CHAPTER 28: The Invitation

---

Chapter 28: The Invitation

Calvin

The following morning, Calvin woke to a message from his mother.

> Your father and I will be in Nairobi next week. How about dinner? Bring Daisy.

He stared at the screen for a long moment.

Daisy.

His parents had heard about her—bits and pieces over calls and cautious updates. But this? This would be the first real introduction.

He texted back:

> We'd love to. I'll ask her.

Then he knocked on Daisy's door.

---

Daisy

She opened the door barefoot, still tying her hair up.

"You're up early," she said, eyeing his face.

"My parents want to meet you."

She blinked. "Your parents?"

"Dinner next week. Nairobi."

Silence. Then a long, slow exhale. "Okay."

He tilted his head. "Okay-okay? Or hesitant-okay?"

Daisy smirked. "Nervous-okay. But yes."

---

Meanwhile: Daisy's Side

Across town, Daisy's mother, Grace, sat with her younger brother, Ezra.

"She's been distant," Grace murmured. "Ever since that boy came back."

Ezra, ever blunt, replied, "Maybe you should trust her more."

Grace narrowed her eyes, but said nothing.

Later, she, too, sent Daisy a message.

> When you're free, come home. We should talk. About your future.

---

Later That Night

Calvin and Daisy sat on a rooftop lounge, the city lights below them.

"You ever wonder what they'll think?" Daisy asked.

"Our parents?"

She nodded.

"I just want them to see what I see," Calvin replied. "You."

Daisy didn't speak. But she reached for his hand and held it tight.

---