CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: A DINNER OF PROMISES

The aroma of freshly cooked yam porridge filled the small dining space. It wasn't much but in a world that had crumbled to dust, a warm meal with family felt like gold.

Jace sat at the worn wooden table, his wife beside him, her hand resting gently on his. Across from them, Kunle leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. Kunle was already eating, while Miss Okafor carefully arranged some plates on the table.

For a moment, there was only the sound of clinking spoons and quiet chewing. A fragile peace.

Jace exhaled and leaned forward. "We need to talk."

The table grew silent.

Kunle set his spoon down. "This about the mission?"

Jace nodded. "Hamzat sent for me earlier. He has another job for us."

Reed wiped his mouth. "Another death march?"

Jace shook his head.. "Not exactly. He wants us to retrieve medical kits. Ones that would help this community to develop well and keep us save. We'd have to leave the city again."

Miss Okafor sighed, shifting in her seat. "I don't like this."

Mosun looked at him, concern in her eyes. "Jace... haven't you done enough for them?"

Jace rubbed his temples. "I know. I hate it too. But they're giving us a home, food, safety. As long as we're here, we have to play by their rules."

Kunle scoffed. "Safety? Let's not forget we were kidnapped and forced into this place. This isn't home-it's a bigger cage."

Jace nodded. He didn't disagree. But the world outside was worse.

Reed sighed. "So what's the plan? Go on this mission and hope they don't send us on another one after?"

Jace hesitated, then spoke carefully. "We do what we need to survive. But I won't be their dog forever."

His wife studied him, her fingers tightening around his hand. "Jace... do you have a way out?"

Jace looked at her. Then at everyone at the table.

And he made a promise.

"One day, we'd leave this place. And when we do, we'll find a way to build something better. A future that isn't controlled by men like Hamzat."

Miss Okafor sighed but gave him a small smile. "Hope. It's the one thing we have left."

Kunle smirked. "Hope? That's a dangerous thing. 

Reed chuckled. "Maybe. But it's better than nothing."

Jace raised his cup. "To survival. And to a future worth living in."

The others raised theirs.

And for one brief moment, they weren't survivors. They were family.