The air in the small apartment was thick with tension. The sound of the ceiling fan whirring was the only thing breaking the heavy silence. Amara sat at the dining table, her sewing machine in front of her, but her hands were idle. Her mind was far away, focused on her husband, Tayo, who sat slumped on the couch with his head in his hands.
Tayo, you've been sitting there for hours, Amara said gently, trying to mask her worry. We will figure this out, okay?
Tayo looked up, his eyes bloodshot from lack of sleep. Figure this out? Amara, I've lost everything. The app I've been working on for three years, the investors who promised me funding all gone. How do I fix that?
Amara stood up and walked over to him, kneeling by his side. She placed her hand on his knee. You haven't lost everything. You still have me. We will find another way.
He looked at her, his frustration momentarily softening. "I don't deserve you,he whispered.
Amara smiled faintly. Well, you are stuck with me. So let's stop sulking and think of solutions.
Just as she spoke, her phone buzzed on the table. She stood up and retrieved it, frowning as she saw the name on the screen Yemi.
Hello? Amara answered.
Hey babe, Yemi's overly cheerful voice came through. I was just calling to check in. How's business?
Amara hesitated. Yemi had always been supportive, but something about her tone lately had been off. It is okay. Slow, but I am managing.
That's good to hear,Yemi replied. If you ever need advice, you know I am here, right?
Thanks, Yemi. I will let you know, Amara said, her tone polite but distant.
After ending the call, Amara returned to Tayo. I am going to start taking more commissions. If I can get a few more clients, it will help.
Tayo sighed. You're already working too hard. I should be the one—
No. Amara's voice was firm. We're a team, Tayo. We'll both do whatever it takes.
Just then, Tayo's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his brows furrowing. Who is this?
What is wrong? Amara asked, noticing the change in his expression.
It's an email. Someone's offering me a job overseas, he said slowly.
Amara's heart sank. Overseas? Where?
Dubai. The pay is good, and they're promising immediate onboarding,Tayo explained, his voice laced with doubt.
Amara frowned. It sounds too good to be true. Did they say what kind of work it is?
Tech consulting,"Tayo replied. "But you're right it feels off. I will look into it.
Please do, Amara said, her unease growing.
The night wore on, and while Tayo stayed glued to his laptop researching the mysterious job offer, Amara sat at her sewing machine, stitching fabric and her resolve together.