Bolaji continued laughing, but Sarah remained calm and said nothing.
After a while, he looked at her and spoke again.
Bolaji: so you don't even see anything better than selling okrika? What money are you even looking for? Didn't I take care of you and your family? Have I ever refused you anything you asked for?
Sarah: I appreciate everything, but please… I'm feeling lonely. I just want to be doing something—something I can be proud of.
Bolaji: I don't want you to do anything. Just stay at home and look fine for me.
Sarah's eyes softened as she pleaded.
Sarah: Please sir… I'm only 19. I can't continue the rest of my life being idle. I'll get tired. I promise to always do whatever you want me to do.
Bolaji: Are you sure you'll do whatever I ask?
Sarah (quickly): Yes sir, I promise.
Bolaji: Good. Then don't ever bring up this work issue again. I don't want you to do anything. Just stay at home. Good night.
He turned his back to her and soon drifted into sleep.
Sarah became sad, but she continued to be good to him, hoping he might eventually change his mind. But he never did.
Five months later, she decided to try another way.
She bathed, took the money Bolaji's mother had given her, and wrote a short note:
"Call me when you change your mind and allow me to sell something. If not, I won't come back home."
She dropped the note on their bed, knowing he would see it. Her plan was simple—he would panic, fear losing her, and grant her wish. She knew his greatest fear was separation, even though they barely acted like people in love.
She left the house with only her phone and the money. To the security guard, she said she just wanted to take a walk down the street.
As she strolled outside, something whispered to her: Why don't you go to Iyana Ipaja? At least you can check how they are selling thrift first.
She smiled at the thought and boarded a bus heading there. She told herself that even if her husband didn't call, she would return home by 8 p.m.
Meanwhile, Bolaji had a hectic day. Meetings with clients dragged late into the evening. Normally, Sarah would call him to check on him, but that day her call never came. Around 6:30 p.m., when he didn't see her call, he hissed in annoyance. Why didn't she call today?
He picked up his car key and drove home.
Immediately he arrived, he noticed the uneasy look on the security guard's face.
Bolaji: What happened? Is my wife okay?
Security: Sir… madam went out since afternoon. She said she wanted to stroll down the street, but she hasn't returned.
Bolaji (furious): Are you normal? My wife left and you didn't call me? Just pray nothing happens to her!
He dialed Sarah's number immediately. It rang, but she didn't pick.
Bolaji rushed inside, wondering what game she was playing. Could it be that she has run away? Where could she even go? Did she return to her parents? Or is she just tired of me?
Then his eyes caught the note on the bed. He read it and hissed.
So this is it? She wants to put me in trouble? Where does she even know here?
He tried calling again. Still, no answer. He finally sent a text:
"I've heard you. I promise I'll allow you to work."
Even though he didn't really mean it, part of him thought maybe he should just allow her—after all, it would be from home.
But by 9 p.m., Sarah had still not returned.
By 10 p.m., he couldn't take it anymore. He called her parents.
He greeted them warmly, expecting they'd say Sarah was with them. But instead, they asked him to send their regards to her.
Bolaji (worried): Please, did Sarah tell you she was coming home?
Sarah's mum (confused): To where? She didn't say anything. Is she not at home?
Bolaji: I came back from work, and my security guard said she left since afternoon. She told him she was going to stroll down the street, but she never came back. I've been calling her—she's not picking.
Mum Sarah (alarmed): Did you people fight?
Bolaji: Not at all.
Mum Sarah: Okay… I'll try to call her.
Bolaji grabbed his car key and began searching the streets for her.
After about an hour, Sarah's parents called back. She hadn't picked their calls either.
By midnight, Bolaji returned home—still no sign of Sarah. His chest tightened. He made up his mind to report to the police the next morning.
He couldn't sleep that night. He paced up and down the house, restless.
Where could Sarah be?