Unspoken Promises

As the day turned into evening, Simi and Dorcas decided to step out of the hospital to get something for Mrs. Ayo to eat. They walked along the busy street, the sounds of the market buzzing around them. Simi felt a strange mix of exhaustion and exhilaration as she turned to her friend.

"Dorcas, I have to tell you something," Simi began, hesitating slightly.

Dorcas looked at her curiously. "What is it, Simi?"

Simi took a deep breath. "I can't control it anymore. I've fallen for Ade. I didn't want to admit it, but it's true."

Dorcas grinned widely. "Ah, Simi! I knew it! The way you dey look am, I sabi say something don happen."

Simi laughed, a bit embarrassed. "It's just... he's different, Dorcas. He's kind, gentle, and he cares so much."

Dorcas nudged her playfully. "So, wetin you go do now? You go tell am?"

"I don't know," Simi replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I'm scared, but I can't keep hiding it."

"Don't worry, my friend," Dorcas said reassuringly. "Ade likes you too. I can see it in his eyes. Just be yourself."

"I've never felt this way before, Dorcas," Simi continued, her voice softening. "It's like he's always on my mind. When I'm not with him, I feel this emptiness. But when he's around, everything seems brighter."

Dorcas smiled warmly. "That's how love feels, Simi. It's powerful, and sometimes, it's overwhelming. But it's also beautiful. You deserve to feel this way."

Simi sighed. "I'm just scared of getting hurt. What if he doesn't feel the same way? What if I open up to him, and it doesn't work out?"

Dorcas stopped walking and looked at Simi intently. "You can't let fear hold you back. If you never take the risk, you'll never know what could have been. Ade is a good man. He's shown that he cares about you and your family. Give him a chance."

Simi nodded slowly. "You're right. I need to be brave. For once in my life, I need to follow my heart."

Dorcas grinned. "That's the spirit! Now, let's get something for your mother. She needs her strength."

Meanwhile, back at the hospital, Mrs. Ayo stirred weakly. She looked at Ade, who was sitting by her bedside, his expression one of deep concern.

"Ade," Mrs. Ayo whispered, her voice frail.

Ade leaned closer, taking her hand gently. "Yes, Mama. I'm here."

Mrs. Ayo's eyes were filled with a mix of sadness and resolve. "I may not survive this... please promise me, Ade. Promise me you'll take care of Simi if something happens to me."

Ade's heart ached at her words. "Mama, don't talk like that. You're going to be okay."

Mrs. Ayo shook her head slightly. "Please, Ade. She lost her father too soon. She needs someone to give her all the love in the world. Promise me."

Tears welled up in Ade's eyes. "I promise, Mama. I promise I'll take care of Simi, no matter what. But please, don't give up. We need you."

Mrs. Ayo smiled weakly. "Thank you, Ade. That gives me peace."

When Simi and Dorcas returned, they found Ade sitting quietly by Mrs. Ayo's side. Simi walked over and gently woke her mother, offering her the food they had brought.

"Thank you, my dear," Mrs. Ayo said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Simi turned to Ade. "You've been here all night. You should go and rest."

Ade shook his head. "No, I want to stay."

"Please, Ade," Simi insisted gently. "You've done so much already. Go rest and come back later."

Ade finally nodded. "Alright, but I'll be back soon."

Simi walked him to the door. "Thank you, Ade. For everything. You're our superman."

Ade chuckled. "Superman, huh? I like that."

Simi laughed too. "You're always there when we need you."

Ade looked at her seriously. "Simi, I care about you a lot. I wish you could give me a chance."

Simi took a deep breath, feeling her heart race. "Ade, I've fallen for you too. All this while, I've been trying to hide it. But I can't anymore. I love how kind and gentle you are, how you always make me feel safe."

Ade was stunned but overjoyed. "Simi, you've made me the happiest man alive. I promise to protect and love you for the rest of my life."

He held her close, and they shared a tender hug. As they pulled away, they gazed into each other's eyes, their hearts full of unspoken promises.

After Ade left, Simi returned to the hospital room. Dorcas looked up from where she was sitting beside Mrs. Ayo.

"How was it?" Dorcas asked, a knowing smile on her face.

Simi blushed. "It was amazing. I told him how I feel, and he feels the same way."

Dorcas clapped her hands in delight. "That's wonderful, Simi! You deserve all the happiness in the world."

They settled in for the night, keeping watch over Mrs. Ayo. As the hours passed, Dorcas leaned closer to Simi.

"Guess what? Pam just got a job in Lagos," Dorcas said excitedly. "He's planning to visit my parents to ask for my hand in marriage."

Simi's eyes widened. "Dorcas, that's fantastic news! I'm so happy for you."

Dorcas smiled, but there was a hint of concern in her eyes. "I hope my parents will accept him this time. He's worked so hard, and I can't imagine my life without him."

"They will," Simi said confidently. "They'll see how much he loves you and how hard he's worked to provide a good life."

Dorcas nodded. "I hope so. We've come so far, and I don't want anything to stand in our way."

The two friends continued to talk, sharing their hopes and fears for the future as they kept vigil over Mrs. Ayo. The night grew darker, and the hospital quieted, but their hearts were light with the promise of new beginnings.

As the first light of dawn began to break, Simi looked out the window, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. She felt a sense of peace knowing that Ade was by her side, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. But uncertainty still loomed, and she knew that the journey was far from over. 

Simi and Dorcas stayed by Mrs. Ayo's side, their conversation drifting into the early morning hours. They spoke of love, dreams, and the uncertain future that awaited them. Little did they know, the challenges ahead would test their strength and the bonds they had forged. As the new day dawned, they braced themselves for whatever lay ahead, their hearts filled with hope and determination.