I sighed too. “No idea. Poor us, I guess.”
« -- * -- »
“So? How was it?” Andi pressed, voice full of curiosity.
We were now sitting on the thick carpet beside my bed. Andi was on one side, Tsabinu was on the other, and I was stuck in the middle.
Huh… this was going to be hard.
When I stayed silent, twisting my fingers, Andi leaned closer. “How is he? Is he different now? Hotter? Taller? Like the pics?”
Tsabinu shot him a warning look, silently pleading with him to stop, but Andi ignored it. His breathing grew heavier, and he became impatient with my silence.
I let out a tired sigh. “Hm.” That was all I could muster.
Andi clicked his tongue in annoyance. “Hm, hm, what the fuck is that? Answer properly, Bib.”
“Come on, Ndi,” Tsabinu muttered, exhaling. “My sister’s exhausted. Don’t make it worse.”
Andi’s eyes scanned me up and down, “Yeah… this isn’t just physical exhaustion; it’s emotional exhaustion too.
I shot him a weary look. “Then how do you expect me to answer?”
“I expect the truth. Because I swear to seven generations of galaxies, I won’t be able to sleep unless you answer me.”
Finally giving in, I let my shoulders slump. “He did the usual small talk with the higher-ups about the upcoming project. And yes… he’s even more handsome now.” My voice dropped to a whisper at the last part.
“Shit! I fucking knew it! You never want to listen when I bring him up or show you his pictures in the news—Bib?” Andi’s rant cut off when he noticed the tears slipping down my face,again.But now it was unstoppable, streaming like rain. “Are you okay?”
Sobbing, I bowed my head, while Tsabinu glared at Andi, who only gestured helplessly that he was as lost.
“That’s it, Andi,” I choked. “Just that, and he ignored me.” My sobs grew harsher. “He looked through me like I wasn’t even there.”
My gaze drifted upward to the wall above my bed, covered in photos.
Our photos.
Snapshots of memories, proof that those moments were real. Hundreds of them, from our childhood to our high school years. Me, Tsabinu, Zeraiah, and Zioh.
Sitting on car hoods with ice cream melted in our hands. Riding bikes in the park, with me trailing behind. We were barbecuing in Zioh and Zeraiah’s yard, with Tsabinu trying to chase Yellow. Tsabinu and I blew out the candles, and Zioh pressed his fingers against my cheeks. Smiling in front of Christmas trees, except Zeraiah, who sulked while looking at the pile of my gifts. We wore Halloween costumes, with Zioh and me always paired up. Our trips to the UK.That one magical night. And so many more. Hundreds of photos, even silly ones with ugly faces and big grins.
They covered almost an entire wall.
They were real.
So alive.
But how could they only exist in the past?
That our happiness was meant only to stay in our memories.
Andi’s eyes softened, his hand stroking my arm. “Really? Just that? After ten fucking years? Nothing else, Bib?”
I shook my head, my tears still falling.
“Shh, it’s okay,” Tsabinu murmured, his fingers running through my hair, and for a moment, only my sobs filled the room. Then, I stood and left them behind. My chest felt raw, and my eyes burned.
“I’m taking a shower,” I muttered before they could question me. I slipped into my bathroom and closed the door. “Use warm water, Dek! It’s late,” Tsabinu called from outside.
