DANIEL

The named strangers were easier than climbing, but Jyotis' feet hurt every step. The adrenaline she was burning fuel carried them, making her body feel tired and heavy. Nonetheless, there was a strange lightness in her breasts. To see the sunrise from the Mountain Summit is more than just an object on the list, it was a moment of connection with her mother, which she had so desperately not noticed.

Now, when she returned to the city, the world felt different. It's not that easy, but it's not that choking.

When thevcity began to see, it reached the feet of the hills. Market women walk with a balanced balance basket and rhythmic steps in their heads. The aroma of red and freshly brewed pup remained in the air. Motorbikes competed for it and were panicked, but the retailer set up stands along the streets and uttered a happy chat. Enugu felt alive in a way that tightened her breasts. This was her mother's house. Here, Veronica laughed, loved, and dreamed.

And now, this was Jyoti – a fragment of her mother's past.

She took a deep breath and tried to shake the lump in her neck when she suddenly crashed, hit her slightly on the shoulder, causing her to lose her balance. She tripped backwards and barely managed to stay on her feet. His bike in front of him also shook his driver.

"Ah, crap! Are you doing well?

"I'm not searching. Me – God, sorry."

She flashed at him and still processed what happened. "Um... it's okay."

"Are you alright?" He searched her up and down as he expected to find the broken bone.

"I said I was fine," she repeatedly brushed away.

He sighed in peace. "Well, I'd really feel bad if I accidentally killed someone today."

She raised an eyebrow. "Today?"

He laughed. "I have the terrible habit of overcoming things. But this is the first time I've left almost one person. This is a new record.

" Jyoti had twitching the corners of her lips.

The boy reached out. "By the way, I'm Daniel. The man who sent you to the almost early grave."

Jyoti hesitated before shaking. "Jyoti"

"I'm glad to know you, Jyoti. I hope it's less... in a violent situation."

She laughed a little. "Yes, me too." Impossible friendship

Daniel went with her bike next to her when she returned to the city centre.

"So, will you visit?" he asked.

Jyoti looked at him. "What makes you think of it?"

"You just don't look like you're from here." He flipped his armpits over. "And even those who live here don't usually hike the hills at sunrise."

She was surprised at how careful he was. "I'm visiting my mother's hometown," she admitted.

Daniel nodded. "I explain. Did you come to see your family?"

She nodded exactly. She wasn't sure if she was ready to open a stranger.

Instead of , she changed the topic. "How about you? Do you live here?"

"Born and raised." He sighed dramatically. "It's not the most exciting place in the world, but there's that moment."

"Don't you like it?"

Daniel twitched his armpit. "It's not that I don't like it. I just want to see more. I've lived here for the rest of my life, but I feel the world is much bigger than these streets.

" Jyoti understood this feeling well.

"Where would you go if you could?" she asked.

His eyes brightened. "Everywhere, Lagos, London, I want to see everything. I should do it before I kill you," he said with a smirk. Jyoti smiled. He had an easy way with him. It's a thing that flows without any effort in conversation. It was strange – she was just hit him, but she already felt comfortable.

Daniel strangely saw her. "So, what's next for your adventure?"

Jyoti hesitated, reaching into his pocket to pull out a folded list.

Daniel leaned over his shoulder and read over his shoulder. "Is this a bucket list?"

She nodded. "Your bucket list?"

She shook her head. "My mother."

Remained silent for a moment. His voice was soft when he finally spoke. "Do you do that for them?"

"Yes."

There was something in his eyes – understanding, even praise. He then laughed without warning.

"Now, you are lucky, because if I know anything, it's a way to go on an adventure.

" Jyoti raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Absolutely," he said, placing his hand on his heart. "And good for you, I am now your guide for everything fun at Enugu."

She laughed. "And what qualifies you for it?"

"I know the best places, the best food, all abbreviations. Jyoti, trust me, along with me as your guide who has an unforgettable experience.

"

She studied and considered him. If someone helps her on the way, it wouldn't be so bad. "It's okay," she finally said. "Where shall we start?"

Daniels Grinsen spread. "Oh, you're sure you'll love it."

The adventure began with

, and Daniel led her into the city and pointed out hidden gems – a street cellar that made the best suya, a quiet little cafe behind a series of buildings, a small bookstore for an old lady who has been selling books for over 40 years.

He took them to an outdoor market where the smell of spices and fresh products came across the air. Jyoti observed how he submitted professionally to the seller and bought some cooking bananas for half price. "I'll be with me," he said proudly. "I'll teach you all the tricks."

After the market, they hiked an art quarter with local artists painting murals on the walls. Just as all the colour strokes told another story, Jyoti was fascinated by colour.

"Do you like art?" asked Daniel.

She nodded. "I've never really paid attention, but... I think so."

Daniel smiled. "Well then, I love what comes next."

He led them down a quiet hill with views of the city. At the top was an old abandoned train car covered in graffiti and grape grapes.

"This is my favorite place," admitted Daniel.

Jyoti got on the train and drove his fingers over the rusty walls. The windows surround the city below, the sun, casting a long shadow on the roof.

"That's fine," she muttered.

Daniel sat on one of the old benches and patted the seat next to him. "I come here whenever I have to think about it. Whenever the world is too big.

" Jyoti hesitated and sat next to him.

For a while they sat in silence and looked at the city from above.

Then Daniel turned to her. "So, what's next on your list?"

Jyoti developed a paper and ran his finger over the next object.

Dance in the rain.

Daniel read it over his shoulder before laughing. "Now... we can definitely do that."

Jyoti laughed. "It's necessary for the first rain."

Daniel stretched his arms behind his head. "Don't worry, trust me.

And maybe, maybe, she began to heal.