HEALING BONDS

TWENTY NINE

As they ventured deeper into the city, the atmosphere between Pendo and Dr. Femi grew increasingly comfortable. In the soft glow of the car's interior lights, Dr. Femi couldn't help but ask a question that had been weighing on his mind.

"Pendo," he began gently, "can you tell me more about your relationship with James? Is he...Mara's father?"

Pendo sighed, her gaze fixed on the road ahead. "No," she replied, her voice carrying a mix of sadness and frustration. "James is not Mara's father. Her biological father left us when she was just a baby. He didn't want any responsibility, and he disappeared from our lives." Femi listened, his heart aching for Pendo and Mara. It was clear that they had faced their fair share of hardships. "I'm sorry to hear that," he said softly, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

Pendo smiled weakly, appreciating his empathy. "Thank you, Femi. It's been tough, but we've managed. Mara and I have each other, and that's what matters."

Pendo's curiosity got the better of her, and she turned to  Femi with a warm yet inquisitive smile. "Femi," she began, "you've been so generous with your time, helping people in the village. But I can't help wondering why you'd rather volunteer there than spend time with friends in the city. Is there something specific that draws you to that kind of work?"

Femi took a moment to consider his response. He had always been a man of dedication and purpose, but there were certain aspects of his life he hadn't shared with many people. "Well," he began, his tone thoughtful, "I've dedicated a significant part of my life to medicine and helping others. It's something I'm truly passionate about. But I've also had my share of challenges and...well, volunteering allows me to find a kind of solace and fulfilment that I sometimes struggle to find elsewhere."

Pendo nodded, sensing that there was more to his story than he was letting on. She decided not to press further, respecting his privacy. "It's admirable, Femi," she said with a gentle smile. "The world needs more people like you who are willing to make a difference."

Femi, his gaze briefly flickering away before returning to meet hers, admitted, "Honestly, Pendo, I've been so absorbed in my medical practice that I haven't had much time for relationships. But I wouldn't mind being in one...especially with  you."

Pendo, taken aback by  Femi's flirtatious response, felt a rush of emotions she hadn't experienced in a long time. She glanced away, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush, and couldn't help but compare this moment with James. No man had ever flirted with her so openly and confidently. Femi's boldness was both surprising and intriguing, making her question the dynamics of her current relationship.

Femi, noticing Pendo's quiet contemplation, decided to tease her gently. With a playful smile, he said, "You seem lost in thought, Pendo. Let's take a little break, shall we? I insist on buying us some snacks or a meal. Consider it our first date."

Pendo's surprise and amusement danced in her eyes as she chuckled at his suggestion. "Well,  Femi," she replied with a teasing glint in her eye, "if this is our first date, I have to say it's turning out to be quite memorable."

As the night wore on and the journey continued, Pendo and  Femi delved deeper into getting to know each other. With Femi's earlier confession of his feelings, he felt a newfound sense of freedom, allowing him to flirt away and be more open about his emotions.

They shared stories of their childhood, dreams, and even their favourite movies, their laughter blending with the gentle hum of the city. Femi's charming and flirtatious nature kept the conversation light-hearted and enjoyable. It was a night filled with connection, laughter and a growing sense of intimacy that neither of them had anticipated when they first set out on this journey.

As the city lights flickered around them, the bond between Pendo and  Femi continued to deepen, creating an unforgettable night that would forever be etched in their memories.