Ayogu Oluchi Eze Page

28/10/2025

Episode 2

A few weeks later, in the morning, Mama Ifeoma was in the kitchen dishing out some jollof rice and meat into five different plates. Amongst the five plates of food, one was visibly small with tiny meat.

Soon after, she called her daughter, Amara, to come and carry them to their owners.

Later, Amara took the one with tiny meat and headed towards Ifeoma's hut.

When she was out of sight of her mother, she took the tiny meat and ate quickly and wiped her mouth. After that, she continued moving.

Before she could get to Ifeoma's hut, she heard a gagging sound followed by a wet splashing sound. She looked towards the direction of the sound and found Ifeoma throwing up intensely.

She was surprised but didn't make a sound.

She carried the food into the hut to keep it in its place, but discovered she didn't eat the last one she brought the previous night.

Just then, she remembered she hadn't seen some plates she used to serve her the other day.

She wondered what had happened to the plates.
"Maybe she hadn't been eating for days and didn't want anyone to know," she thought.

"I think Mama needs to know about this. Mama's food makes her throw up or what?"

After that, she kept the plate of food at its usual place and gently walked out without telling Ifeoma about the food.

She went back to her mother who was still in the kitchen.

"Mama, do you know that Ifeoma has not been eating her food?

"What do you mean?"

"I found the one I dropped last night in her hut still looking untouched. She was even v0miting. Maybe the food..."

"Where is she?" She asked, surprisedly, after hearing Amara's last statement.

"She is outside her hut."

Mama Ifeoma left what she was doing and rushed to Ifeoma's hut. Amara followed her.

On getting there, they found Ifeoma inside her hut looking weak and exhausted.

"Ifeoma!!" Her mother called.

Ifeoma was startled at the sudden sound of her name.

"What is wrong with you?!" She asked suspiciously.

"I don't know, I have not been feeling too well for days now."

"You are not feeling too well and you cannot talk! You are looking for who to stress in this house, okwa ya?"

Ifeoma wanted to speak but gagged again and quickly rushed towards the other direction outside and began to throw up again.

Her mother paused and watched her from where she stood.

When Ifeoma was done and was gradually walking back to her hut, her mother quickly went to meet her.

"Ifeoma!!?"

"Ma a," she answered.

"When last did you see your m£nses?"

Ifeoma paused and was calculating.

"Didn't you hear me!?"

Ifeoma became confused.

"Ummh, eem.. It's about 9 market days ago," she answered.

Her mother panicked and dragged her to one bright corner outside and opened her eyes with her hands and examined her eyes.

"Chim oooo. This girl has finished me!" She exclaimed at her discovery.

Ifeoma became scared.

"Mama, what happened?" Amara asked.

"She's pregnant."

Amara gasped and covered her mouth in shock.

"Mama, what did you say?" Ifeoma asked gently.

"You are màd for asking me that silly question. Who is responsible!?"

"Mama, I don't know what you are talking about," Ifeoma said, looking confused.

Her mother gave her a sound slap on her face out of rage.

"Do you think I'm here for jokes.... So this is who you are. Everyone thinks you are blind and naive, but you are doing the most in our absence... Who got you pregnant?!"

"Mama, I don't know. Am I pregnant?" She asked again, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Kitikpa gbachie gi onu there (curses her)"

She began to weep uncontrollably.

"Mama please, I don't know what you are talking about," she continued amidst tears.

"Who slept with you?!!"

Ifeoma was quiet.

"Oh! You are suddenly quiet, right?... I said Who did it to you?"

"Mama, somebody used to come here and force me. I don't know who the person is."

"Liar!! You know who the person is and you must go and find him or else..."

After that, her mother angrily walked out, and Amara followed her.

Ifeoma sat on the floor and wailed uncontrollably.

TO BE CONTINUED....

Written by AyoguEze Oluchi Backup

22/10/2025

"What was the meaning of that," Ada asked Simi as she got out from her hiding place after Billy left.

Simi was mute but she didn't regret her decision.

"Why did you say no?" Ada continued.

“Can't you see that it was too sudden. I’ve just gotten my daughter back. My heart is still healing. And…”

"I can see that your heart is still with Jeff. Maybe you have plans of going back to him."

"God forbid! I will never go back to him."

"Why then did you say no. Being sudden isn't an excuse because you both have known each other for some time now. That man stood by you when you needed him most! Why did you reject his proposal? That's not fair”

"Gratitude isn’t love, Ada. And pity isn’t commitment.”

"But he's a good man."

"Sis, the truth is, I love him but I don't like his lifestyle."

"What is it with his lifestyle?"

"A lot. You will not understand."

"Ok, you know him better."

Ada went back to the kitchen while Simi remained in the living room.

A couple of days later, Billy visited them as usual, but never spoke about what had happened the other day.

Simi was uncomfortable with his actions and decided to speak up.

"I thought you weren't happy with me."

"No, that you didn't accept my proposal won't change the way I feel about you. I won't force you to marry me if you don't want to."

"Thanks for your understanding."

Billy looked down, the hurt was clear in his eyes, as he had accepted her decision even though he already knew why she said no.

After spending some time with them that day, he left.

About two months later, Simi focused on her work at the school, caring for her daughter and rebuilding her peace day by day.

Billy still comes around to see them when he's free.

At that moment, Simi was beginning to notice some differences in Billy.
At first, she thought it was just guilt but as weeks passed, even her friend noticed that.

Billy no longer came around at odd hours. He no longer smelled of alcohol nor spoke about going out. His discussion was centred on his work and all that concerns it.

One Sunday, Simi saw Billy at church for the first time ever. He wasn't standing outside but sitting quietly in the middle row, listening to the sermon. What baffled Simi was that she had never invited him nor spoken about her church to his hearing.

After that day's service, Simi walked up to him, surprisedly.

“Billy, you came to church?”

“I’ve been coming for a while now. Is this where you worship?”

"Ummh, yeah. Though there's another place we attend regularly due to its proximity to my friend's place."

"Ok."

After that, they went their separate ways.

Simi was beginning to feel the shift in Billy's behaviour and he wasn't speaking about marriage anymore.

He was just present in their lives without pushing for affection.

It was that steady presence that began to heal the parts of Simi's heart that had once been scared to trust again. So, she decided to change the narrative.

So one evening, when Billy came around to see them, she called him aside, and they both went to the verandah.

"Billy… there's something I want us to talk about.”

He was mute but a little nervous.

“When I said no before, it wasn’t because I don't want you. I just didn’t trust that you were ready for it then. I had seen too many promises fall apart.”

“I know. You were right, I wasn’t ready then.”

“But I’ve been watching you, Billy(smiling) The way you’ve been consistently nice and evolving is making a lot of difference."

Billy breathed out heavily.

“If you still mean it… I mean, if you still want me.. and my daughter... then my answer is yes.”

For a second, Billy didn’t move... like he needed to be sure he heard right.

“Yes?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

He smiled warmly, the biggest smile she’d ever seen on his face.

"Thanks so much for accepting me. You will never regret your decision. I love you," he said softly, still smiling.

"I love you too," Simi replied shyly.

They hugged each other warmly.

Later on, Simi's bride price was returned to Jeff's people. After that, Billy and Simi had a peaceful and simple wedding in the presence of their close friends and families.

After the wedding, Billy and Simi with her daughter, moved to a new location to start their new life.
Billy continued with his job, and Simi got a better job through Billy's influence. Shade also resumed school at a better school nearby.

At the same time, Jeff was facing a series of court hearings over both his debt and the neglect case. In the end, he was convicted and ordered to repay the money he owed, along with a heavy fine.

He was held in custody for a while, and with the help of his family, several of his major property, both in the city and in his hometown were sold to raise the required sum. As soon as the payment was completed, he was finally released.

But by then, Jeff had lost almost everything. With no stable source of income and nowhere left to stay, he packed his few belongings and returned to the village — broke, humbled, and alone.

As time went on, Billy proved that the change in his lifestyle wasn't just to win Simi over for marriage, it was for good. Afterwards, they lived happily ever after.

THE END

Thank you for following me through the episodes 🙏😀
I hope you learnt something from this story.

More still to come from yours truly 💕💕💕
I love you all 😘😘😘
Ayogu Oluchi Eze Page

21/10/2025

The journey back to where Simi then stayed was a silent one. It seemed the drama that happened at Jeff's compound was still playing in everyone's head.

Simi held her daughter close to her chest afraid to let her go, all that had happened was still like a dream to her but all the same, the sweetest thing at that moment was that she had her daughter in her arms.

"I will never leave you again, my darling," Simi whispered into her daughter's ear.

Shade nodded shyly.

Billy sat beside them quietly and observed. One of the officers was driving while his colleague sat beside him, both focused on the road.

Soon after, they got to Simi's current destination. She and her child alongside Billy came down from the vehicle.

The officers began to admonish them and after that, they zoomed off.

Billy helped carry the small bag Simi's neighbour had packed for Shade and they all went into Simi's friend's apartment.

Simi's friend and roommate, Ada, was already waiting for their return. So, upon seeing them, she welcomed them warmly.

Inside, Shade wandered around shyly, touching familiar things in admiration as others sat on the couches there.

"Should I bring food for him," Ada said to Simi in a low tone but Billy heard it.

"Don't bring please, I'm okay," He cut in"

"You will like it oo," Simi added.

"Don't worry yourselves please."

“Ok if you insist.... I don’t even know how to thank you, Billy. ( Facing her friend) Sis, please help me thank him oo. He made this whole thing possible."

"Thank you, sir. May God bless you," Ada appreciated while smiling.

"I'm happy the way things turned out. He really met his end," Billy said, looking fulfilled.

'Exactly," Simi added.

Her roommate was quite though anticipating to hear more of the gist soon.

"I’m just glad you called,” Billy continued.

Simi smiled faintly.

Soon after, Billy got up and was set to leave.

"Let me run."

Simi appreciated him again and joined him to see him off.

When they got in front of the compound entrance, they stood there.

"Do you know your way around this area?" Simi asked.

"Very well."

"What about your car?"

"I left it at the agency's office. I will be going there from here."

"OK."

"I will keep in touch, ok."

"Ok, Thanks for everything."

"You are welcome."

After that, Billy left and Simi went back into the apartment.

As the day went by, Simi and Billy continued talking freely as before.

Billy visited whenever he was free, and he would bring toys, groceries, and anything he felt they needed.

He would spend time with them like they were family.

One evening Billy showed up as usual but that time around he appeared nervous. He held a bag containing some fruits inside.

Simi and her daughter were in the living room while Ada was cleaning the kitchen.

He exchanged greetings with them. Even Ada came and greeted him and went back to continue her chore.

He handed the bag to Shade. They appreciated him and Shade took it into the room and remained there.

After some minutes, Billy dipped his hand into his pockets and took out a small box.

He opened it and in it was a beautiful diamond ring. He knelt with one knee before Simi.

Simi was startled and her heart began to race.

Meanwhile, Shade was walking into the living room then but on sighting what was happening, paused and went back to the room looking confused.

Ada saw her and decided to peek to see what she saw.

On seeing what the child saw, she hid behind the curtain and secretly watched them.

“Simi… I know things have been rough for you, but sometimes love shows up in the middle of chaos. I know this may look sudden but I can't help it. I don't want any other man to take you away from me. I want to be part of your life properly. Simi, please marry me?”

Simi froze.

Her friend Ada was excited and almost shouted Yes from where she hid.

After a long pause, Simi spoke softly. “Billy… you’ve been a nice person since I knew you, and I’ll never forget all you did for me. But I can’t say yes, not now.”

Billy was surprised.

Simi stood her ground.

“Why? I thought you loved me..”

"Please I'm sorry to disappoint you. No."

Ada was disappointed from her hiding place.

"Please get up," Simi continued.

Billy was overwhelmed, looking defeated, he got up and sat for a moment.

"Let me be on my way" he said, his voice barely audible.

Simi was quiet.

He got up, took the box back into his pocket and gently walked out.

Simi watched him until he was out of her sight.

TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW UNFAILINGLY

Written by Ayogu Oluchi Eze Page

17/10/2025

"Didn't you hear what I said?! Give me my child now,!!!" Jeff shouted as he went to pull Shade out from her mother but Billy blocked him firmly.

"Mr Jeff, you don't have such a right anymore," Billy stated.

Jeff paused and focused his gaze on him in disgust.
All of a sudden he remembered that face..

"Oh, you! You again? What are you doing with my child.... See me see trouble oo. Who do you think you are to lay claims over my child?"

Billy was calm but determined.

"Before the count of three..! You should...."

"Mr Jeff..," one of the men from the vehicle interrupted him.

Jeff looked towards the direction to see who it was.

"We are officers from the Child Rights Agency. We received a report of child neglect and abandonment and we’re here to verify and take necessary action.”

"Oh... ok.. I didn't abandon her. I only left her under the care of this my neighbour. (Pointing at Simi) It's this woman who abandoned her."

“It’s a lie. I've been the one feeding her for weeks. He doesn’t even ask how she’s doing,” Mummy Bola countered.

Jeff was shocked at the exposition and couldn't oppose her claims but didn't want to give up.

"You people should just give me my child, I'm back and I'm here for her!!"

"You’re required to leave the child with her mother until further investigations are concluded,” the officer continued.

Jeff frowned. “What nonsense investigation? She’s my daughter! This is a family matter and none of you should interfere in it."

“Sir, you have the right to appeal, but right now, our concern is the child’s well-being,” the second officer added.

"I will not let you people take my child!!."

Then all of a sudden, another vehicle screeched to a stop by the compound entrance, distracting some of them and the onlookers. But Jeff feigned aloofness, continuing on his claims.

Three rough-looking men and Ikechukwu stepped out of the vehicle and quickly headed towards where Jeff and others were.

"That’s him!! Jeff!! You think you could run with my money, abi?!” Ikechukwu shouted.

Jeff was shocked when he immediately recognised him, the same man who had been hunting him for weeks.

The rough-looking men quickly surrounded him.

The Child Rights officers turned in surprise.

"Please, what’s going on here?” one of the child officers asked.

“This man is a tiff. He owes our client and has been evading his debts for months. We’ve come to take him.”

Jeff’s eyes darted around, and he realised he was surrounded.

“You people can’t arrest me! I promised to pay him back. Besides these ones came for something else and I'm not done the them yet."

Simi and Billy exchanged glances, it was like fate had arranged the scene.

Jeff had barely finished talking when the police officer from Ikechukwu's side moved in and grabbed his arm, pulling him hard.

"Leave me alone!! (Facing the child right officer) Can you see what they are doing to me?!!"

"Let them handle their case. Ours is for the child’s safety. Mrs Simi, please get the child into the vehicle.”

Simi nodded quickly. Billy guided her as she clutched her daughter who was already crying out of fear.

The situation grew heated as Jeff pushed himself towards Simi to take Shade, but the officers overpowered him, and he was handcuffed immediately.

He was then dragged into the second vehicle.

Simi and her child, alongside Billy, entered the other vehicle.

Soon after, they all drove off.

The people in the compound and some onlookers gathered in small groups, retelling the same story in different versions.

TO BE CONTINUED.....

Written by Ayogu Oluchi Eze Page

16/10/2025

After some minutes of brainstorming, an idea came into Simi's head and that was to involve Billy in getting back her child.

It seemed Billy was the only one who could help her out then. He's the only one who would understand the reason for their separation and also f!ght Jeff if the need be.

After that, she picked up her phone from the bedside table and dialled his number.

He picked up immediately.

"Hi dear," Billy greeted over the phone.

"Good evening Billy."

"Good evening Simi. How are you doing?"

"I'm good."

"I haven't heard from you since the last time I told you about your husband's status."

"Yeah, that's true, and I haven't heard from you either."

He giggled.

"Yeah."

"I was scared of the outcome of what I told you. I suspected you were seeing me as a home wrecker."

"Ah ah, why?"

"Because you didn't get back to me on whether you confirmed what I told you. I was unsure if you were angry or grateful."

"Oh.. I'm sorry. I've been occupied with so many things lately."

"OK, I was even feeling guilty for telling you."

"Ah ah... it hasn't gotten to that naw. OK, I've been on the issue for some time now. That was why I've been occupied."

"So what happened?"

"I confirmed what you told me."

"You see... what are you doing about it?"

"I'm no longer in his house."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes, we have a lot to talk about, maybe later, but for now, I have a pressing need."

"What is it?"

"Jeff had refused to give me my child, he insisted I must come back to his house before I have access to my child."

"Really?"

"Yes, at the moment, he abandoned her with his neighbour, I want you to help me bring her back. I want to take her by all means."

"OK, I'll help you but we shouldn’t go alone. Jeff can be unpredictable, and if we go without legal backing, it might get messy.”

“I don’t care anymore, Billy. She’s my child. I’ll fight for her if I have to.”

“Listen to me. We’ll do this the right way. I’ll make some calls tonight on how to go about it, ok.”

"OK, thank you."

"I'll call you tomorrow to tell you the outcome."

"Ok, good night."

"Good night."

After that Simi ended the call.

A couple of days later, in the afternoon at Jeff's compound, a few persons were in the compound busy with their activities

Then, a black vehicle pulled up by the entrance of that compound. Simi and Billy were in the car with two other men in casual clothes.

In no time, Simi and Billy got down and walked into the compound while the others stayed in the car.

As they walked in, a man who was outside holding a small mirror close to his face and carving his beard with a shaving stick, stole a glance at them with so much disapproval. He didn't speak to them, he pretended not to have seen them and quickly went into his apartment.

Soon after, Simi and Billy got to Mummy Bola's entrance and knocked.

She had called her earlier and informed her that she would come for Shade.

Mummy Bola came out and exchanged greetings jovially with them. And they all went into her living room afterwards.

Shade on sighting her mother, ran up to her and hugged her tightly.

"Mummy!!! You have come to take me?"

"Yes, my darling."

"Thank you. I've missed you so much."

"I missed you too sweetheart."

Billy smiled broadly on seeing the mother and daughter bonding after their separation.

"Mummy Bola, thank you so much for taking good care of her," Simi said.

"You are a good woman, I couldn't do less."

Billy then dipped his hand into his pockets and dolled out some cash.

"This is for you," he said, handing the money to her.

"What?! Oh my God!! Thank you sir... " she appreciated and danced for joy.

"May God bless you and replenish your pockets. Mummy Shade thank you. God bless you," she continued after her dance.

"God bless you too. We want to leave now," Simi said.

"Alright. Shade my baby, we will miss you oo."

Mummy Shade followed them to see them off.

As they got out, Jeff rushed into the compound panting.

Meanwhile, the two men got out of the car and quickly headed to the scene.

The man carving his beard also came out and watched in fulfilment.

"So, it's true!! Where are you taking her to?! Give me my child now!!!" He roared

Shade flinched on seeing him, she quickly went and held her mother tightly. Simi held her too in assurance.

TO BE CONTINUED....

Written by Ayogu Oluchi Eze Page

15/10/2025

One week later, Jeff was still not back to pick up his child from his neighbour's house. The woman was beginning to get uncomfortable with it but she couldn't stop taking care of the innocent child.

She reached out to him over the phone and he lied that he was out of town for a job.

A couple of days later, in the evening, another woman who lives in the same compound as Jeff had gone to buy some items from a nearby market.

When she was coming back, she passed through the path of a local bar and heard some men laughing wildly. It wasn't something new in that environment as she continued moving but something struck her mind, as if telling her to look into the bar.

She obeyed that voice and stole a glance into the bar.She quickly saw a familiar face, she paused and looked again and confirmed it was Jeff.

She then continued moving but slowly and pondering.

"So this man is here enjoying himself while his child is there living like a destitute. Some people are not worthy to be called parents."

After that, she quickened her movements and hurried home.

A few minutes later, she got into their compound and headed to the house of the woman taking care of Shade.

As soon as she got there, she knocked and the woman opened and came out. Shade was in the living room watching television with the woman's children.

The two women exchanged pleasantries jovially as they met outside.

"Ehen! Mummy Bola, what did you say Jeff told you was the reason he hasn't taken his child?"

"He said he was out of town for a job and would be back soon."

"He lied to you! He's within this area and not out for any job."

"How did you know?"

"I saw him at Baba Jide's bar this evening, eating and drinking with some people."

"Are you sure of what you are saying?"

"I'm very sure."

"I think it's time to tell Smi."

"Please do. Don't mind that man."

After that, the woman left for her own apartment.

Mummy Bola then went back into the house.

Soon after, she was in her bedroom with her phone close to her ear. She had just dialled Simi's number.

Simi picked up the call at once.

"Good evening Mummy Bola," she greeted over the phone.

"Good evening Mummy Shade. Where have you been?"

"My dear, it's a long story. Do you use to see my child?"

"Yes... That's why I'm calling."

"What is the problem? Hope she's okay?" She panicked.

"She's doing very fine, she's even here with me."

"Really, can you please give the phone to her?"

Mummy Bola called Shade and handed the phone to her.

"Mummy!! Where are you? When are you coming back!" She said excitedly.

"Very soon my darling."

"This is what you keep saying. Mummy, I have stopped going to school..." Shade continued in low spirits.

There was an uncomfortable silence from Simi's end.

"Hello mummy.!! Hello?!"

She gave the phone back to mummy Bola and hung around.

"Hello, mummy Shade. Are you there?"

"Yes.. I'm still with you. You said you wanted to tell me something."

Mummy Bola then gestured at Shade to join her kids. Shade left for the living room immediately.

"Yes, your child had been here with me for over one week. Not like I can't take care of her but it seemed your husband had abandoned her. He told me he was out of town but I heard he's within this area."

"Thank you for taking care of my child. May God bless you. Do you know exactly where Jeff is."

"No, I don't know. You need to come for your child but I don't know how you're going to do that because he said that I shouldn't allow anybody to take her."

"He also warned me not to take her. Thanks for this information I'll see what I can do."

"OK. Do you still want to speak to your child?"

"Ummh, no, I don't want her to start asking questions again. "

"Ok."

"Thanks for taking care of her."

"You are welcome."

Mummy Bola ended the call.

At the same time, Simi was seen pacing around a sc****ly furnished room, looking worried.

She had been staying with her single colleague at that one-bedroom apartment since the last time she left home. The lady who took her in was outside at that moment.

Simi had also continued her teaching job from there. She had to lie to Shade's teacher that Shade travelled to her aunt's place and that she wasn't sure when she would be back.

She knew Shade loved to go to school and that was why she felt bad when she complained about her not going to school.

Soon after, she paused and began to brainstorm on what to do about the woman's complaint.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Written by Ayogu Oluchi Eze Page

14/10/2025

As the day went by, Simi refused to return home, so Shade continued staying with Jeff.

Shade had been a sad child since her mother walked out on them. Jeff had subjected her to remaining indoors since then.

He didn't allow her to leave the house to go play with her friends as usual nor even go to school.

He would provide her with snacks and she would stay indoors whenever he was around. Whenever he was leaving the house, he would take her along with him.

But later on, Jeff noticed that whenever she was with him, her presence would restrict him from his usual activities.

So whenever he wanted to leave the house, he would provide her with snacks, lock her inside the house and leave with the keys.

Shade would beg to at least follow him rather than being locked up inside but her plea fell on deaf ears.

She would cry until she fell asleep.

She had tried rejecting the snacks but it didn't change is decision.

Jeff would leave the house and come back whenever he chooses to.

One evening, Jeff was in the bedroom preparing to go out as usual. His doors were open but Shade was in her room.

Jeff stood before his mirror checking out himself.
All of a sudden, he heard some murmurings from outside.

He looked through his window and lo and behold, it was Ikechukwu and some men standing before the entrance of the compound. They seem to be strategising about something.

Jeff was shocked.

In no time, he dashed out of the bedroom and headed towards the back door through the kitchen. In no time, he disappeared through that door.
He didn't care to provide his daughter with her usual snacks or take her along. But he was very careful to lock that back door behind him.

A few minutes later, Ikechukwu and those men walked in without knocking.

They checked through the whole apartment in search of Jeff.

When they got into Shade's room, she was seated idly on her bed but on sighting them, she was startled and afraid.

She gazed at them fearfully without uttering a word.

"How are you?" One of the men asked, acting friendly.

"I'm fine," she replied, her voice barely audible.

"Where is your daddy?"

"In his room."

"He's not there," one cut in sharply.

"Let's seize his child," the last one continued without empathy.

"No, we will not take her," the first man countered.

"Where is your mummy?" He continued.

Shade burst into tears and wept uncontrollably.

"Let's go," the man ordered the rest of them.

They all walked out of the house amidst her weeping.



Later that night, Shade was still alone in the house and very much afraid from her earlier encounter. She had been waiting for her father to come back before she could sleep.

Later, it seemed her father wasn't forthcoming and she was still afraid of staying, she summoned courage and got out of the house, closed the door and headed to their neighbour's place.

She knocked and the woman opened her door.

"Shade, how are you?" The woman asked surprisedly.

"I'm fine. My daddy went out and I'm scared of sleeping alone."

"Ok come inside," she said understandably.

The woman took her in and closed her door.

Jeff didn't come back to his house that night.

The following day, early in the morning, Shade was sleeping peacefully with the woman's children in their room.

The woman was in the living room getting ready for the day, when her phone began to ring aggressively from the centre table.

She quickly picked up the phone to see who was calling. Shr saw it was Jeff, and then picked up the call as she had been expecting to see him since his child came.

"Good morning Neighbour," Jeff greeted over the phone.

"Good morning Jeff, are you back?"

"No, I hope Shade is still with you."

"Y-e-s."

The woman was confused and wondering how he got to know that Shade was in her house.

"Are you there?" Jeff asked.

"Yes."

"Let her remain in your house, don't let anyone take her."

She was calm and collected.

"No school please. I'll come and pick her as soon as I come back."

"OK."

He ended the call.

The woman dropped her phone back on the table and was thoughtful.

She wondered why he made those statements knowing fully well she hadn't seen Simi for some days.

"Should I call her and tell her that her child is here? No.. Her husband said nobody should take her. Or do I ask him about Simi's whereabouts... anyways, they should settle their matter themselves."

She went back to what she was doing earlier.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Written by Ayogu Oluchi Eze Page