***The local shopping mall is bustling with activity as Nsiah and her auntie, Auntie Akyaa stroll the aisles, checking items off their camping list. Nsiah carries a small notebook filled with reminders, her excitement palpable.***
Auntie Akyaa: ( holding up a blanket) So, do you think this one is warm enough for you?
Nsiah: ( nodding enthusiastically) Defy! And we need to get some snacks please...
***As they continue shopping. Nsiah glances around, her mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming camping program. Suddenly, she spots her friend Maame Efua, who is shopping with her mother a few aisles over.***
Nsiah: ( grinning) Auntie, look ! It's Maame Efua!
(Nsiah waves excitedly and walks towards her friend, her auntie following closely behind )
Maame Efua: ( noticing Nsiah and waving back) Nsiah! Hey!
( Nsiah and her auntie reach Maame Efua and her mother, Auntie Nancy, who is also inspecting some pillows ).
Nsiah:( smiling) What are you doing here?
Maame Efua: ( beaming) My mom and I are picking up some last- minute things for the stay over . We just saw this pillow.
Auntie Akyaa: ( chiming in) The pillow looks comfy.
Auntie Nancy: ( looking up with a smile) Hi there! It's great to see you both. Are you all set for the staying over at school?
Auntie Akyaa: We are getting there! Just making sure we everything she might need.
Maame Efu and Nsiah continue to chat about random stuffs.
***As they chat, Auntie Akyaa picks up a few more items, keeping an ear on the conversation.***
Auntie Akyaa: ( smiling) It's wonderful to see you two so excited. Just remember, study hard.
( Auntie Nancy adds, looking at Nsiah and Maame Efua)
Auntie Nancy: And help each other all the time.
Auntie Akyaa: ( glancing at her watch) Alright girls, we should probably get going. We still have a few more things to pick up before the camping .
** With that, Nsiah and her auntie wave goodbye to Maame Efua and her mother, heading off to finish their shopping.**
The afternoon run filters through the curtains of Kweku's grandfather's living room. Kweku is sprawled on the couch, thumbing through a magazine, when he hears the familiar sound of the front door opening. He looks up to see his mother, Auntie Ama, enter carrying several shopping bags. A fleeting smile crosses his face, but it quickly fades.
Auntie Ama: ( brimming with enthusiasm) Surprise! Look what I brought for you!
( Kweku stands up , forcing a smile as he approaches her. She sets the bags on the table and glances at the contents- snacks, a new water bottle and a cozy blanket).
Kweku: ( trying to sound cheerful) Thanks mom.
Auntie Ama: ( noticing his lack of enthusiasm) I thought you'd like these when you stay at school, your grandpa informed me.
( Kweku shrugs, his expression distant)
Kweku: ( quietly) Yeah, they are great.
( His mother's smile falters and she sits down beside him , seeing something is off).
Auntie Ama:( gently? What's wrong, Kweku? You seem a bit down.
Kweku: ( sighing) I don't know. It's just... you haven't been around much lately.
( His mother's expression shifts to one of concern, she reaches out placing a hand on his shoulder)
Auntie Ama: ( gently) I understand. I promise I'll make more time for you. It's just that things have been hectic.
( Kweku nods, but his heart is still heavy. He forces a smile not wanting to hurt her feelings).
Auntie Ama: You have to study hard during this period.
Kweku: Alright mom.
( As she gathers her bags to leave, Kweku watch her go , a mix of gratitude and sadness welling up inside him. He knows he should be happy for her visit, but the feeling of neglect lingers, casting a shadow over his happiness).
***Kweku's POV***
When I heard the front door creak open, I looked up and there she was— my mom. She stepped in with that familiar brightness, carrying shopping bags that seemed almost too heavy for her arms. A smile tugged at my lips but it was fleeting. I couldn't shake the feeling of reluctance that settled in my heart.
"Surprise! Look what I brought for you", she exclaimed, her voice full of enthusiasm.
I forced myself to smile as she emptied the bags onto the coffee table. I should have felt excited, but instead, I felt a twinge of frustration. It was as if she was fulfilling a duty rather than spending time with me.
"Thanks mom", I said trying to sound genuine as I picked up a bag of plantain chips.
She sat down beside me, her brows furrowing as she noticed my lack of enthusiasm. I knew she would ask what was wrong and i braced myself for that moment.
I didn't want to hurt her feelings but I couldn't keep pretending everything was okay.
I wanted to enjoy her visit, to feel connected again just like when Dad was alive but the underlying frustration lingered. I wanted her to know that I mattered to her, that I wasn't just another responsibility to check off her list.
Watching her gather her bags to leave, a wave of conflicting emotions crashed over me.
As she walked out the door , I felt a piece of me go with her, a reminder of what I missed -our time together, the connection we used to share. I hoped the maybe, just maybe, I could find a way to bring that back.
*** Nsiah and her auntie pull into their driveway after a successful shopping trip. The sun is beginning to set , casting a warm glow over the neighbourhood. As they exit the car, Nsiah can hear the sound of laughter and playful shouts coming from inside the house***
Auntie Akyaa:( cheerfully) I think your cousins are already in full swing!
Nsiah:( smiling) I can't wait to see what they're up to.
( They walk up to the front door l, and as soon as Nsiah opened it, she's greeted by a whirlwind of energy)
Nana Akosua and Papa Yaw : ( in unison) Nsiah! You're back!
Nana Akosua: Did you get everything?
Nsiah ( laughing) slow down , Nana, Yes I got lots of stuffs. I will show you everything after dinner.
Nsiah is sitting cross- legged on the bed , surrounded by pillows and few open books. Nana Akosua sit down beside Nsiah , trying to have some more of their midnight chats before she leaves for camping which is four months long.
Nana Akosua: Hey! Can I ask you something?
Nsiah: ( looking up from her book) Sure, what's on your mind?
Nana Akosua: ( leaning closer, whispering dramatically) Do you still have a crush on Kweku?
( Nsiah feels her cheeks warm as she bites her lip , trying to suppress a smile)
Nsiah;( playfully) Well , maybe...But he doesn't feel the same.
Nana Akosua: Well you never know... He might—
Nsiah:( interrupting her) It's just a crush, okay? It's not a big deal.
Nana Akosua: What if he likes you back?
(Nsiah feels her heart race at the thought of, but she shakes her head)
Nsiah;( sight) it's complicated. I don't want to ruin our friendship.
( Nana Akosua leans back , considering her sister's words)
Nsiah packed her books away and they both laid in bed silent, gradually falling asleep.
YOU ARE READING
Whispers of Destiny
Storie d'amore"In the midst of heartache and family challenges, a resilient young girl Nsiah , discovers solace and support in an unexpected friendship. Join as you find out on a journey of healing, growth, and the power of human connection."
