The Okocha compound was alive with noise and laughter when Glory arrived the next morning. Chickens darted between buckets of water, and children played tag around the hibiscus hedge that lined the entrance. Mrs. Nonso Okocha, a stout woman with a booming voice, stood in the center of it all like a general commanding troops.
"Baby! Drop that knife before you cut your hand. Chituga, if you don't finish peeling those groundnuts, no food for you this night!"
Her hands never stopped moving as she directed women tying wrappers, vendors bringing supplies, and curious neighbors who drifted in with advice no one asked for.
"Ah, Glory!" she called when she spotted her. "My daughter! Come, come. Help us check these jewelry sets. This your Lagos eye will know the real one from the fake."
Glory laughed, kneeling slightly in greeting before joining her and Chiburuoma at a low wooden table where beads and bangles glittered in the sun.
"Good morning, Ma," she said warmly.
"Morning, my dear. You've added weight. Lagos is treating you well." Mrs. Okocha chuckled, her eyes crinkling. "Chiburuoma, look at her cheeks. If she was the one marrying, her husband would not complain."
"Mama!" Chiburuoma protested, but her cheeks pinked.
The women laughed, and Glory felt the old ease of belonging settle around her.
---
By afternoon, Glory carried a tray of food across the street, heading back to her mother's house. The air shimmered with heat, and the hum of cicadas rose from the mango trees. As she passed Abraham's gate, a familiar voice called out.
"Glory!"
She turned to see Patience, Abraham's neighbor, standing at her doorway with a broom in hand. She was tall, with smooth skin and a confident presence, her wrapper tied neatly at her waist. A young boy clung to her side, and two teenage girls were busy shelling beans on a mat nearby.
"Good afternoon, Aunty Patience," Glory greeted.
"Afternoon, my dear. You've come back from Lagos, eh? I almost didn't recognize you. You've grown into a fine woman." Patience's gaze lingered, warm but assessing. Then she smiled knowingly. "It's good you came back. Your people need you now."
Glory thanked her politely and was about to leave when the sound of a football striking the wall startled them both. The ball rolled into the street, and seconds later, Abraham appeared, jogging after it.
Sweat glistened on his arms, his white jersey clinging to his chest. He slowed when he saw them, flashing a smile.
"Afternoon, Mama Patience," he greeted.
Patience's face softened instantly. "Afternoon, Abraham. Still playing ball like a small boy, eh? When will you rest?"
He laughed lightly, retrieving the ball. "When Man U stops winning."
The young girls on the mat giggled, whispering to each other. Patience shook her head fondly, her eyes following him as he bounced the ball once before tucking it under his arm.
"Glory," Abraham said, glancing at her. "You're just coming from Chiburuoma's place?"
"Yes," she replied, her voice steadier than she felt.
"Alright. Greet your mother for me." He nodded and walked off toward his yard, the ball still under his arm.
Patience watched him go, her smile lingering. Then she turned to Glory, lowering her voice. "That young man… he has sense. Quiet but dependable. Not like all these other boys chasing shadows."
Glory managed a polite smile, but inside, her stomach twisted. She didn't like the way Patience's eyes followed him, full of something warmer than neighborly affection.
---
Later that evening, as dusk settled and lanterns flickered in doorways, Emperor and Tamuno dropped by Abraham's veranda. Glory, on her way to fetch water, overheard their banter.
"Guy, I saw the way Mama Patience was looking at you today," Tamuno teased, nudging Abraham. "If you no take time, she go fry you like plantain."
Emperor roared with laughter. "Na true! The woman dey shine eye for you since. And she even dey cook well. If na me, I go marry her sharp sharp."
Abraham shook his head, though a small smile tugged at his lips. "You two like wahala. She's just a neighbor."
"Neighbor wey dey call your name sweetly?" Tamuno cackled.
Abraham swatted at him with a towel, but his friends only laughed harder.
From across the compound, Glory caught the exchange, heat rising in her chest. She walked quickly past them without greeting, her water bucket swinging harder than necessary.
---
That night, lying on her mat, Glory stared at the ceiling, restless. Desmond's confident smile, Abraham's quiet strength, and now Patience's lingering gaze all crowded her thoughts.
She pressed a hand to her chest. What am I even doing here?
But she knew the answer. She had come for Chiburuoma's wedding. Yet somewhere along the way, her heart had stumbled into a battle she never planned for.