Yesterday's Future 2✔️

42. The unexpected visitor.

7:51am,
Simi's apartment,
Abuja.

A delicate lace curtain billowed softly at the window, allowing a sliver of golden sunlight to filter into Simi's living room. Against the backdrop of neutral-toned walls, vibrant artwork and framed photographs added bursts of color and personality. The gentle sounds of urban life filtered in, blending with the distant murmur of neighbors going about their day and the occasional rumble of passing vehicles.

Inside, her bags lay forgotten in the center, untouched since her arrival the day before. She couldn't bring herself to unpack them, the gravity of recent events weighing heavily on her thoughts. Despite the disorder and the dust that had accumulated over her furniture and belongings during her absence, there was a sense of comfort in being back.

Home had always been her sanctuary, a place of solace where she could retreat from the chaos of the harsh outside world. Now, more than ever, she found solace in the familiar sights and sounds of her own space, and she was grateful to be back where she belonged, away from all the pain and guilt of the Coker's family—yet haunted by the memories of the past few days.

Still in her nightdress, Simi sat perched on the edge of her couch, phone pressed to her ear. She took a sip of her steaming tea, the warmth of the liquid seeping into her bones, a stark reflection of the intensity of her existence. Ada's voice drifted through the line, tinged with worry.

"Can you imagine? The birthday boy is not even here for his own birthday party. After all the invites and everything, Adam is not here. You need to see Suwa. She is so pained right now."

A furrow formed between Simi's brows as she tried to make sense of the situation. "What do you mean?" she asked.

"He had to travel, apparently. His mom said something came up," Ada explained, her confusion evident in her tone. "It all feels off, Simi. Auntie Feyi doesn't seem bothered, and neither does Yara. They've been so cheerful since we got here. Auntie said the party is more about honouring Sam's memory with family and friends after a decade. Wish you were here to see it."

Simi shrugged but her mind raced with worry for Adam and what he could be up to. "He travelled to Rivers state, that meeting with the Inspector General about the investigation."

"I can't believe he still went through with that after everything. Adam can be so stubborn. Damn. But honestly, I'm relieved you're no longer here, caught up in all of this," Ada sighed over the phone before she continued.

"So what's up with you? Do you feel better since you got back home? And what have you been doing?"

"Nothing much yet. I haven't even unpacked. I'm just...huh...lazying around and trying to get over the last couple of days. I'll step out after I have my breakfast."

"You're missing. There's a lot of food here already, and people are trooping in. It actually looks like it's going to be pretty fun. But, I can't wait for this party to be over with and Teng and I will be on the next flight to you tomorrow. It's time that we put all of this behind us."

"I swear, I can't wait for you guys to be back because I have —."

The shrill ring of the doorbell cut through her words, sending a sudden shiver down her spine. She exchanged a worried glance with her phone, her mind racing.

"Hang on, someone's at the door," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Who's that? Did you tell anyone you were back already?" Ada's voice crackled through the phone, adding to the growing tension in the room. The bell rang again.