In Nampula, the evening air is cooler, and the city is settling into a quiet rhythm. Marilena, still thinking about her conversation with Carla, heads down to the hotel lounge to unwind. The lounge is softly lit, with a few guests scattered around, sipping drinks and chatting. Marilena finds a comfortable seat by the window, ordering a glass of wine.
Christian appears a few minutes later, looking around before spotting Marilena. He walks over, his presence commanding yet somehow gentle. "Mind if I join you?" he asks, his voice breaking through her thoughts.
Marilena smiles, gesturing to the empty seat across from her. "Of course not. I was just enjoying some quiet time."
Christian sits down, and for a moment, they simply enjoy the companionable silence. The waiter brings Christian a drink, and he takes a sip, his gaze thoughtful.
"I wanted to apologize for earlier," he says, breaking the silence. "Graciela can be... a bit much sometimes."
