The dark clouds were gathering in the sky. Phoebe shivered at the chill breeze that came rushing by. She hurriedly walked towards the gift shop that was a few meters ahead. She cursed sharply as she got to the door and heard her phone ring. Who was it calling at five in the evening and on a Sunday? She picked it from her bag and glanced at it before putting it on her ear while opening the shop door.
"Hello...Yes, this is Phoebe Mensah...Yes please I'm on my way; Just picking up something...I'll be there in a few minutes I promise" she communicated
With that, the call ended and she dropped the phone back into its previous resting place. Phoebe's brother who comes after her had been admitted to the community hospital. He was diagnosed with gastritis after a brief examination was done. He had been in the hospital for two days now and had been able to release four out of the ten rounds of gas the doctor had conditioned for his discharge. She was on her way to see him but decided to pick a "Get well soon" card from the gift shop nearby.
She walked through the shelves of cards, bears and hampers. There were also shelves containing the make-ups of hampers ranging from chocolates and body splashes to ribbons and glitter. Each shelf indicated its content. She read "Well wishes" on one of the shelves and headed for it. She quickly skimmed through the variety of cards, turning them over to view their designs and colours.
Unknown to her, a pair of black eyes had been observing her every movement since she entered the gift shop. Phoebe wore a cream t-shirt over a pair of black jeans. Her black wig matched the colour of her slippers and blended beautifully with her ebony skin. Her pair of brown eyes shine whenever light touches them and her smile brightens up her face.
The stranger walked towards her. Pretending to be interested in the variety of cards on the "Well wishes" shelves as well. He got close enough to engage her in a conversation.
"Looking for a card for a loved one I presume?" He managed to begin.
Phoebe, fully aware of his presence, remained silent as if she were not being addressed. He cleared his throat to call her attention.
"That person must be very lucky to have a flower grace in such a manner" he continued.
Getting a bit agitated she turned around to face the owner of the voice. It belonged to a dark tall gentleman in blue jeans and a polar t-shirt. He had thin lips, black eyes and a well-trimmed beard. He wore a pair of New Balance sneakers as well. He smiled when he realized he had caught her attention and braced himself for what was yet to come.
"May I help you sir?" She asked a little irritated.
"Nothing more than giving me the chance to know you" he replied.
" Have we by chance met somewhere before?" She asked
"I wish to make this not my first and last." He said smiling
"I'm sorry to crush your hopes sir but I have to get going " she said while grabbing a random card she had previously skimmed through before walking to the counter to pay off.
"I understand miss but may I at least know your name?" He said while trying to catch up with her increasing pace.
"Sir please stop pestering me." She said in annoyance.
"I would if you tell me your name. We might meet somewhere one day, who knows?" He said convincingly by the counter.
She had finished paying for her card and was heading for the door. She turned around and faced the annoying man.
"That I sincerely doubt but if that's all it takes then fine. My name is Phoebe. There. Now please leave me alone." She said while heading for the door, not ready to spend any minute in the shop.
He stood still observing her retreating and the swinging waist. He chuckled and smiled broadly.
"Phoebe. Lovely name for a lovely woman. I'd see you again and that I promise you." He said in almost a whisper before walking down the road to the bus stop. He had forgotten the birthday card he had come to buy for his sister whom he follows directly. Phoebe is more than it.