Chain Reaction

He studied her for a moment longer, but Nnenna was already pulling her shawl tighter around her shoulders, glancing up at the darkening sky.

The time had slipped away faster than she realized. She had to return before dinner, before anyone at the castle questioned where she had been.

"Grandpa, I need to go back home now," Nnenna said, adjusting her shawl.

"So fast?" The old man raised a brow, but he couldn't hide the small smile tugging at his lips. He had enjoyed her company more than he expected.

"Give me your phone number," he said suddenly. "That way, I can call you next time. You barely had a chance to eat today, and I want to make sure you get a full dish for yourself next time."

Nnenna paused, surprised by his seriousness. After a brief moment, she nodded. "I don't have a phone right now," she admitted. "But I'll come back to this spot when I can. How about that?"

The old man chuckled. "Alright, alright. I'll be waiting."