ONCE WE WERE US

CRACKS IN THE HEART

The atmosphere inside The Garden Brew cafe slowly returned to normal after Vanessa walked away. Customers resumed their conversations and the clatter of cups and plates filled the room once again. Daisy stood silently behind the counter, trying to focus on the orders in front of her. But her thoughts kept drifting back to what she had just learned. Kelvin had once been engaged.

She had never expected that revelation. After Daisy's shift ended that evening, Kelvin waited outside the cafe.

"I'm sorry about today," he said as they began walking together toward his car.

"You don't have to apologize."

"I should have told you about Vanessa earlier." Daisy looked at him.

"Maybe.But everyone has a past. I just wish I'd heard it from you instead of her " Kelvin nodded.

"You are right and I am sorry." For a few moment there was silence between them. Then Kelvin began telling her everything - how he and Vanessa had met after University, how they had fallen in love and how they had planned a future together before everything fell apart. He didn't hide the pain or disappointment. By the time he finished, Daisy understood that although the relationship had ended long ago, the scars had taken a long time to heal. " I'm not looking back anymore," Kelvin said quietly. "I'm only hoping for a better future." Daisy smiled gently.

"Then let's leave the past where it belongs."

Neither of them noticed that , across the street, Vanessa watched them from inside her parked car before quietly driving away.As the days passed, Daisy and Kelvin settled back into their routines, but something between them had changed. They spoke more often than before, exchanging messages throughout the day and meeting whenever their schedules allowed. Every morning, Kelvin sent her a simple text.

"Good morning, Daisy. Have a beautiful day." It was small gesture,but it never failed to make her smile.

At the architecture firm, Kelvin threw himself into his work. As a junior architect,he spent most of his day refining drawings, assisting senior architects with project plans and visiting construction sites to observe the progress of ongoing projects. He knew he still had much to learn and he welcomed every opportunity to improve his skills.

One afternoon, his supervisor, Mr.Harrison, stopped by his desk. "Kelvin."

"Yes, sir?"

"I reviewed the floor plans you prepared yesterday,"Kelvin straightened in his seat.

"They're well done. Your attention to detail is improving."

"Thank you,sir."

"I'd like you to accompany the senior team to a client presentation next week. It will be a good learning experience."

"I won't disappoint you, sir." Mr. Harrison smiled before walking away. Kelvin felt encouraged. It wasn't a promotion,but it was a sign that his hard work was being noticed.

Meanwhile, life at The Garden Brew cafe remained busy. Daisy greeted customers with her usual warmth, earning compliments from regulars who appreciated her kindness. Even in difficult days, she refused to let her smile disappear.

During her lunch break, her close friend and coworker, Grace , nudged her playfully. " So..."

"So what?" Daisy asked innocently.

"You're smiling at your phone again."

" I'm not."

"You are." Grace laughed.

" Is it that handsome architect?" Daisy felt her cheeks warm. " We're just getting to know each other."

" Getting to know each other?" Grace teased. "From the way you smile every time he texts, I'd say you're already halfway in love " Daisy laughed, shaking her head.

" I don't even know where this is going."

"Sometimes," Grace said with a grin , " the best journeys begin that way."

That Saturday, Kelvin invited Daisy to the Nairobi National Museum.

"I thought you'd enjoy something different," he said.

"I have actually never been there."

"Then today is your first." They spent hours exploring the exhibits, learning about Kenya's history, culture and wildlife. Daisy listened attentively as Kelvin admired the architectural design of the building itself.

" You really love architecture, don't you?" she asked.

"I do "

"What made you choose it?" Kelvin smiled thoughtfully.

"When I was a child, my father used to tell me that buildings outlive us. Long after we're gone, they will still tell people we were here." Daisy looked at him with admiration. "That is beautiful."

"What about you?"

She sighed softly.

"I always dreamed of doing something bigger with my life. Working at the cafe pays the bills, but I still believe there's more waiting for me ."

"There is," Kelvin said confidently.

"You really believe that?"

"I wouldn't say it if I didn't."

His faith in her made her believe in herself a little more.

As evening approached, they sat outside the museum sharing roasted corn from a nearby vendor. They laughed over childhood memories embarrassing moments and dreams for the future.

For the first time in years, Daisy felt completely at peace. Without thinking, Kelvin reached for her hand. She looked at him but didn't pull away.

"I like spending time with you," he admitted.

"I like spending time with you too " Their eyes met. For a brief moment, it felt as though the rest of the world had disappeared. Just before Kelvin could say anything else, his phone vibrated.

The smile on his face faded as he looked at the screen. An unknown number. He answered cautiously.

"Hello?"

There were silence. Then a familiar voice spoke.

"I see you have moved on very quickly." Kelvin's expression hardened.

"Vanessa?"

"I hope she is worth it." .

Before he could respond, the call ended.

Daisy noticed the change in Kelvin's expression immediately.

"Kelvin....is everything okay?" She asked softly.

He looked at the phone in his hand for a moment before slipping it into his pocket.

"Yeah," he replied, forcing a small smile,

"I'm okay." She tilted her head slightly.

"You don't look okay."

He sighed quietly, "It was Vanessa.........she has been watching us all along.

For a few moments, neither of them spoke. The laughter of children playing nearby and the chatter of other visitors filled the evening air. Slowly, the tension eased

"I'm sorry," Kelvin said. "I didn't mean to ruin the day."

"You didn't," Daisy replied with a reassuring smile.

"I had a wonderful time." His shoulders relaxed.

"I'm glad."

They stood from the bench and began walking toward the parking area. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm orange glow across the museum grounds.

"I'll take you home," Kelvin offered.

"You don't have to."

"I know," he said with a grin.

"I want to."

Daisy smiled and nodded.

"Okay."

The drive back was peaceful. Music played softly through the car speakers as they talked about lighter things - their favorite childhood games, the funniest teachers they had ever had and the places they still hoped to visit one day.

By the time they reached Daisy's apartment, the uncomfortable moment from earlier had almost faded. Kelvin parked by roadside and turned to face her.

"I really enjoyed today."

"So did I."

"Thank you for understanding me."

"I don't think I'll regret it." He chuckled.

"I hope not." There was a brief silence. Neither of them seemed eager to say goodbye. Finally, Daisy opened the door.

"Good night, Kelvin."

"Good night, Daisy."

She stepped out, then leaned back toward the open window.

"And ...... good luck with your presentation next week." He smiled.

"I'll need it."

She waved before walking toward her apartment building. Kelvin waited until she disappeared through the gate before driving away. As he made his way home, his phone vibrated once more.He didn't need to look at the screen to know who it was. He ignored the call. Some chapters of life , he told himself, were meant to remain closed. Yet deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling that Vanessa wasn't ready to let go.

Outside, the city lights flickered to life as another evening settled in. Unaware of the storm quietly gathering around them, Daisy smiled to herself as she replayed the day's memories.

Far away,in her apartment, Vanessa lowered her phone after the unanswered call . A slow, determined smile spread across her face. "You can ignore me today Kelvin," she whispered. " But later.... we'll meet again."

And for Daisy hope felt real. And sometimes, hope is the beginning of a love story.