Morning light spread across the damaged street as workers cleared debris around the fallen creature. Police vehicles lined the road, and people moved carefully through the wreckage.
David stood nearby with his family, still feeling the weight of exhaustion in his body.
Officer Chibueze approached after finishing a conversation with another officer.
"You should be resting," he said.
David nodded slightly, then looked at him. "Officer… about what you promised me."
Chibueze paused for a moment before replying. "The weapons?"
David nodded. "Yes."
The officer gave a small nod. "Alright. I'll take you there later."
He folded his arms and looked toward the damaged buildings around them.
"So… what are you going to do now? Where will you stay? Most of the buildings on this block are destroyed."
David glanced at his parents before answering.
"We'll probably check into a hotel for now," he said. "At least until things settle down."
Chibueze rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"A hotel, huh…"
He looked back at David, then at the family standing beside him.
"Why not stay at my place for a while?" he said suddenly. "I've got space."
David blinked. "Your place?"
"Yeah," Chibueze replied casually. "It's just me and my daughters there. The house gets pretty quiet sometimes. Might be nice to have some company."
David's parents exchanged surprised glances.
Ada looked curious.
Chibueze shrugged slightly. "Besides, you all went through enough already. No point struggling to find somewhere to stay right now."
David hesitated for a moment.
Somehow, things seemed to be lining up strangely.
He looked at Officer Chibueze again.
"…If you're sure it's not a problem," David said.
Chibueze waved a hand dismissively. "Not a problem at all."
And with that simple offer, David unknowingly took the first step toward something he couldn't possibly see coming.
The car slowed as Officer Chibueze turned into a quiet residential street. Compared to the chaos they had left behind, the neighborhood felt calm, almost untouched.
"This is it," Chibueze said as he pulled into the driveway.
David stepped out with his family, stretching slightly. His body still felt sore from the battle.
Before they could reach the door, it suddenly opened.
A girl stepped out first.
She looked about sixteen, with light brown skin and sharp, observant eyes. Her dark hair was tied back neatly, and she wore a simple oversized grey hoodie with black shorts, casual but comfortable, like someone relaxing at home. There was a calm confidence in the way she stood.
Behind her peeked a younger girl.
She was about twelve, with pretty yellow-toned skin and bright curious eyes that seemed to take in everything at once. She wore a loose pastel T-shirt and soft house shorts, clearly dressed for a relaxed day indoors. Her expression was lively and full of curiosity.
The younger girl leaned forward slightly.
"Dad?" she said.
Officer Chibueze smiled a little.
"Mmeso, Divine," he said. "We've got guests."
David froze for half a second.
Recognition hit him immediately.
The girls from the party.
Divine's eyes widened the moment she saw Ada.
"Ada!" she said excitedly.
Ada lit up just as quickly.
"Divine!"
The two girls rushed toward each other like they had known each other for years instead of just meeting once.
David looked back at the older girl.
Mmeso.
For a moment neither of them spoke.
Just a quiet pause.
Then she gave a small polite smile.
"Looks like fate really does have a sense of humor," she said softly.
And just like that, two separate worlds quietly collided under the same roof.