Chapter One.
The old light blue Toyota carina runs into view. And came to a stop, on the opposite side of the pump.
The elderly man on the driver's seat, wore an ageing dark suit, neat inner white shirt, head-teacher's long tie and an unsmiling face. Beside him, sat this woman in her mid-40s. Dressed simply in a native boubou gown; her frame contrasts the drivers. Her mass fully occupies the passenger's seat.
When she threw a glance to her left, at the dispensing fuel pump, she switched on the skeleton of a smile. Something that strikes one, more as a permanent feature than a gesture of politeness at the Station's sales Attendant.
I made to drive off after paying the cost of refilling this Peugeot 504 tank but was caught by some wavy motion through the rear door windows of the Carina. Slowing down before the entrance of the station's supermarket; I steadied my gaze. So, it was only slender waving hands!
I raised the right palm in a measured manner, to acknowledge the sign greetings. After all, it's a Sunday. Hardly a day for exaggerated gestures. And not with the older two in front, to the booth!
Though slightly dusty, those rear door window glass panels were fine enough to make out the outlines of the two younger persons at the back seat. The one who appeared to be the elder was prompting her younger sibling to cease her prolonged gaze that ensued, after the waving. It was time to drive off. Not without a backward glance, though. Only this time, discreetly; through the side mirror, to gain a richer and rounded picture, for the road.
The driver caught my brief gaze. His face creased. It was as if the blazing rays of the sun fell directly on it; eliciting a subconscious reaction.