Her father stood up immediately. His eyes had changed. The warmth that had been there moments earlier disappeared.
"Stay here," he told us.
Then he walked quickly toward the back of the compound.
Precious and I exchanged worried glances.
"Something is wrong," she whispered.
We followed him quietly.
As we approached the kraal, we heard voices.
A male voice.
Sonko.
"…your father doesn't have to know," he was saying.
Kenty's voice answered nervously.
"Sonko, please lower your voice."
Her father stepped around the corner.
The moment Sonko saw him, his face went pale.
"Good afternoon, sir," Sonko said quickly.
Her father crossed his arms.
"What are you doing in my compound?"
Sonko hesitated.
"I came to visit Kenty."
The silence that followed felt heavy.
"I did not invite you," her father replied coldly.
Kenty stepped forward.
"Dad, he's my friend."
Her father looked directly at her.
"A friend who sneaks through the side gate?"
Sonko slowly began stepping backward.
"Sir, I didn't mean any disrespect."
Her father pointed toward the road.
"Leave."
Without another word, Sonko turned and hurried toward the gate.
But before he left, he glanced once at Kenty.
There was anger in his eyes.
And something darker.