The days that followed settled into a routine.
School in the morning.
Lesson planning in the afternoon.
Rest in the evening.
It wasn't exciting.
But it was stable.
And for Mike… stability was something he had learned to appreciate.
His students were slowly warming up to him.
Some still playful.
Some stubborn.
But overall… manageable.
Each day, he grew a little more comfortable.
A little more adjusted.
Ibadan was beginning to feel less strange.
Less distant.
Almost like a place he could belong.
Almost.
—
It was a few days later.
Evening.
Around 7 p.m.
The sky had already begun to darken, painted in deep shades of blue and fading orange. Streetlights flickered on one by one, casting uneven light across the road.
Mike stepped out of the lodge, stretching his arms slightly.
He needed fresh air.
And maybe something to eat.
The small shop down the road had become his usual spot.
Nothing fancy.
Just basic groceries.
Bread.
Noodles.
Drinks.
Simple things.
He walked casually, his mind drifting as he moved.
Thinking about school.
About money.
About how to make this year actually count.
The road wasn't too busy.
A few people passed by.
Some chatting.
Some walking quickly like they had somewhere important to be.
Then…
He saw her.
Ahead.
Walking.
At first, it was just a glance.
Nothing serious.
But something made him look again.
And this time… longer.
His steps slowed slightly.
His eyes focused.
That walk…
There was something about it.
Something familiar.
His heart gave a small, unexpected thump.
"No…" he whispered under his breath.
But he kept looking.
Trying to confirm.
Trying to be sure.
The way she carried her bag.
The slight tilt of her shoulders.
Even the rhythm of her steps.
It all felt too familiar to ignore.
His breathing changed slightly.
Faster.
More alert.
"It can't be…" he said again.
But deep down…
He already knew.
It was her.
Aisha.
Memories rushed back instantly.
Secondary school.
Assemblies.
Classrooms.
She had always been quiet.
Reserved.
Never really talked much.
But she was known.
And he remembered her clearly.
So what was she doing here?
In Ibadan?
Of all places?
Without thinking, Mike raised his voice slightly.
"Aisha!"
The name left his mouth naturally.
Like it had been waiting.
But she didn't respond.
She kept walking.
Did she hear him?
Maybe not.
He tried again.
Louder this time.
"Aisha!"
Still nothing.
No reaction.
No pause.
No glance back.
Mike frowned slightly.
That wasn't normal.
Even if she didn't recognize his voice immediately…
She should at least turn.
Or react.
Or slow down.
But she didn't.
If anything…
She seemed to walk faster.
A strange feeling crept into Mike's chest.
Confusion.
Mixed with something else.
Something subtle…
But uncomfortable.
He increased his pace slightly.
Not running.
Just enough to close the distance.
"Aisha!" he called again.
This time, there was no doubt.
She heard him.
He could tell.
But she still didn't turn.
Now, that was strange.
Very strange.
Mike's curiosity fully took over.
There was no way he was imagining this.
No way this was coincidence.
As he got closer, he saw her turn into a compound ahead.
Without hesitation.
She walked straight in.
Mike stopped briefly at the entrance.
The gate stood open.
The inside was visible, though dimly lit.
He looked around quickly.
The street behind him was normal.
Nothing unusual.
He turned his gaze back to the compound.
His mind began to argue with itself.
"Just go home."
"It's not your business."
"You might be wrong."
But another voice spoke louder.
"What if it's really her?"
"What if something is wrong?"
"What if…"
He exhaled slowly.
Then made a decision.
He stepped forward.
Crossing the gate.
Entering the compound.
And without knowing it…
Mike walked straight into a moment that would change everything.