One Hundred and Thirty Six

Gift knew that she would be travelling back to the village the next day.

She decided to bid farewell to Francis as soon as Chinonso left for work .

Francis knew that there was an important news that she wanted to give him.

As soon as she came, he asked her to tell him what it was.

'Tell me'.

'Tell you what?'

'Tell me what you have in mind. You came here to say something to me. Well, I am listening'.

'I shall be travelling tomorrow. I have come to bid you farewell' she said.

'Is that right?'

Gift nodded. She felt a kind of pleasurable thrill at the way he was staring at her.

She was looking at her like a dangerous animal would look at its prey As though it was getting ready to pounce on her.

Gift watched him cross the room.

There was a bottle of champagne in his hands. She watched his concentration as he poured the champagne.