaks the silence, his voice low and smooth. "You've grown since high school, Amina. You were always quiet, but I noticed you."
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ00x62RYH8
Amina's grip tightens on the lamp. "I didn't think you'd remember me."
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjbmV4OMfx
"How could I forget?" he says, his tone teasing. "You were the girl who always had her nose in a book. I admired that about you."
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHuVJRtDhx
Amina doesn't respond, her mind racing. She quickens her pace, eager to reach the bedroom and end this uncomfortable conversation.
ns216.73.216.206da2
然後按「加至主畫面」