Locked In

As I lay on my bed, I recount the events that transpired the previous days. It was a sunny afternoon and I could hear the bustling sounds of cars and market women alongside the rustling of trees. I branched to Lick and Chop eatery to get some refreshment before returning back to my place of work. While eating, I noticed a young girl of about eleven years constantly calling for her mother's attention but the mother waved her aside. Fear was written on the girl's face but I couldn't decipher; fear of what? She kept turning back like she was looking for someone or expecting someone. In my curiosity, I trailed her eye movement and spotted a man seating at the far end of the eatery voraciously gazing at the young girl. He had this stern look which could put his opponent off balance. He raised an eyebrow accompanied by a smirk. I tried to figure out what could be happening between this two. I guess the man sensed my unending stare and turned towards my direction. I quickly shoved my eyes in my food which I had not even touched. Just at the moment, my alarm beeped signaling that I had to report back to work. I called a waitress and asked her to pack the food for me. She came back with a bag and handed it to me. I thanked her and left. While driving, I was ruminating on what just transpired. Well, it seemed like I had a hunch on what may be happening but I couldn't back it up with facts. I found myself constantly thinking and analyzing everything even when it didn't concern me. Immediately, I recalled that the girl's mother is the owner of the eatery. Many at tines when I go there to chill, I find her giving instructions to the workers and most importantly, taking accounts of the daily sales. She's what I'd call the money lover. Pardon my statements. You should get used to it, that's me for you. I got to my office and sank into the chair. Its softness and meekness engulfed me and paved a path for better imagination. Just when I was getting deep into my reverie, a knock on the door jolted me. I sprang up and quickly adjusted myself before answering. 'Come in!' The door flung open and you wouldn't believe the creature that just stepped in. Lilian! Lilian!!! Lilian!!!!!!!! I was so paranoid and felt like slapping her. 'Babe, what's up with you? This one you carry face like person wey s**t dey catch.' I scanned her through and faked a laugh for her. If only she knew what was going on in my head. If only she knew how I was insulting her. She got the signal She knew I didn't catch her joke. She came closer peering into my eyes, then moved away and sat on the chair opposite mine. I didn't need a sooth sayer to explain, the