Shadows of the Past

Amina was unable to resist the feeling of being observed as she strolled through the busy roads of Nairobi. She observed that the city was rife with chaos, including shouting vendors, honking cars, and people jostling among themselves, but her thoughts were directed elsewhere. Her thoughts were constantly occupied with the unknown messages on her phone. Ask Daniel what he's hiding. She couldn't ignore it. But she knew for a fact that another confrontation with Daniel could be even more dangerous than meeting Ethan.

Despite returning to the bakery in mid-afternoon to check for the day's deliveries, Amina was actually waiting. Awaited the courage to call Daniel and ask for answers, knowing that he had been so protective yet secretive. The phone remained in her hands for what seemed like an endless amount of time. Finally, she dialed his number. After ringing once, twice, and three times before going to voicemail. With a controlled voice, she left spelled out 'Daniel, I need to know.'". Please call me back.”.

Minutes later, the phone buzzed. Amina's heart jumped, but it wasn't Daniel. It was Ethan. Begin your visit at the old cafe on Riverside.' Alone. Tonight. Her mind was consumed by the warning texts, despite their seemingly unsettling nature. She was torn between wanting to meet the man who had been a part of her life for weeks and feeling scared that the danger might be closer than she thought.

Her evening came too fast for her............ Long shadows danced through Nairobi's streets, illuminated by streetlights. Amina was hesitant and had a nervous breakdown upon entering the cafe. Almost without any human presence was present in the corner booth, with only one person sitting nearby and facing the dim light. Ethan. The only thing she didn't realize was that he looked exactly like the one she had imagined in her letters. Alive. His gaze widened and his gaze met hers, sending a shock that went down through their chest.

He raised his voice, sounding cautious and uncertain.

The intensity of his gaze slowed down her pulse, but also a sense of discomfort that made her feel uneasy. "Thank you, Amanda," she added with reassurance and nodded off the handle. Her hands clutching the strap of her bag tightly, leaving her knuckles whiter than before him. She continued by saying "thank you.".

At first, they spoke in a relaxed manner and exchanged small tokens, but the atmosphere was filled with whispers. With a lack of focus, Ethan glanced at the door multiple times, his eyes tightening with each passing minute. It was there that Amina saw, but she didn't ask. There was something about him that scared her, but she couldn't explain it. She found it subtle, almost invisible, but with enough intensity to make her stomach oscillate.

Amina's curiosity was too strong, and she asked, "Why me?". Why write to me? “Let's just say that.” Ethan blinked and breathed his last. Although his answer was truthful, the tone was more rehearsed, as if they had already been spoken in a different setting. The bell above the café door rang, but she didn't press it enough. Both of them turned instinctively.

An individual entered, standing tall with sharp features and eyes that seemed to penetrate the darkness. He glanced around the café, then halted suddenly as he gazed at Ethan.' The relaxed composure he had displayed before vanished, leaving Ethan's body in shock. Amina felt a sudden chill after seeing it. Something about this man was off. Dangerous. Without a doubt, his presence was not accidental.'

He came at a slow pace, his footsteps echoing. When Ethan looked at Amina, she was visibly scared for the first time: “Let’s just say that,” he whispered in almost audacity. Amina felt pain in her heart as the man stumbled towards their table, his expression unreadable. His utterance of a single name made Amina feel uneasy.

"Adrian?" or "Ethan"?

Amina's mind froze. Although it wasn't a familiar sound, the name struck her as thunder and lightning. Adrian. Not Ethan. The man in front of them was not only aware of his actions but also had a deep understanding of him. The sudden sense of reason was a result of the letters, warnings, and distance that Ethan had maintained. The man leaned in and added in a tone that made it impossible for her to comprehend. However, she was later informed that:

You shouldn't have been here alone.".

Amina's breath caught. Her pulse raced. Her face was met with a combination of apology and warning from Ethan or Adrian, but it was too late. The cafe had been sealed off.?... The lights flickered. Shadow from the doorway was like a blade, running across the table.

The realization dawned on Amina that she had not been able to accept the truth, and her pursuit of it may have put her heart in danger. It might endanger her life.