The smell of books and coffee filled Maya's small apartment. She loved it. Her fingers gently touched the pimple, a weak smile on her face. For the first time in years, she truly felt comfortable. Having finished her university studies, she has now sought peace. Lovers? No more, especially after your recent relationship. Her heart needed time to heal, so she built a protective barrier around her, a careful layer.
Her job in the public library was perfect. Calm. Routine. She helped people find stories in her workdays, away from her past. The best part of her day, however, was always looking at Ben. Ben is across the road, in another office. He repairs computers in the company. He was a friend for two years. Easy friend. Take it easy, girl. They take lunch together, discuss unimportant things, and complain about work. He was able to make her laugh. He knew about his quiet rum.
Ben was in the library on a Tuesday, not to access the books but to talk to her before lunch. He rested against the shelf, observing his new releases. "Purious day, Maya?" He asked in his low voice.
She looked up, a smile already on her face. "Always. These books do not qualify."
He laughed. "Valid point. Want to get something fast later? My delight."
A heat passed her. It was no longer friendship. It was something else, something that caused your stomach to turn. She pushed the thought away. No. Remember the wall. "Of course, Ben. It looks good."
That night she got home, the towns of the city faded as she turned to her street. The parents' homes were tiny, with peeling paint and a roof that was giving in. It was a bitter reminder of their difficulties. The other time she opened the door, the peace from her day was lost.
"Maya! You are at home," her mother screamed, her voice. "Did you meet Mr. Adebayo today? He asked if you were doing well."
Maya breathed deeply. Adebayo was a rich man in their church. Her mother had tried to fix them for months. "No, Mom. I was busy."
"Busy? Too busy to think about your future? Look at this house, Maya! Look at us! We need help. You need a man who is both good and prosperous. Not anyone." Her mother brushed the thought of someone poorer away with her hand. "You don't get younger."
Maya's shoulders sagged. This was every day. The merciless pressure. She thought of Ben, with his understanding eyes and soft laughter. He was not wealthy, not like Mr. Adebayo. But he let her feel safe. He left her feeling loved. And she loved him. The realization hit her with a soft force more powerful than any wall she had constructed. It scared her.
The next afternoon, he decided to go home the other way and was alone before meeting his mother again. She went on a wooden road and felt the sun on her skin. A black vehicle that looked like a very polished stone, long and elegant, slowed down because it was driving past. It was a vehicle he had only seen in magazines.
The window even fell down and revealed a person sitting inside. He was beautiful, with piercing eyes and a scary appearance. He did not smile, his gaze targeted him to stare at the cold, unwavering. He then stopped the car.
Maya grazed. He just sat there. Then he slowly opened the car door.