Chapter Six:

Peace had just returned from her lectures .
She was up on her bed, legs folded beneath her, a pillow propped against the wall. The day had been long, and all she wanted was a few quiet moments to herself.

Her phone buzzed — a message from Salisu.

> “Hey Peace, just checking if you’re back home. How was your day?”

She smiled faintly, replying slowly:

> “I’m back. It was okay, just tired.”

Almost immediately, another message arrived:

> “I saw you passed by earlier.”

Peace paused, thinking for a moment. “Passed by? When?” she typed, curious.

Within seconds, his reply came:

> “Just now.”

Peace exhaled softly, a small smile forming. He had a way of noticing her without making her feel uneasy — his presence always carried a strange comfort.

Her roommate, Kemi, glanced over from her side of the room, a playful but cautious look on her face.

“Hmm… again?” she asked.

Peace chuckled lightly. “Yes, again.”

Kemi leaned back, crossing her arms. “This is getting serious, Peace. He’s calling, messaging… noticing you everywhere. Don’t you feel it’s a bit much?”

Peace shook her head. “I… I don’t know. He’s just being careful. I like it.”

Kemi raised an eyebrow. “Careful or controlling? Be honest with yourself. I’ve seen this pattern before.”

Peace looked down at her phone. Another message appeared:

> “Did you rest well after school? Make sure you take care of yourself.”

She smiled, her heart fluttering. After everything she’d been through, after feeling invisible for so long, it felt good to be cared for.

A few minutes later, her phone rang. It was Salisu. Peace hesitated, then picked up.

“Peace,” he said softly, “I was just thinking about you. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” she replied quietly. “Just resting.”

“I’m glad,” he said. “I wanted to hear your voice. It… makes my day better.”

Peace felt a warm rush in her chest. “You’re too sweet, Salisu,” she whispered.

They stayed on the line a little longer, talking about small things — her classes, what she planned for the evening, little jokes that made her laugh quietly.

Eventually, they said goodnight. Peace hung up and lay back on her pillow, smiling faintly, Kemi still watching from her desk.

“You’re too easy to entertain,” Kemi said, half-teasing, half-serious. “But don’t forget yourself, Peace. Don’t let him take over your life.”

Peace shrugged, a faint blush on her cheeks. “I won’t. I… just like talking to him.”

She looked at her phone one last time before setting it down. Salisu’s attention was constant, yes — but for the first time in a long while, Peace felt… noticed.

To be continued.....

WRITTEN BY 
UMORU DANIELA JOHN