CHAPTER 1
The night was unsettlingly quiet in Prisca's room, where only a soft lamp cast faint shadows along the walls. She lay on the floor, her body wracked by violent convulsions, spasming in the stillness. Alone, she struggled in silence as a faint tension built in the air, seeming to whisper that something was terribly wrong.
***
Across the compound, the morning sun was beginning to rise. John wandered anxiously, a familiar sight to the residents who had grown used to his persistence. Every morning, he appeared, hoping for a chance encounter with the woman who had captured his heart, though she hardly seemed to notice him.
One of the tenants, annoyed by John's constant presence, couldn't hold back any longer. "Bros, you no get work? Every morning, you dey come find woman like say she be last babe on earth."
Another tenant laughed, joining in. "Na true. And the worst part be say the woman no even like am! Bros, you dey disturb yourself."
John merely smiled, his gaze steady. "I love her, and I'm going after what I love."
The first tenant shook his head, laughing. "My guy, you've been going after her for over a year. You no see say she no dey interested?"
John's smile grew determined. "I used to think that way too, but she's not with anyone. She's single, and one day she'll love me. She has to."
Both tenants laughed harder, egging each other on. "I fit bet say she go leave you marry another man!" one of them declared.
"I go drop 20k for that bet!" the second chimed in.
John's face darkened, his expression tense with defiance. "That will never happen. She can't marry someone else!" He shot them a fiery glare before storming off, leaving the two tenants snickering in his wake.
***
Inside a small, cramped room nearby, two friends, Daniel and Frank, were finishing a simple meal of garri. Frank lay back on the bed, smiling dreamily as he stared at the ceiling.
"She's a hottie," he murmured, grinning as he drifted into thought.
Daniel, curious, looked up. "Who are you talking about?"
"Our neighbor next door," Frank replied, sighing dramatically. "Can you believe I didn't know we had such a pretty girl around here? If I'd known, I wouldn't be single!"
Daniel's eyes narrowed. "Wait, don't tell me it's who I think it is."
Frank chuckled, nodding. "Yes, the one next door. I can't get her out of my mind."
Daniel's expression hardened. "Frank, you know I've been interested in that girl since we moved in."
Frank shrugged casually. "And? Make we both try our luck. May the best man win."
Daniel stood up, visibly tense. "You did the same thing with Christiana. But I'm telling you, this time, I won't give her up. If I can't have her, then neither can you."
As Daniel turned and stormed out, Frank laughed, calling after him. "Na because of woman you dey vex like this? Na me get that shima!"
Frank lay back, a gleeful grin stretching across his face.
***
Later that day, Daniel found himself wandering down the passage outside Prisca's door, his heart racing as he rehearsed what he might say. He looked down, noticing her slippers just outside, and decided to knock. He tapped softly at first, but the seconds stretched with no response. He knocked louder, his worry intensifying when the silence remained unbroken.
Thinking quickly, he made his way to the backyard and peered into her window. His breath caught in his throat—Prisca was lying on the floor, unmoving.
His heart thundered as he raced back to the front door, pounding on it with all his strength. "Prisca! Prisca, open up! Prisca!" Desperation took hold, and he forced the door open. Inside, he ran to her side, gripping her shoulders as he shook her gently, panic seizing him.
***
John was at a busy market, where he was haggling over a camera with a shopkeeper. His eyes lingered on a sleek model as he carefully inspected it.
"Bros, na 180 last," the trader said. "This camera na original."
John pulled out his phone, nodding. "Give me your account details."
The trader, curious, eyed him with a hint of suspicion. "You dey work as security?"
"No," John replied, not looking up as he transferred the money.
"What you wan take camera do?" the trader pressed, his tone slightly wary.
John shot him a hard look. "That's none of your business. But if it doesn't work, I'll be back."
The trader forced a laugh, slightly unnerved by John's intensity. "No worry, oga, na one-year warranty."
John gave him one last, piercing look before turning and walking away. The trader watched him disappear into the crowd, a shiver running down his spine.
***
Meanwhile, Prisca lay in a dimly lit hospital room, her body propped up against the pillows as she pressed a trembling hand to her aching head. The antiseptic scent and the soft hum of medical machinery filled the air, reinforcing the sterility of her surroundings. Sunlight peeked timidly through the blinds, casting soft lines over her pale face. Her eyes opened, cloudy but alert as they took in the faint details of the room.
A nurse entered, pushing a tray gently to the side, and glanced at Prisca with a concerned expression.
"Who brought me here?" Prisca's voice was a fragile thread, barely audible but firm.
"A young man," the nurse replied, folding her hands. "He said he'd return soon, he got a call and had to leave."
Prisca frowned, her brow furrowing. "Did anyone inform him about my condition?"
The nurse shook her head. "No, he didn't even ask."
Prisca exhaled, a small wave of relief crossing her face. "Good. I don't want anyone else to know. If he comes back and asks, just tell him it's stress-related."
The nurse's gaze softened, a hint of pity creeping in as she looked at Prisca. "Prisca, don't you think it's time you let your family know?"
Prisca scoffed lightly, though her smile was bitter. "Family? It's… complicated." She looked away, as if turning from memories that were too painful to acknowledge. With a shaky resolve, she swung her legs off the bed, determined to leave.
Just then, the doctor walked in, his calm but firm expression halting her movements. "Not so fast, young lady," he admonished gently, folding his arms as he approached. "Aren't you even a little worried about yourself?"
Prisca's shoulders dropped as she averted her gaze, her resolve faltering. The doctor's voice softened, tinged with a quiet urgency. "It's worsening, Prisca. I suggest you stay here since you have no one to care for you."
Prisca's lips curved into a faint, almost wistful smile. "But in the end, I'm going to die, aren't I? I'd rather spend my time living the way I choose."
The nurse, who had been standing quietly beside the bed, reached up to wipe a tear that had slipped down her cheek. Her sympathy was palpable, thickening the air around them.
The doctor took a measured breath, his voice solemn. "You have less than two months, Prisca."
Prisca's smile grew, though it was tinged with a sadness only she could fully understand. "Perfect," she murmured. "I should start making plans. The first few weeks… to savor life. And then," her voice softened, "I'll find peace in the reverend sisters convent."
She reached out and clasped the doctor's hand, her grip warm and surprisingly strong. "Thank you, Doctor," she whispered with heartfelt gratitude. "You've done more for me than anyone else."
The doctor nodded, looking at her pathetically .