A few weeks had passed since Kwame's accident, and he was recovering well. John and Amina continued to juggle their studies and projects, often visiting Kwame to keep his spirits up. Their friendship had deepened, forming a close-knit support system.
One sunny afternoon, as John and Amina walked through the bustling campus, Amina received a call from her grandmother, Mama Juma. Her face grew serious as she listened to the worried voice on the other end of the line.
"What's wrong?" John asked gently as she ended the call.
"It's my grandmother," Amina replied, her voice trembling. "She's not well, and she wants me to come home."
John could see the concern in her eyes. "You need to go to her, Amina. Family comes first."
Amina nodded, grateful for his understanding. "I'll leave tomorrow. I'm just worried about everything here."
"Don't worry about it. I'll handle things on campus. Just focus on your grandmother," John reassured her.
The next day, John helped Amina pack her bags. They shared a heartfelt goodbye, promising to stay in touch. As she boarded the bus, Amina looked back and waved, feeling a mixture of sadness and gratitude.
With Amina gone, John threw himself into his work and studies, determined to keep his promise. He managed his time carefully, balancing his responsibilities while keeping an eye on Kwame's recovery.
One evening, as John was studying in the library, he received a call from Amina. He quickly answered, eager to hear her voice.
"Hi, John. I just wanted to let you know that I've arrived safely," Amina said, her voice tinged with relief.
"That's great to hear. How's your grandmother?" John asked, concerned.
"She's stable for now, but the doctor said she needs rest and care. I'll be staying here for a while," Amina explained.
"Take all the time you need, Amina. I'm here if you need anything," John assured her.
"Thank you, John. I miss you," Amina said softly.
"I miss you too," John replied, feeling the ache of her absence.
As the weeks went by, John kept himself busy with his sustainable housing project. He often spent late nights in the library, researching and drafting plans. His dedication paid off when the student council announced funding for his project, a huge step towards making his dream a reality.
Meanwhile, Amina cared for her grandmother, who slowly regained her strength. Mama Juma was a wise and loving woman, always encouraging Amina to pursue her dreams. During their time together, they shared stories and memories, strengthening their bond.
One afternoon, as they sat in the garden, Mama Juma looked at Amina with a gentle smile. "My dear, you have a good heart. Follow your passion, and you will achieve great things."
Amina nodded, feeling a sense of peace. "Thank you, Grandma. I promise I will."
Back on campus, John received an unexpected visit from his old friend, Jabari. Jabari had been traveling across Africa, working as a guide and photographer. He brought with him tales of adventure and breathtaking photos of the continent's beauty.
"John, it's been too long!" Jabari exclaimed, giving him a bear hug.
"It's great to see you, Jabari. What brings you here?" John asked, surprised but happy to see his friend.
"I heard about your project and wanted to help. Plus, I missed you, man," Jabari replied with a grin.
They spent the evening catching up, sharing stories of their journeys. Jabari's enthusiasm and positivity were infectious, and John felt a renewed sense of motivation.
Together, they worked on the sustainable housing project, combining John's engineering skills with Jabari's creativity and resourcefulness. Their collaboration brought new ideas and perspectives, pushing the project forward.
One day, as John and Jabari were working on the project, John received a video call from Amina. He eagerly answered, happy to see her face after so long.
"Hi, John! Hi, Jabari!" Amina greeted them with a bright smile.
"Amina! It's so good to see you," John said, his heart lifting at the sight of her.
"How's everything going?" Amina asked, her eyes full of curiosity.
"We're making great progress," John replied. "Jabari's been a huge help."
"That's wonderful to hear. I have some good news too. My grandmother's health has improved, and I'll be coming back next week," Amina announced.
John felt a wave of relief and excitement. "That's amazing news, Amina. We can't wait to have you back."
As the day of Amina's return approached, John and Jabari prepared a welcome surprise for her. They decorated the common area of the dorm with flowers and banners, eager to show her how much they had missed her.
When Amina finally arrived, she was greeted with cheers and hugs from her friends. Tears of joy filled her eyes as she looked around, overwhelmed by the love and support.
"You guys are the best," Amina said, her voice choked with emotion.
"We missed you, Amina," John said, wrapping her in a warm embrace. "Welcome home."
With Amina back, their team felt complete. They continued to work together, supporting each other through the challenges and celebrating their successes. Their journey was far from over, but they knew that as long as they had each other, they could face anything.