02/07/2026
RUTENDO
Episode 14: Unfolding Moments
A week passed. The heaviness Rutendo had carried since lunch with Darrell had slowly begun to lift. They spoke every now and then—not for hours or every minute—but enough to get to know each other a little better. There was no pressure, no expectations. Somehow, that made every conversation feel effortless.
Meanwhile, Darrell was going through some reports when his phone rang. He glanced at the screen and smiled. Farai. He answered with a grin.
"Hello, Fatso."
"Aaah, mujaya, zvamaita hazvisi bho!" Farai complained dramatically.
Darrell laughed. "What have I done now?"
"I've waited a whole week... a good whole week! And you still haven't told me how the lunch went."
Darrell shook his head, smiling. "You really couldn't wait, could you?"
"Not a chance. Now stop dodging the question and tell me everything."
Darrell leaned back in his chair. "It actually started really well. We talked, we laughed... everything felt natural."
"So what happened?" Farai asked, his tone becoming more serious.
Darrell sighed. "I told her I'd like to have her in my life for a very long time."
"And?"
"Something about those words reminded her of her past. She got overwhelmed and left."
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Farai broke the silence. "Mujaya... that woman has been through a lot."
"I know," Darrell replied quietly. "She called me later and explained everything. She wasn't running from me... she was running from old wounds."
"So what's the plan now?"
Darrell looked out of the office window before answering. "No plan."
"No plan?" Farai asked.
Darrell smiled faintly. "I'm just going to be patient. Trust isn't something you demand. It's something you earn."
Farai smiled. "I knew you'd say that." He paused before continuing. "Mujaya... don't give up on her. From everything you've told me, she didn't run because of you. She's still fighting yesterday." He let his words settle before adding, "Give her the space she needs... but don't be too far away. Right now, she probably needs someone who'll stay more than ever. Don't rush her, but don't disappear either. Let her discover, one day at a time, that not every promise ends in heartbreak."
A small smile appeared on Darrell's face. "Thanks, Fatso... I needed to hear that."
Farai laughed. "That's what Fatso is here for. Now stop overthinking and keep being the man you've been."
Darrell chuckled. "I will."
Later that afternoon, Felisha walked into Rutendo's office carrying a file. Before she could say anything, she noticed Rutendo smiling at her phone. She folded her arms and smiled knowingly.
"So... he is not giving you a break, hanty?"
Rutendo looked up and laughed. "Kind of," she admitted, blushing. "But I really enjoy talking to him."
Felisha pulled a chair closer and sat beside her. "So... what's different?"
Rutendo locked her phone before answering. "He's giving me time and space. Tiri kungotaura hedu... but not that much."
Felisha nodded approvingly. "Exactly what you needed." She gently squeezed Rutendo's shoulder. "Take your time, Rue. Hausi kumhanyiswa." She smiled before adding, "But Darrell seems to be a good guy."
Rutendo lowered her eyes, unable to hide the smile on her face. "I think so too."
Felisha laughed softly. "Look at you blushing."
Rutendo covered her face, laughing. "Feli!"
Another Saturday arrived. Rutendo had just finished watering the flowers on her balcony when her phone rang. A smile appeared as soon as she saw Darrell's name on the screen.
"Good morning."
"Morning," Darrell replied warmly. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."
"Not at all."
"I was wondering... would you like to spend a few hours with me this afternoon?"
Rutendo smiled. "What do you have in mind?"
"I thought we'd do something different this time." He chuckled softly. "No restaurant."
She laughed. "I'm listening."
"There's a botanical garden I've been wanting to visit. I thought we could take a walk, enjoy the scenery, and maybe grab some ice cream afterwards."
Rutendo paused for a moment. It sounded simple. Peaceful. There was no pressure behind the invitation. Just two people enjoying each other's company.
"I'd like that."
"Great," Darrell said, unable to hide the smile in his voice. "I'll pick you up at two."
"I'll be ready."
After ending the call, Rutendo stood quietly on her balcony. A gentle smile lingered on her face. Little by little, the walls around her heart were beginning to come down. She still had fears. She still had questions. But for the first time, she was allowing herself to believe that trusting Darrell might not be a mistake after all.
To be continued...