You haven’t seen anything yet, Monica replied. They returned to the Bentley and drove on. When they finally pulled up to a massive gate, Jacob’s eyes grew wide. This is your house, he asked, his voice full of awe.
No, she said, smiling. It’s our home now. The imposing gates slid open smoothly, revealing an enormous white mansion with large glass walls. The long driveway was lined with towering palm trees. A large fountain played in the central courtyard, and a golden retriever began barking happily from a nearby garden.
Jacob got out of the car tentatively, as if he were a child stepping into an enchanted castle. The home’s interior smelled wonderful, a mix of vanilla and lavender. Every surface was immaculate. Dazzling crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings. The main living area was decorated with art from Ghana, Egypt, and South Africa, creating a perfect fusion of regal African heritage and sleek, modern style.
A small girl with a head full of curls and drowsy eyes was standing on the grand staircase. She rubbed her eyes and looked at Jacob. Mommy, who’s that? Monica immediately opened her arms. Sophia, sweetheart, come and say hello.
The little girl scampered down the steps and gave her mother a big hug. Then, she peered up at Jacob curiously. This is my friend, Monica explained, kneeling to be at her daughter’s level. His name is Jacob. And you know what? He’s going to be staying with us for a while.
Sophia inspected him with a serious expression. Are you a good person? Jacob couldn’t help but smile, a gentle, soft smile. I’m trying very hard to be. Okay, then you can stay, Sophia declared. But I don’t like scary stories before bed. It was then that Jacob let out a genuine chuckle, the first he could remember in years.
Later that evening, Monica showed him to a guest room that felt more like a suite in a five-star hotel. She brought him a plate piled high with hot jollof rice, sweet fried plantain, and savory chicken. He ate with deliberate slowness, tasting and appreciating every single mouthful. It had been so long since he’d eaten a proper, delicious meal.
After he finished, he found himself on a balcony that looked out over the sparkling city. Monica came out and joined him, carrying two glasses of wine. Now, she said softly, handing him one. Tell me. Who are you, Jacob?
He stared at his own hands, now clean, for a long moment before he spoke. My name is Jacob Uche. There was a time when I was considered one of the top data scientists in Lagos. My work was with international firms. I was a speaker at conferences. I trained other analysts. I designed complex models for banks, for government agencies. I was… I was respected.
He took a breath. I had a wife, Kelechi. We were blessed with two children, Amanda and Namdi. My parents resided with us. Everything was… perfect. And then, one December, everything changed.
He swallowed hard, the memory still raw. They were on their way to Dubai. It was our family holiday. I was supposed to be with them, but I had a work commitment. I was scheduled to fly out and meet them the very next day. But their flight… it never arrived. The plane went down. There were no survivors. I lost everyone.
Monica’s eyes filled with tears. My entire world vanished in a single day, he whispered. After that, money meant nothing. Friendships meant nothing. I barely wanted to be alive. I just… walked away from my old life. I never returned. I ended up under that bridge, and that’s where I’ve been.
Tears were now flowing freely down Monica’s face. I understand that kind of pain, she said, her own voice cracking. I lost my parents in a crash as well. And then… my husband… he just left when Sophia was only two years old.
I waited for him for years. I cried, I prayed… nothing. I finally had to accept the truth that he was gone for good. Jacob looked at her, completely astonished. And you built all of this… after going through that?
She nodded. I had to keep going. For Sophia’s sake. And for my own. Jacob lowered his gaze. You’re a fighter. A small smile appeared through her tears. So are you.
They were quiet for a while, the only sounds being the gentle chirping of insects and the distant, constant hum of the city below. Jacob inhaled deeply. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he didn’t just feel… alive. He felt the desire to live again….
