The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the garden as Simi and Temi played outside. The vibrant colours of blooming flowers surrounded them, creating a picturesque backdrop that felt almost surreal. Simi watched as Temi twirled in her frilly blue dress, her laughter ringing out like music in the air. In moments like these, Simi felt a fleeting sense of peace, a respite from the chaos that had engulfed their lives in recent weeks."Look at me, Mommy!" Temi exclaimed, spinning around with her arms outstretched. "I'm a princess!"Simi smiled, her heart swelling with affection for her daughter. "You are the most beautiful princess I've ever seen," she replied, kneeling to meet Temi's eyes. "But every princess needs a brave knight to protect her."Temi giggled, her eyes sparkling with delight. "And I have you! You're my knight!"Simi felt warmth spread through her chest at Temi's innocent adoration. "Yes, I'll always be your knight," she promised, though part of her heart ached at the thought of how much she wanted to protect Temi from the harsh realities of life. As they continued to play, Simi's mind wandered back to the recent fashion gala and her encounter with Dami. The memory of his charming smile and easy confidence lingered in her thoughts like a sweet melody. She had felt an undeniable connection with him—something that both excited and terrified her."Mommy?" Temi's voice broke through Simi's reverie, pulling her back to the present."Yes, sweetheart?" Simi asked, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear."Do you like Dami?" Temi asked innocently, tilting her head to the side as she regarded her mother with wide eyes. Simi felt her breath catch in her throat. "Dami?" she echoed, trying to keep her tone casual despite the sudden flutter of anxiety in her chest. "Why do you ask?"Temi shrugged nonchalantly but there was an earnestness in her gaze that made Simi's heart race. "He's nice. I think he likes you."Simi chuckled nervously at the thought; it was both endearing and disconcerting coming from her daughter. "Oh? You think so?""Yeah!" Temi giggled again, spinning around once more before stopping to face Simi. "He smiles at you a lot."Simi felt a pang of longing at the thought—longing for something she had almost forgotten amid the pressures of family expectations and obligations. "He is nice," she admitted softly, trying to gauge how much to share with Temi without overwhelming her with adult complexities."What if he makes you happy?" Temi asked earnestly, her small hands clasped together as if she were contemplating something profound. Simi's heart twisted at those words; they were both innocent and heavy with meaning. "I want to be happy," she replied carefully, searching for the right words. "But it's not that simple."Why not?" Temi pressed, genuine curiosity shining in her eyes. Simi sighed deeply,
feeling the weight of everything pressing down on her shoulders.
"Sometimes grown-ups have to make hard choices."Temi frowned slightly,
her brow furrows as she processes this information.
"Like what?""Like choosing between what you want and what your family expects of you," Simi explained,
her voice tinged with sadness.
"It can be confusing."Temi nodded thoughtfully,
her innocent expression reflecting deep contemplation.
"But you should choose what makes you happy."Simi smiled at her daughter's wisdom; it was so simple yet so profound coming from someone so young.
"You're right," she said softly,
"But sometimes it feels like there are too many people involved."Like Daddy?" Temi asked innocently."Yes," Simi admitted,
feeling a pang of guilt wash over her.
"He wants what he thinks is best for me."But what about what you want?" Temi pressed again,
her voice filled with determination."I want to be happy," Simi replied,
her heart aching at the thought.
"But I also want to make my family proud."Temi looked up at Simi,
her eyes filled with sincerity.
"You can do both! You just have to find someone who makes you happy."Simi felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes; how could someone so small understand so much? "I hope I can find that person," she whispered,
fighting against the emotions threatening to spill over.Just then,
a soft breeze rustled through the garden,
sending petals dancing through the air like confetti celebrating life itself.
Simi took a deep breath,
filling her lungs with fresh air infused with the scent of blooming flowers. As they continued their playful banter,
Simi couldn't shake off the feeling that something was shifting within herself—a longing for connection that transcended familial obligations. Later that evening,
Simi tucked Temi into bed,
the little girl yawning widely as she snuggled under the covers."Goodnight, Mommy," Temi said sleepily,
a content smile on her face."Goodnight, sweetheart," Simi replied softly,
kissing Temi's forehead before turning off the light.As she stepped out into the hallway,
Simi leaned against the wall for a moment,
taking deep breaths as thoughts swirled around in her mind like leaves caught in a whirlwind. What would it mean to pursue happiness? What would it mean to embrace love when so many expectations loomed over her head? She thought about Dami again—his easy smile and genuine passion for his craft had ignited something within her that had long been dormant.
Could he be someone who truly saw her worth? Could he understand what it meant to balance dreams against familial duty? The questions lingered as she made her way downstairs,
where Gbolahan sat alone in the living room,
a newspaper spread across his lap as he scrolled through his phone."Are you okay?" he asked without looking up as she entered."I'm fine," Simi replied automatically but felt fatigue wash over every fibre within herself.
She didn't want to engage in another discussion about expectations or responsibilities right now. Gbolahan finally glanced up at his daughter,
hands resting on his knees as he studied her expression closely.
Simi could see concern etched across his features—a reminder that despite everything happening around them all right now,
he still cared deeply about their family unit."What did you talk about with Temi?" he asked after a moment of silence filled only by sounds echoing from nearby streets bustling alive under stars twinkling overhead illuminating path ahead leading towards uncertain future waiting just beyond the horizon. "Oh, just… kids' stuff," Simi replied dismissively,
fighting against the urge to reveal deeper conversations shared between them both earlier, filled with innocence radiating from a small frame, reminding everyone present how important love remained amidst trials faced along the journey ahead. Gbolahan nodded slowly but didn't seem convinced.
Simi could feel the tension rising again surrounding them both—an unspoken promise hanging heavily between each member present, waiting patiently until the next round came around again."I hope you're considering my proposal," he said, finally breaking silence once more, filling room surrounding them, both with weightiness settling heavily upon shoulders once more. "I'm still thinking about it," Simi said carefully,
fighting against frustration bubbling beneath the surface once more,e knowing full well how much pressure rested upon them all right now."It's important for our family," Gbolahan insisted firmly.
Simi could see determination etched upon features—an unwavering strength shining through despite challenges faced along the way forward ahead."I know," Simi replied softly but firmly.
"But I need time."Gbolahan sighed deeply before nodding slowly, acknowledging the need to give space while still feeling urgency surrounding decisions made regarding the future awaiting them all ahead, filled with uncertainties lingering beneath the surface, waiting patiently until the opportunity arose once more. As they sat together in silence watching night sky filled stars twinkling overhead illuminating the path ahead leading towards an uncertain future waiting just beyond the horizon,
Simi couldn't shake the feeling that whatever lay ahead would require strength and resilience built upon love shared between them both—an unbreakable bond forged through trials faced along the journey ahead.