Chapter Eighty-Three

Three months later, Peter and Stella made their way back to Nigeria, eager to reunite with their friends, Richie, Night, Wealth, and the energetic twins, Hansel and Kimberly. Angel, now three months old, cooed softly in her mother's arms, and the reunion was filled with laughter and joy. The twins, now almost two, raced around the house, their giggles mingling with the sounds of Angel's innocent laughter.

The following day, as the sun began to set, it filled the sky with a warm, golden glow. The light was soothing, casting a soft, peaceful atmosphere over the city. The group decided to take a walk through the lively streets of Abuja on this perfect evening. The city was buzzing with life. Street vendors called out, offering fresh snacks and handmade goods. Some were selling oranges, soft bread, chilled bottles of water, sugar canes, date palms, and all sorts of treats.

The air was alive with the sweet and savoury smells from barbecue stands—suya sizzling on one grill, snail kebabs on another. Some vendors were busy grilling meat for shawarma, the delicious wrap made with flatbread, juicy meat, and fresh toppings, filling the air with mouthwatering scents. Nearby, pizza spots attracted people sitting outside, enjoying their meals as they watched the lively streets.

Peter carried little Angel in a soft, cosy baby carrier strapped to his chest. Angel's tiny head peeked out, her eyes wide with curiosity at the bustling world around her. The twins, Hansel and Kimberly, were dressed adorably, their faces shining with joy. Hansel wore a navy-blue shirt with white slacks, paired with tiny leather shoes that shone brightly. Kimberly was dressed in a cute pink dress with lace trim at the edges and tiny sandals with a bow on top. They looked like little models, full of charm.

Richie held Kimberly's hand, his eyes warm with affection as he kept her close, while Night held Hansel's hand, her face glowing with joy as she guided him through the bustling streets. Wealth, held by Stella, was wearing a light blue silk suit, embroidered with delicate golden patterns, giving him an air of elegance. His face was lit up with a huge smile, his excitement matching the energy of the city.

As they strolled through the busy streets, the group couldn't help but feel the joy of the moment. People were everywhere, laughing and chatting as they gathered around food stands or sat by the street, enjoying the lively atmosphere. The sound of music and chatter mixed with the sizzling of meat on grills, and the sight of the glowing sunset made everything feel even more magical.

Above, drones zipped through the air, delivering packages to their destinations. Some hovered high, capturing the bustling scene below for a film shoot, with an acting crew seen nearby, organising for their next shot. The streets felt like a movie set, full of life and energy. Autonomous cars smoothly glided around the traffic, making the city feel both modern and futuristic, while the vibrant street scene seemed to pulse with excitement at every corner.

The streets of Abuja were different now. Thanks to the efforts of Mars Corporation and Richie Corporation, eco-friendly trees lined the roads, their leaves shimmering in the sunlight. These trees were not only beautiful, but also powered by solar energy. Solar panels were discreetly integrated into the branches, allowing the trees to store energy that powered the streetlights, charging stations, and even some of the city's green spaces. The trees were lit up by the sun, casting a soft glow on the sidewalk, illuminating the streets without wasting energy.

Solar-powered houses stood tall, their rooftops lined with sleek panels that collected energy, making the buildings self-sufficient and environmentally friendly. The city had become a model of sustainability, combining modern technology with nature. The mix of traditional markets and cutting-edge eco-friendly designs created an unforgettable scene, where the future and nature coexisted harmoniously.

Engrossed by the beautiful streets, Wealth looked up at his father and asked, 'Dad, what exactly is Richie Corporation working on in the lab these days? I've heard a lot of talks about some new projects. Is there anything exciting for 2200?'

Richie smiled, proud of the work his company was doing. 'Well, son, we're working on something very unique. At Richie Corporation, we're developing emotion-responsive urban spaces. Imagine a city where the buildings, the streets, and even the air around you change depending on how people feel. We're using advanced neuro-technology to monitor the mood of the people. When the city senses stress, the environment becomes calming, with soft lighting and peaceful sounds. If people are happy, it'll light up in beautiful colours and energising music. We want to create an atmosphere that enhances everyone's experience. We're building a city that can feel what you feel.'

Wealth's eyes lit up with excitement at the idea. 'That sounds amazing! So, the whole city could actually respond to us?'

'Exactly,' Richie said. 'It's not just about buildings and roads. It's about creating a space that connects with people emotionally, making life more harmonious.'

Wealth nodded thoughtfully, but then his curiosity shifted to another question. He turned to Peter.

'Uncle Peter,' Wealth asked, 'what's Mars Corporation testing out in the lab? Is there any hope for 2200? What's the next big thing?'

Peter looked over at him and smiled. 'Mars Corporation is working on something equally groundbreaking. We're trying to create living, breathing cities. We're experimenting with bioluminescent buildings—structures that can change colour depending on things like the time of day or the mood of the people. These buildings are made of special materials that absorb carbon and release oxygen, actively improving air quality. They're like living organisms that adapt to their environment. Imagine cities where every building isn't just a structure but part of the ecosystem, interacting with nature and people alike.'

Wealth was mesmerised by the idea. 'So, the cities would actually be alive? That's incredible! A city that breathes and responds to us.'

Peter smiled at Wealth. 'Yes. It's about creating cities that not only help the planet but also make life better for the people living in them. A place where nature and technology work together.'

Kimberly puffed out her cheeks, mimicking a rocket. 'Big brother Wealth, why not zoom to Mars and live with Elon Musk? We're still in 2026, and you're talking about 2200! Too smart is too much.'

Hansel's face scrunched up, and he pouted. 'Kimberly, stop!' he protested. 'Big brother is smart. He's asking good questions. You said you want to be a journalist like Mum, right? Journalists ask questions!' He pointed suddenly. 'Look! Robot!' His eyes sparkled as he waved excitedly. The robot, noticing him, paused and waved back before gliding into a nearby supermarket. Hansel's face lit up with joy, his laughter spilling out.

Kimberly stuck out her tongue mischievously. 'So smart, but you still wet the bed, Hansel!'

Hansel puffed out his cheeks, a playful challenge in his eyes. 'No, you do!'

'We both do,' Kimberly teased, her lips curling into a playful pout.

The teasing floated into the air, and Richie, Peter, Night, and Stella exchanged amused glances, unable to hold back their smiles at the playful bickering.

Wealth didn't join the twins. Instead, he pulled out his phone, his fingers swiping effortlessly across the screen as he answered a call from his friend in Canada. His voice became a soft murmur, disconnected from the twins squabble around him.

'Richie and Night have succeeded in creating 2200 babies,' Chijioke said through Peter's earpiece, its voice calm and precise. 'In fact, we AIs are already making babies.' Chijioke was referring to the incredible intelligence of Wealth and his twin siblings, almost as if they were advanced AIs themselves. 'Angel, your daughter will be a genius too. Maybe you should tell your tech department to start planning for real AI babies, Peter. Babies who could be carried and cared for by robots, or even have AI parents...'

Peter smiled at Chijioke's words, but then he imagined how possible it would be to have AI babies with AI parents.

Further along their walk, the group stopped at a serene park. The lake shimmered in the evening glow as ducks glided gracefully across its surface. Stella leaned into Peter, her eyes catching the sparkle of sunlight dancing on the water. A passing photographer approached, camera in hand.

'Can I capture this moment for you?'

The group huddled together, laughter spilling freely as the photographer clicked away. Peter glanced at Stella and their friends, his chest tightening with a swell of gratitude. The lively streets, the city's hum, and the people he loved most—everything about this evening felt perfect, like a snapshot of a life well-lived.