Enchanted Swain

The Nightwear

She sobbed softly, continuing to feel the warmth of my embrace for a while. Gently, I rubbed her back, soothing her until she regained her composure. After a deep breath, she slowly pulled away and found a seat. I also sat down, and she looked at me with a smile full of affection and love.

I returned her smile, feeling a renewed sense of confidence as I prepared to reassure her and convince her of our plan to navigate our love without interference from our families.

"Hmmm, I don't think Umma will allow me to continue my studies up to university level," she said thoughtfully. "But since you believe it's possible, I promise to stand by you through thick and thin as long as you never turn your back on me. I'll do my best to avoid bringing home any suitors or entertaining other admirers until you complete your studies. I promise to follow any clever plans we come up with to buy us more time..." She spoke with a voice full of eager anticipation and love.

Her words filled me with joy and strengthened my resolve to win the heart of the woman I loved, Sasa. "Thank you, Sasa, for your dedication. I promise I’ll do everything in my power to make you happy," I said, my heart swelling with happiness.

"But I have a suggestion," Sasa said.

"Yes, I'm listening, my love," I replied, giving her my full attention.

"I think we should keep our love a secret for now, not letting our families know..."

"Why do you say that? I don't understand," I said, feeling uncertain and a bit skeptical.

She smiled, adjusted her position, and continued. "If they find out now, they might try to separate us. And if Umma knows, when you try to convince her to let me go to university, she might see it as you pushing your agenda..." Sasa explained softly, her head bowed as she played with her fingers.

I smiled, appreciating her wisdom. "You’ve made a good point... But when is the right time to let them know we love each other?" I asked eagerly, wanting to know her thoughts.

She giggled softly and said, "Uhmm, there will be a time, but not now. I'll let you know when the moment is right."

She stood up, finishing the last of her ice cream, then picked up her bag and looked at me with a respectful smile. "Let's go, was already sunset."

Without hesitation, I stood up, and we began walking together, hand in hand, enjoying the blissful moments of being in love. Her fingers intertwined with mine, and we continued our walk, sharing sweet conversations typical of lovers.

We reached the parking lot where I had parked my car. I opened the passenger door for her, and she got in. I walked around to the driver's side, started the car, and we drove away from Hills and Valley Park.

In a few moments, we arrived at her house. I stopped a little distance away and looked at her with a calm and hopeful gaze. She smiled, leaned in, and gave me a gentle kiss on the lips before stepping out of the car. She waved goodbye, signaling that she'd see me later.

I watched her walk gracefully towards her house, her movements captivating me until she disappeared inside. A wave of happiness washed over me, and all my worries seemed to fade away. With a contented heart, I drove home, feeling more hopeful than ever.