EPILOGUE
Ifeyinwa, Ifechukwu and Ifesinachi walked into the dining room. Ifeyinwa was carrying a jug of juice, Ifechukwu was carrying a serving dish filled with jollof rice and Ifesinachi, a tray of peppered chicken. They put it down on the table and took their seats.
Tochi entered the dining room, dropped Kene's drugs on the table and took his seat.
"Zimzim, pray for us," Kene uttered.
They all held hands. Paco took a glance at his wife and smiled.
"Lord Jesus, thank you for providing for my daddy and mummy so they can provide for us. Bless this food, Lord. Please, always keep my family safe, in Jesus' name," Zimuzo prayed.
"Amen," they said in unison.
The girls began to dish the food.
"So, Mum, did Dad compliment you today? Because you look so much better today," Ifeyinwa told her mother.
Kene giggled and looked at her husband with her hand resting on the table and the back of her palm under her chin.
Paco was confused at first.
"Ooo… of course, Ify, I complimented her," he stammered.
"Or didn't I?" he asked Kene.
"I don't know," Kene shrugged.
Everyone laughed.
"But I am better because we made the right choice even if it was hard. I am grateful for all of you," Kene told them gratefully.
"We are grateful for you, Mum," Ifechukwu replied.
They started eating.
"So, Ifechukwu, have you checked your YouTube? What is the latest?" Kene inquired.
Ifechukwu played around with her food, "yes, Mum," she exhaled deeply.
"Erm, the followers reduced. They just unsubscribed," Ifechukwu divulged.
Kene nodded in disappointment but then took another look at Ifechukwu. Ifechukwu did not seem disappointed.
"You do not seem disappointed," Kene stated.
Ifechukwu choked suddenly and started coughing.
"Ndo, nne," Paco said.
"Sorry," every other person told her.
Ifesinachi poured in some water for her. Ifechukwu took it from her and drank it slowly.
"Are you okay?" Kene asked.
"Yes, Mum. Thank you, Ifesi," Ifechukwu uttered.
"Sorry," Kene said again.
"And you, Ifeyinwa?" Kene asked Ifeyinwa.
Ifeyinwa swallowed, "They called and said they cannot wait for me to get back," Ifeyinwa responded.
Kene sighed, "I am guessing they cancelled on you too," Kene said to Ifesinachi.
Ifesinachi nodded in agreement.
Ifechukwu tried to conceal her smile from everyone because even though so many things did not work out for them, at least the destroyed friendship between her and the unanswered love of her life had been rebuilt. Since he was kind of out of her league and they were just friends, she decided to tell no one.
"Wow, well, we know why it worked and failed. So, it is not a cause for alarm. It was not our fault nor was it a crime that we loved someone that much. So, I do not want you guys to think too deeply about it. Everything will fall into place very soon," she chuckled.
Their faces lit up.
Changing the topic, "This juice looks nice. I know it is Ifeyinwa's handwork," she chuckled again and winked at Ifeyinwa.
Ifeyinwa smiled.
"So," Kene took her glass of juice, "this is to family, to love, to happiness, to long life, to good health and prosperity. Cheers," she raised her glass.
"Cheers," Paco replied.
"Cheers," the rest said. They clinked their glasses together.