CHAPTER SEVENTEEN “CONVINCED”

© Opeyemi Akintunde

Inspired by the Holy One

Imade’s POV

Morning had already begun before I slept.
The flight had stolen the night from us and handed us daylight like a receipt… As I laid on the bed, I thought about how tired my body was , but my mind was refusing to cooperate. Jet lag was one thing. Emotional lag was another.

I sat up on the edge of the bed again… that familiar position… phone beside me, heart unsettled.

I stood up, pulled the curtains open, and let the morning light flood the room fully this time. The city was already awake. People were moving. Choosing. Living.
I envied them. I decided to get busy , hoping my mind would get busy too. I was halfway through unpacking when I heard it.

A knock….Not hurried…Not tentative.

Just… considerate.

I paused.

I wasn’t expecting anyone, but feared who it might be.
I walked to the door and checked the peephole.
I stepped back. My heart started racing…

Daniel.

He stood slightly to the side, not directly facing the door, like someone careful not to appear intrusive. He wore a simple shirt and trousers, nothing loud, nothing demanding attention. In one hand was a small paper bag. In the other, his phone.
I hesitated, then opened the door halfway.

“Good morning again,” he said gently. “I hope this isn’t strange.” he said with smile.

“No,” I replied honestly. “It’s not.”

He lifted the paper bag slightly.

“We arrived hungry and exhausted,” he said. “I ordered breakfast When I got into the room. They gave me extra. I thought I’d ask before assuming.”

He said , yet he didn’t step forward. He waited deliberately.
I stepped aside instead.

“That’s thoughtful,” I said inviting him inside.
He followed my lead and came in, placed the bag on the table, then immediately took a step back, intentionally creating space.
“I won’t stay long,” he added quickly.

“I just thought… first mornings after overnight flights are usually harder alone.”

That sentence sat with me.
We sat across from each other, not close enough to touch, not far enough to feel distant.

“You slept?” he asked.

“A little,” I replied. “My body did. My mind didn’t.”

He nodded.

“Arrival mornings are deceptive,” he said.
“They look like beginnings, but they feel like continuations of everything you tried to leave behind.”
I looked at him then.

That wasn’t small talk.

“Can I ask you something?” he continued.

“Yes.”

“When you said yesterday that you were trying to breathe…”

He paused.

“Was that because someone was holding your breath for you… or because you forgot how to inhale on your own?”

The question didn’t accuse.
It invited.

“Both” I admitted.

He stood after a few minutes.
“I’m heading out to walk,” he said. “No plans. No destination.”

Then, carefully he added…

“If you want to join, you’re welcome. If you don’t, I’ll understand.”
No pressure….

“I’ll come,” I said.
He smiled… restrained… respectful.

To be Continued

www.deepthoughtsintl.org
📘 Facebook: @Opeyemi Akintunde
📸 Instagram: @OpeyemiAkintunde
🎥 YouTube: @DeepThoughtsTV
✍️ DEEP THOUGHTS NOVELS
Inspired by the TRUTH REVEALER
Written by Opeyemi Akintunde
📞 +234-8151103646