THE WALK THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
1255 Words
Treasure and I started chatting often on social media. Every message made my day brighter. After a while, I invited her to join me for an evening walk, and to my delight, she agreed.
That evening, as the sun began to sink behind the clouds, I finally found the courage to ask the question that had been burning in my heart.
“Will you be my lady?”
She paused, looked at me with a shy smile, and asked, “Is that really what you want?”
“Treasure,” I said softly, “do you know how long I’ve waited to say this? I’ve been longing for this chance to tell you how I feel. From the very first day I saw you, I fell in love with you. I promise to care for you, to protect you, and to make you my world—my happiness, my peace, and my heart.”
Her eyes glistened as she whispered, “I love you too, Mr. Henry. I accept to be your woman.”
Joy overflowed in me as I hugged her tightly, thanking God for this moment. That night, we strolled around the park, played silly games, and shared laughter that echoed like music in my soul. I escorted her home under the quiet sky, my heart full of gratitude and love.
---
A few days later, I invited Treasure to the gym with me. To my surprise, she was incredible—strong, confident, and competitive. She even challenged the trainer to a push-up contest and won.
“That’s my girl!” I cheered, my heart swelling with pride.
She laughed breathlessly, brushing her hair back. “I go to the gym often,” she said, grinning.
“You only need a bit of self-defense training,” I teased, “and you’ll be unstoppable.”
She smiled, and we left together, our laughter following us out the door.
---
Later that week, Treasure invited me to hang out with her sister Loveth and my old friend Frank. I was thrilled—time with my Treasure and my friend sounded perfect.
“Hey, babe,” I said as I approached her. I kissed her cheek gently before greeting Frank and Loveth.
“How’s the baby?” I asked Frank as we all sat down.
“He’s doing great,” he replied, smiling proudly.
While the ladies went to buy snacks, Frank leaned toward me. “So, it’s true—you and Treasure are together now?”
“Yes, my man,” I said, beaming. “I love her more than words can describe. She’s stolen my heart completely.”
Frank chuckled. “Lover boy! You’re deep in it now.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “I don’t even want to escape.”
Then he asked, “Do you know what she does for a living?”
“Of course,” I replied. “She works with her dad at the family café.”
He seemed about to say something more, but the ladies returned, carrying snacks and smiles.
Loveth looked at us. “You two seem to be having fun,” she said. “Henry, I can see how happy you make my sister.”
I smiled at Treasure and said, “That’s because she’s my greatest treasure.”
Frank and Loveth burst into laughter, teasing us both, but my words were honest. I meant every syllable.
---
Later that day, I invited Treasure over to my apartment.
“Welcome to my little space,” I said.
She glanced around and smiled. “Nice place you’ve got here.”
I offered her a seat. “What would you like to drink?”
“Any soft drink will do,” she said.
We talked for hours about life, dreams, and the past. At one point, I asked, “How is it that a beautiful woman like you is still single?”
She chuckled. “Because I was waiting for you.”
I smiled, touched by her words. She then told me her ex had left because he wasn’t strong enough to wait for her.
“Then he didn’t know what he lost,” I said seriously. “My baby, I’ll be as strong as Superman to protect you, and I’ll do my best to give you a good life.”
She looked at me, eyes soft with love. “I love you, babe,” she whispered.
Those words melted me. We kissed deeply, losing track of time. When she finally checked her watch, it was past eight.
“It’s late,” she said, standing.
“I’ll walk you home,” I insisted.
She hesitated but finally agreed. As we walked, laughing and holding hands, a group of rough-looking men appeared from the shadows.
Instinctively, I stepped in front of Treasure. “Who are you? What do you want?”
One of them sneered. “We’re not here for you, little boy. Move aside—we want the lady.”
Anger burned through me. “If you want her, you’ll have to get through me.”
They exchanged looks—and then everything went dark.
---
When I woke up, I was in a hospital bed. My head throbbed in pain. The memories rushed back, and I cried out, “Where’s Treasure?”
Moments later, she burst into the room, tears streaming down her face. “Thank God you’re awake!”
I tried to sit up. “Babe, are you okay? Did they hurt you?”
She shook her head, smiling through her tears. “I’m fine, my Superman. You protected me.”
I smiled weakly. “What happened?”
“You fought them off, but you fainted. I called for help, and the police arrested them.”
Relief washed over me. “I told you I’d always protect you,” I said proudly. “Don’t cry, my love—your Superman isn’t going anywhere.”
She smiled, holding my hand tightly. “It’s a cry of joy,” she said softly.
Treasure stayed by my side until I was discharged. She even took me home herself.
---
A few days later, she came to me looking troubled. “Babe,” she said, “I’ll be traveling for a few months.”
“What? A few months?” I gasped. “I’ll miss you so much! Where are you going?”
“To Lagos,” she replied.
I wanted to ask more, but I just hugged her instead. Later, I drove her to the airport and watched as her plane disappeared into the clouds.
Days turned to weeks, weeks into months. We kept in touch through video calls whenever she was free. When she finally told me she was returning, I was the happiest man alive.
I rushed to the airport to welcome her back. As she walked out of the terminal with a few men in suits, she smiled when she saw me and ran into my arms. The men exchanged brief handshakes with her before driving off in a sleek black car.
At home, I surprised her with a small welcome party. She laughed, hugged me tightly, and kissed me. We danced, watched movies, and talked late into the night.
“Thank you,” she said softly, resting her head on my shoulder. “For loving me so much.”
I smiled. “You’re my heart, Treasure. I’ll love you till the end.”
And as she slept that night, I was already planning the next big step—
I was going to propose.
- Writer
