Unconventional Love - Chapter 13
Xenia Snyder-Collison@xeniasnydercollison751687
24 days ago
A SAFE HAVEN AMIDST CHAOS
Ursula walked through the crowded streets of Kasoa, her eyes taking in the vibrant colours of the fruits and vegetables being sold by local vendors. The air was filled with the mingling scents of ripe mangoes and freshly picked greens.
The noise from the bustling market overwhelmed her senses, but despite the chaos, she knew that visiting Malcolm and his mother was worth it. As she approached Malcolm’s house, she saw him emerge with a smile, the sight of which instantly warmed her heart.
“Ursula!” Malcolm called out with genuine joy. “You came by once more.”
Ursula’s smile grew wider as she replied, “Of course. How’s your mother doing?”
Malcolm’s face lit up. “She’s doing slightly better than before.”
A sympathetic expression crossed Ursula’s face. “Is she inside?”
Malcolm nodded and motioned for Ursula to follow him. They entered the house, and as Ursula stepped inside. Her eyes immediately spotted Barbara, sitting on the sofa watching television.
“Hello, Auntie Barbara,” Ursula said, approaching her with a soft smile. “It’s good to see you again.”
Barbara’s face lit up with delight. “It’s good to see you too, dear.”
Malcolm, the ever gracious host, interrupted their conversation. “Why don’t you have a seat and catch up with my mum? I’ll get you some refreshments.”
Ursula thanked him and settled into a chair next to Barbara. The two women engaged in heartfelt conversations for hours, sharing stories and laughing together. Time seemed to disappear as they basked in the comfort of each other’s company.
As evening approached, Ursula reluctantly stood up, knowing it was time to bid her farewell.
“It was wonderful seeing you again, Auntie Barbara,” she said with genuine warmth. “I’ll come back and visit soon.”
Barbara smiled, her eyes twinkling. “I’ll be looking forward to it, dear. Thank you for coming today.”
Ursula embraced the older woman, feeling the love and gratitude radiating from their connection. She then turned to Malcolm, her gaze filled with concern.
“Take care of her, okay?” she said softly.
Malcolm nodded, his eyes filled with unwavering determination. “I will. And thanks for coming, Ursula. It means a lot to us.”
Arriving at the junction, Ursula hailed a passing taxi and got in. The ride started smoothly, but soon, the taxi came to a sudden halt. A crowd of people had gathered, arguing and pushing each other.
Ursula’s heart raced as she peered outside, rolling down the car window.
“What’s happening?” she asked, her voice laced with alarm.
The taxi driver shouted, frustration evident in his tone. “Move! Let us through!”
Turning to Ursula, the taxi driver explained, “There are two drivers quarrelling and fighting in the middle of the road. Apparently, one of them angered the other. Hmm... as for this country, only God can save us!”
Cold sweat ran down Ursula’s spine, and her phone slipped from her grip, falling to the floor of the taxi. She frantically reached for it, fidgeting uncomfortably in the vehicle. She wondered how long this was going to take.
Suddenly, a shot pierced through the air, and chaos erupted. One of the men in the crowd fled, his footsteps fading away as the police officers arrived.
Finally, the taxi managed to navigate through the crowd, and Ursula heaved a sigh of relief. She paid the driver, grateful for his quick thinking, and hurriedly made her way to her room.
The events of the evening had left her shaken, her mind racing with possibilities and fear. Mumbling to her parents, she said, “Hi… I’m home.”
Ursula’s footsteps were heavy with fatigue as she walked up to her room. She closed the door behind her and collapsed onto her bed, finally feeling a sense of safety wash over her.
Reflecting on the events of the day, she felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude for her own safety and the time she had spent with Barbara and Malcolm. She knew that life in Kasoa was one of beauty, but also with uncertainty and danger.
As she lay in bed, she silently promised herself that she would cherish every moment of happiness she found and strive to make a positive impact in the lives of those she cared about.
#unconventionallove
#novel
#chapterthirteen
