14/12/2025
**ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS**
*Short story written by: James Skappa Ibrahim*
**MORNING HOURS**
On Friday, I had a moment alone with my wife Jane, whom we married a few months ago.
**Peter:** "My wife, I love you so much. Your presence in my life has changed everything. Have a wonderful day; I'm heading to work."
**Jane:** "I love you too, my husband Peter. I care for you deeply. Have a good day at work." (She smiles while adjusting her t-shirt and gives him a kiss.)
Peter left the house, joy on his face, praying, "God, give me strength and guide me at work to wash more buses. Amen!"
**JANE ON THE PHONE**
**Jane:** "Yes! my husband is out. Hurry come home; we need to discuss things. I told you I don’t love Peter my husband. Even though it’s hard, especially since I’m carrying his child, and this marriage was forced on me by my friends."
**Mumba:** "I’m already on my way. But I didn’t buy any condoms; what should we do?"
**Jane:** "Just come! You’ll find me in the bedroom; the door is open." (Ends the call.)
**5 MINUTES LATER**
**Peter:** "Oh! Sorry, hun, I didn't knock considering I'm the owner of the house. My bad! Oh, you have a guest. I’m sorry to interrupt." (He smiles, calm despite his surprise, as he forgets the notebook he usually uses for work.)
**Jane and Mumba:** (Startled but trying to act natural while lying on the bed where Jane sleeps with her husband, showing they’re involved in something secretive.)
**Peter:** "Okay, I’ll take my notebook and see you later." (He smiles and leaves.)
**PETER KNOCKS OFF**
**Peter:** "Hun! I’m home! Where are you, my queen?"
**Jane:** "I’m in the kitchen, hun." (Looking scared and shaking.)
**Peter:** "What are you cooking, my angel? I bought you chocolate and mango, you asked for (He smiles.)
**Jane:** "Thank you so much, my husband!" (Her words are few because she’s scared.)
**Peter:** "How's my little one today? Hey, daddy is waiting for you." (He kisses Jane’s belly.) "I’m starving; give me some water, and I’ll wash up. God has blessed me today."
**Jane:** "Okay, my husband, I’ll get the water ready, then the food will be ready when you return." (Still looking afraid.)
**JANE SPEAKING TO HERSELF WHILE PETER IS BATHING OUTSIDE**
**Jane:** "Why is my husband acting like nothing’s wrong? I’m scared; what will he say when he comes out of the bath? God, help me."
**Peter:** "I’m out, my queen! Where’s my food? I’m so hungry!"
**Jane:** "It’s ready; eat up!" (Her heart races.)
**Peter:** "Wow! You cooked my favorite dish. This is one reason I married you. Let’s eat together; come sit by me." (He smiles.)
**AFTER 10 MINUTES**
**Peter:** "Thank you so much, my wife. I’m full; let’s now go to bed."
After getting to their room, Peter and Jane had a wonderful time together, not speaking about the issues at hand, until it was time to sleep. They fell asleep together after S**.
**MORNING HOURS**
**Peter:** "Thank you, my wife. I’m off to work now. I can’t wait to hold my child in my arms soon. I love you both. Bye!"
**LATER**
Jane looks scared, worried, and confused, with many unanswered questions swirling in her mind.
*To be continued...*
