Chapter 10: Miles Apart

The next morning, David boarded the bus to Port Harcourt.

Just before the bus pulled out of the terminal, his phone vibrated.

Amanda: Safe trip. And don't skip breakfast.

David smiled.

David: Yes, ma'am. I'll report everything to you. 😄

Amanda: You'd better.

He leaned back in his seat, smiling as the bus began to move.

For the first few days, the distance didn't seem to matter.

Every morning started with a "Good morning."

Every night ended with a phone call.

Amanda told David about school and Chioma's endless jokes.

David shared funny stories from work and complained about the tiny hotel room he was staying in.

It almost felt like nothing had changed.

By the second week, work became more demanding.

David often returned to the hotel exhausted.

One evening, he fell asleep without replying to Amanda's messages.

The next morning, he woke up to three missed calls and several unread texts.

Amanda: Are you okay?

Amanda: I'm getting worried.

Amanda: Please call me when you see this.

David immediately called her.

She answered on the second ring.

"Hello?"

"I'm so sorry," he said. "Yesterday was crazy. I got back late and fell asleep."

Amanda was quiet.

"I thought something had happened to you."

"I should have sent a message."

"You should have."

There was no anger in her voice.

Only relief.

David closed his eyes.

"I'm sorry."

Amanda sighed.

"It's okay... just don't leave me wondering next time."

"I promise."

After a brief silence, Amanda asked softly,

"When are you coming back?"

"Tomorrow."

She smiled.

"I'll be counting the hours."

The next day couldn't come fast enough.

As the bus rolled back into town, David looked out the window with a smile.

For the first time in years...

He wasn't looking forward to being home.

He was looking forward to seeing someone.

As soon as he stepped off the bus, his phone buzzed.

Amanda: Welcome back. 😊

David typed a reply.

David: Don't move. I'm coming to see you.

He slipped the phone into his pocket and hurried toward the taxi park.

This time, he knew exactly where he wanted to be.