CHAPTER29: Unspoken Things

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Chapter 29: Unspoken Things

Daisy

The front gate clicked behind her as she walked up the familiar path to her childhood home. Jasmine bushes brushed her legs, and the afternoon sun cast gold across the veranda. Her mother was waiting on the steps, hands folded, eyes guarded.

No hug. Just a nod. "You came."

"I said I would," Daisy replied, standing still.

They sat opposite each other in the living room, the silence almost nostalgic.

"You're serious about this boy?" Grace finally asked.

Daisy didn't flinch. "His name is Calvin."

"Serious, then," her mother murmured.

"He's kind. He listens. He makes me feel like I don't have to defend myself all the time."

Grace tilted her head. "That scares you, doesn't it?"

Daisy blinked. "What?"

"Being loved without conditions."

For a moment, the world stilled. Then Daisy whispered, "Yeah. It does."

Grace looked away, her voice softer. "You're more like me than you think."

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Calvin

That evening, Calvin sat with Marcus on their shared apartment balcony.

"You nervous?" Marcus asked.

"About the dinner? Or everything after?"

Marcus chuckled. "Both."

Calvin sipped his drink. "She's worth every ounce of nervous."

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Daisy

Later that night, Daisy packed a small overnight bag for the trip to Nairobi.

On top, she placed the necklace Calvin once gave her. A simple chain. Nothing loud—just like his love.

She looked in the mirror. "You've come this far," she told her reflection. "Don't run now."