I gazed at Bryan, my heart overflowing with emotion. "Thank God you're back," I whispered, tears streaming down my face.
He opened his eyes, his husky voice sending shivers down my spine. "Good morning, damsel," he said, pulling me close.
His lips brushed against mine, and I felt a spark of desire. "Morning," I replied, my voice barely audible.
Bryan smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's been over a year. I'm fine now. No need for tears." He held me tight. "I'm with you forever."
I called Nnena, and she joined us for morning devotions. I led the prayer, my voice filled with gratitude. "Oh Lord, thank you for bringing Bryan back to me and for blessing us with Nnena. Protect us, guide us, and bless your people with peace and prosperity." Amen.
Nnena's voice broke the serene moment. "Mummy and Daddy, our flight to Bamaoko, Mali, is in two hours. The people are waiting for us."
We rushed to the airport, and upon arrival, we were greeted with a massive signpost displaying our images. The inscription read: "Welcome, Transformers!"
As we met with the elders, Bryan's hand wrapped around mine, I felt a sense of pride and purpose. "How's the town progressing?" he asked, his eyes scanning the surroundings.
The elder beamed with pride. "Thanks to your efforts, Bamaoko is thriving. Your vision has brought us hope and transformation."
Bryan smiled, his eyes locking onto mine. "We're just getting started."
Suddenly, voices rose in argument between two women. They were brought before the elders, who asked for an explanation.
The woman with a child spoke up, "This corporate woman always shouts at me whenever my daughter cries. She even said if I couldn't take care of her, I should kill her..."
The crowd gasped, and Bryan intervened, "Enough, please. Elders, permit me to handle this."
I felt a surge of admiration for Bryan's wisdom. "Hello, Miss Corporate," he said, "what's your name?"
"Luyinda," she replied.
Bryan's eyes narrowed. "Is it true you told this woman to kill her child if she can't control her?"
Luyinda shrugged. "Yes, of course."
The crowd erupted in shock, but Bryan raised his hand for silence. "I sense pain and hatred in your voice towards children. Why are you like that?"
Luyinda's expression twisted. "Maybe because I hate children."
Bryan's expression was firm. "On behalf of Luyinda, I apologize to the community for her harmful words."
I watched Bryan take charge. "Elders, I'll handle this. Luyinda and Wendy, come with me."
Inside the apartment, Bryan asked Luyinda, "Why do you hate children so much?"
Luyinda's voice trembled. "I just can't stand the noise, the constant crying. And mothers nursing their babies... it pains me to see their bodies change, stretch marks, sagging breasts... I hate to see myself like that."
Bryan's eyes were gentle. "I'm listening. Please continue."
Luyinda's voice poured out her emotions. "My husband and I agreed to wait five years before having kids. We wanted to enjoy our marriage first. But seeing my friend after childbirth... she looked worn out, and her husband's attention shifted entirely to the baby. She cried and confide in me bitterly about feeling neglected"
The room fll silent, with only Luyinda's words lingering in the air. Bryan's eyes remained gentle, his expression understanding.
Nnena fetched water for Luyinda, who sipped it slowly, her breathing calming down. "I hate to see them like that," she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.
Bryan nodded understandingly. "It's okay, Madam. I understand you. Please tell your husband to see me when he returns. You can go now."
Luyinda stood up, still visibly shaken, but composed enough to leave. As she exited, Bryan's expression turned thoughtful.
I tried to speak, but Bryan gently shushed me and pulled me closer. I rested on his chest, feeling calm. Suddenly, a messenger arrived, "Sir Bryan, it's time for the Bamaoko Talent Hunt show!"
We rushed out to watch. Nnena started recording on her phone, uploading to TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook. The performances were amazing! People danced, sang, and showcased their skills.
After the show, some talented individuals were approached by a Saudi prince and wealthy patrons from Mali and those connecting on live around the Globe, offering opportunities abroad.
As the event ended, Luyinda approached us. Bryan's eyes lit up, "Russell! My old friend!" He hugged Luyinda's husband tightly.
Russell smiled, "Bryan! Long time no see!"
I turned to Russell and asked, "Why do you think your wife hates kids? The excuses she gave me did not seem confusing enough "
Russell took a deep breath and revealed, "I recently discovered she's been aborting all her pregnancies, Bryan."
Bryan nodded, "I am not suprised, please continue."
Russell explained, "I found a box of abortion pills in her room one day. When I confronted her, she confessed to terminating six pregnancies, telling me they were miscarriages."
Bryan listened intently as Russell shared Luyinda's story. "She told me she didn't want to get pregnant because she's seen what motherhood does to people. She's afraid of losing her life, career, and body shape."
Russell continued, "But then she opened up about her past. Her mother died during childbirth, and the baby didn't survive. Luyinda was deeply traumatized by this experience. She's been carrying this pain for years, and it's shaped her decision to avoid pregnancy at all costs."
Bryan's expression turned thoughtful. "This is very deep. What do you plan to do now, Russell?"
Russell said, "If I say I know Bryan, I'd be lying. I don't know." Bryan asked, "Do you really want kids?" Russell replied, "Of course, yes."
Bryan suggested, "Here's what we'll do. Get a young family member's child to spend a week or two with you both. Seeing kids around the house might change her mentality."
Russell raised an eyebrow. "You think this will work?" Bryan nodded confidently. "I know it will."
Russell hesitated, "But how do we get kids? My family only family left are in the US."
Weeks later, Russell called Bryan. "Luyinda refused the plan at first, but after talking to her friend, she's agreed."
Bryan's tone was intrigued. "That's interesting. Now, let's figure out how to get kids..."