The morning air was cool and heavy with the scent of rain. Splendour stood by her wardrobe, folding the last of her white shirts into the green box that would follow her to camp. Her NYSC call-up letter lay on the table, slightly creased from how many times she'd picked it up to read again and again.
Port Harcourt.
She whispered the name softly, letting it roll off her tongue like a promise and a prayer.
Alfred leaned against the doorframe, hands in his pockets, his gaze fixed on her every movement. He had been quiet for most of the morning, watching her pack, helping where he could but mostly, just looking.
"You're really leaving again," he said finally, his voice low.
Splendour turned, smiling gently. "It's not like before, Alfred. It's just one year not forever."
He gave a short laugh, one that barely hid the sadness in his eyes. "You said the same thing five years ago when you left for school."
She dropped the shirt she was folding and walked to him, sliding her hands into his. "And didn't I come back?" she said, her voice soft, reassuring.
He looked down at her, the corner of his lips twitching into a half-smile. "Yeah, you did. But that doesn't make it any easier now."
Splendour tiptoed, brushing her thumb across his cheek. "You've been patient, Alfred. Five years. This is just one more. You can do that, right?"
He didn't answer, only wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. She could feel his heartbeat against her chest, strong but trembling.
"Promise me you'll stay safe," he murmured into her hair.
"I will."
"And call me every day?"
"Every second, if I can."
They both chuckled softly. Then, as if reading her thoughts, he whispered, "I'm proud of you, Splendour. Always have been."
Tears stung her eyes, but she blinked them away. "Don't make me cry before I even leave."
Outside, Enisa's car horn blared twice. Splendour smiled through her tears. "That's Enisa. We're posted to the same state Port Harcourt. Can you imagine?"
Alfred smiled faintly. "God really wants you to have your guardian angel close."
Splendour turned back to him one last time before picking up her bag.
"Wait for me, okay?"
"Always," he said simply.
He followed her to the car, holding her hand until the very last second. When she finally waved from the window, Alfred's smile stayed but only until the car disappeared down the street.
Then he whispered to himself,
"One year… just one year."