Star dropped the food plate onto the table, then instinctively checked her phone. Mandume's message lit up the screen, and an unconscious smile curved her lips.
"It's just a 'hi'. Why are you smiling now?" Louisa asked, raising an eyebrow.
Star blinked, suddenly aware. "Wait… Mom, you were in my phone?"
Louisa grinned knowingly. "Your notifications show in full on the lock screen. I didn't snoop, promise."
Star read aloud, her voice softening, "'Hi, my Star.'" She looked up, eyes bright. "It's not just a 'hi'—you didn't read it right."
Louisa's smile faded into something heavier. "I was in love once, just like you are now. But look at me today… I'm not saying Mandume will end up like your father. No. But love… it's both a blessing and a wound."
"I understand, Mom," Star replied quietly.
Mandume flopped onto his bed, frustration clouding his face.
"Why won't she reply?" he muttered.
The bathroom door swung open. Olivia appeared, eyes shining with excitement.
"Hey… how do I look?"
Mandume's gaze darted to the open gift box on the table. Then to the necklace glinting on Olivia's neck.
"Did… you take that from the gift box?" Mandume asked, incredulous.
"Yes! And guess what? I love it. It's my…" Olivia began, only to be cut off.
"That's—"
"Not mine? Oh, sorry, Mandume. I saw the 'BFF' pendant and thought—" Olivia lifted the necklace, about to take it off.
"Olly, leave it. It's fine. It's yours," Mandume interrupted, weary.
"Really? I'm so excited! I love you, Mandume," Olivia gushed.
Just then, Bonita entered.
"How do I look, Boni? Isn't it beautiful?" Olivia asked, her smile wide.
Bonita forced a polite smile, exchanging a glance with Mandume, who barely looked up from his phone.
"Oh, Olly… I need to see Star today. Do you know which hotel she's at?" Mandume asked.
"I know! I want to see her too. Since she was discharged, none of us have visited," Olivia said eagerly.
"Where exactly?" Mandume pressed.
"Katutura Local Hotel, just before Miami Service Station."
"Great. I'm leaving now," Mandume said, heading to the bathroom.
Olivia's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I never expected this gift, Boni! I'm thrilled."
Bonita sighed quietly and left the room. Moments later, she returned.
"Mandume, Grandma wants to see you."
"On my way," Mandume called from the bathroom.
Star and Louisa ate quietly together.
"Mom, if you're here, who's running the business?" Star asked.
Louisa's voice was steady but firm. "I quit."
Star's eyes widened. "What? Mom, you can't quit! How did you think—"
"Star, first, be calm. How could I stay out there when my only child was dying?" Louisa said, her gaze unwavering.
"I'm here, Mom. I'm not dying. This isn't about me. It's about the business you started. We're moving into a brick house soon—how will we manage the bills, the water, electricity? I still have my refund, but it won't last," Star said, worry thick in her voice.
Louisa reached across the table, squeezing Star's hand. "My sweet baby, don't worry. It's all been taken care of."
"Are you sure, Mom?" Star asked, searching her face.
"Very sure."
Mandume and Olivia descended the stairs.
"Grandma, I heard you were calling," Mandume greeted Christine.
"Yes… Are you going out?" Christine asked.
"Yes, I'm meeting—"
"He's meeting a client, Grandma," Olivia interrupted, tugging Mandume's arm.
Christine smiled knowingly. "I want to discuss something important, dear. Will you come back?"
"I will," Mandume promised, and they left.
Mandume's worry deepened. Star hadn't replied. He called, but she didn't pick up. Star was eating—unaware.
Near Katutura, Maria's call broke the silence.
"Mom?" Mandume answered.
"Mandume, please hurry. I was attacked by armed robbers near Cimbabasia," Maria's voice was raw, trembling.
"What?" Mandume gasped.
"Please come pick me up," Maria pleaded.
"I'm coming," Mandume said, urgency sharpening his tone as he turned toward Cimbabasia.
"What happened?" Olivia asked.
"You'll find out soon enough," Mandume replied grimly.
Mandume found Maria near the forest edge.
"Mom, what were you doing out here?"
"I was finishing demos for Mr. Jackson's contract and took a shortcut on the way back. That's when it happened," Maria explained.
"What happened?" Olivia asked.
Maria took a deep breath. "I drove over some sharp objects—nails in the road. When I got out to check, I was attacked. Luckily, a passing car scared them off. But my tires are punctured. I can't drive."
"Thank God you're safe. I'll send the Tower for the car. Let's get out of here," Mandume said.
Back home, Mandume's voice was soft but determined.
"Star, I'm sorry. I'll call you once I get home."