A HUG WORTH A YEAR

TEMI:

I had anticipated that when I would finally set my eyes on Ola, I would be unable to say a word. I had imagined all this so many times, envisioning myself being in a daze, talking gibberish, asking for explanations. All that thinking was out the window the moment I laid eyes on him.

I couldn't even process it myself before my body took over on its own. I ran to him, colliding with his chest and wrapping my arms around him in a big hug. The raw relief of having him standing there, hard and real, engulfed me. My eyes stung, and I closed them tightly as if it would keep the tears from falling. I could feel him tense for the instant before his arms wrapped tightly around me.

"Why didn't you call me?" I mumbled against his shoulder, my voice coming out muffled but firm. "Why didn't you send a message, anything? The only time I ever heard from you was when you and Joshua started your training. Then nothing. Nothing for a whole year, Ola."

He exhaled slow, his hands gripping me even more tightly than he had been. "I wanted to. I did, I swear. But things weren't simple.".

I pulled back slightly, just enough to look up at him. His face was thinner than I remembered, his jawline more defined, his features carrying a maturity that hadn't been there before. His eyes, dark and impenetrable, held something heavy in them.

A voice brought him to a halt from proceeding.

"Are you two just going to stand there hugging each other the entire night?

I nearly jumped out of my skin, recalling suddenly that Nifemi was around. I could feel warmth spreading to my cheeks and quickly retreated a step, clearing my throat. Ola let out a soft laugh, but there was a warm smile in his eyes as he glanced at me.

Shoving my embarrassment aside, I asked hurriedly, "Where is Joshua?"

"In the hospital," Ola said. "He's with my parents.".

I nodded, and then hesitated before speaking, "How did you know I was here?"

Ola's mouth curled into a small smirk. "I can sense the energy of all the people around me. It's like...an invisible path. I tracked yours."

I stared at him, blinking. "You tracked my energy?"

"Yes." His smirk expanded. "It's easier with people I'm...close to.".

That answer sent me a shiver. It was not just his face that had changed—his abilities had expanded, become refined. It was fascinating and kind of frightening.

We continued to talk a bit, but Nifemi, being the provocateur that she was, immediately arched her arms and stretched out in a long, dramatic yawn. "Well, I've enjoyed it, but I suppose I'll head home now and...water my plants or something. Enjoy catching up, you two.".

I swiveled to give her a deadpan expression, but she was already smiling as she dismissed me and took off. I shook my head, sighing before turning my attention back to Ola. He was still gazing at me, a mysterious expression on his face.

"Have you gone to your parents in the hospital?" I asked.

"No. Not yet." he replied. "Your energy was closer, so I went to you first."

"Come on," I said, shoving his arm. "Let's go."

The hospital was peaceful when we arrived. The soft beep of the machines and the far-off hum of talk between the nurses at reception filled the atmosphere. Ola led the way, striding the corridors confidently. I could see Joshua seated beside their father, talking eagerly, as we entered the room. Their mother occupied the other side, a wearied but contented smile on her face.

"Ola," she sighed, moving forward to hug him.

He wrapped his arms around her hard, and for a second, the last year was forgotten. His father, on the bed, turned to regard us. His exhausted eyes contained a stillness of strength.

Joshua stood up, inclining his head towards Ola. "Took you long enough."

His taunting voice made me smile as I walked further in. Ola and I sat down, and before long, the room was filled with laughter and talk. They discussed their training—the intense exercises, the fights, the near death experiences. Part of it sounded like a dream, but there was pride in their voices, too, an air of accomplishment.

Their father listened intently, his head inclining every now and again, but with a fleeting spark of worry in his eyes. Their mother wavered between wonder and horror, as though not knowing whether to be proud or afraid at what her sons had become.

Time flew faster than I had realized. Before I knew it, the clock on the wall was 10 PM.

"I ought to be getting off," I said, getting up. "It's getting late."

Ola got up as well. "I'll walk you home."

I opened my mouth to protest, but something in his expression told me not to bother. Instead, I just nodded.

The return walk home was somber. The night air was cold, and the streets were nearly empty, with only an occasional passing car. For the first time since I had caught sight of him again, I allowed myself to truly think about the fact that Ola was with me. That he was alive, standing by my side.

But there was something different now—something in the silence between us. It wasn't uncomfortable, but it was… charged. Neither of us spoke, yet I could feel the unspoken words lingering in the air, pressing against us like an invisible weight.

When we arrived at my house, I stood at the door and turned to him. He was a couple of steps behind, hands in pockets, gazing at me with that enigmatic look of his.

I hesitated, then gave him a small, warm smile. "See you tomorrow."

His lips parted slightly, as if he was about to say something, but instead, he just nodded. Then, with one last glance, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the night.

I watched him until he was out of sight, then finally stepped inside, shutting the door behind me.

My parents greeted me as I entered, but my mind was elsewhere.

As I lay in bed that night, I couldn't shake the feeling that something between Ola and me had shifted. And I wasn't sure if I was ready to face it yet.