A Call to the City
As Kyra's reputation as a talented chef and artist grows, so does her attractiveness to potential suitors. Men from Oakdale and surrounding villages begin to visit her at the market or at home, hoping to win her hand in marriage. However, Kyra remains polite but firm in her rejection of their proposals.
Despite their charms and good intentions, Kyra can't shake off the feeling that she's not ready for marriage. She's still haunted by the fragments of her past, and the memories that linger in her mind make her hesitant to open her heart to anyone new.
Akua notices Kyra's discomfort and offers words of encouragement. "Kyra, my dear, you're a strong and independent woman. Don't feel pressured to marry unless you're truly ready. Your heart will know when the time is right."
Kyra nods, grateful for Akua's understanding. She continues to focus on her passions, cooking and art, using them as a shield to protect herself from the suitors' persistent advances. Her art studio becomes her sanctuary, a place where she can express herself freely and escape the expectations of others.
As the suitors continue to come and go, Kyra remains steadfast in her resolve, waiting for the day when she'll be ready to love again...
Kyra have saved up just money to move to the city of Willowdale, she started selling some things, she also sold her art studio to one of her students who bought it at a better price,she made it so that she will have not much property in order to move back to the city,she knows that good opportunities awaits her in the city, is this a coincidence? The same city she had left by misfortune, she is now planning to go. Having sold her art studio, she handed her classes over to her adoptive mother.
"Why have you sold your art studio? And you want me to take over your classes, Kyra, what is the matter? Don't you love what you are doing?", Akua asked, confused
"No, mother, I want to go live in the city of Willowdale, I have achieved a lot here, but I have this part of me that wants to go, I believe that I will achieve more there", Kyra explained.
Akua looked at Kyra with a mix of surprise and understanding. "I see. I knew you had a restless spirit, but I didn't think you'd want to leave us so soon. What is it about Willowdale that calls to you, Kyra?"
Kyra took a deep breath, her eyes sparkling with determination. "I know it sounds strange, but I feel like I have unfinished business there. I feel like I had left in a hurry, without closure, and I need to go back and face whatever it is that's making me to go. Plus, the city offers opportunities that Oakdale can't match. I want to showcase my art, expand my culinary skills, and make a name for myself in a bigger arena."
Akua nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. But what about us? What about your students, your friends, and your home here? You've built a life here, Kyra."
Kyra's expression softened, her voice filled with empathy. "I know, mother. That's why this is hard for me. But I need to follow my heart, and my heart is telling me to go. I promise to stay in touch, to visit often, and to never forget where I came from. Oakdale will always be my home, but I need to explore what lies beyond."
Akua smiled, her eyes shining with pride. "I raised a strong, independent woman. Go, Kyra, follow your dreams. We'll miss you, but we'll be cheering you on from here".
Akua had adopted Kyra five years ago, but it feels like she had known her from birth, what a comfort Kyra had become to her, blessing her, she said, "just like you brought joy to me and the entire village, you will also bring joy to the people in the city, my daughter, when I found you that day, you were in a helpless situation, I know that whatever that calls you to go to the city, definitely has something to do with the past you are unable to remember, maybe if you meet familiar faces, the past will resurface, but I pray for you that you will no more face such difficulty in your life again",
"Thank you mother, I will always visit you and also call you, have this phone, I will do my best to teach you how to use it before I travel", Kyra said with smile plastering on her face as she handed a new android phone to her adoptive mother.
Akua's eyes sparkled with tears as she took the phone, her hands trembling with emotion. "Oh, Kyra, my dear daughter, you've brought so much joy and light into my life. I'll miss you dearly, but I know you must follow your path. May the heavens guide and protect you on your journey."
Kyra hugged Akua tightly, holding her close for a long moment. "I'll always be with you, mother, in spirit and in heart. And with this phone, we can stay connected no matter where I am. I'll teach you how to use it before I go, and you can call me anytime you need me."
As they pulled back from the hug, Akua's face was etched with a mix of sadness and determination. "I'll learn to use this phone, Kyra. And I'll be here, waiting for your calls and visits. Go, my daughter, go and chase your dreams. May they finally bring you the answers and happiness you deserve."
Akua's eyes lingered on Kyra's face, memorizing every feature, every expression. She knew that Kyra's journey was not just about physical distance, but also about uncovering the secrets of her past. And she prayed that the city would reveal its secrets, and that Kyra would find the peace and closure she so desperately sought.
After 2 weeks, Kyra is set to go to the city of Willowdale, with her things packed and her adoptive mother by her side, they talked as they walked towards the roadside, when the truck that would take her and her things to the city arrived, Kyra hugged her adoptive mother and entering the front seat, with her things properly packed into the truck, and the shouts of her students mixed with cries of those who were not ready to let her go, Kyra waved at them and they drove off.
As the truck disappeared into the distance, Akua turned to face the villagers, her eyes red from tears. She saw the sadness and loss etched on their faces, and her heart went out to them. She knew that Kyra's departure had left a void in their lives, just as it had in hers.
With a gentle smile, Akua began to console the students and friends who had gathered to bid Kyra farewell. "She will always be with us and we will always communicate," she said, her voice trembling. "And we will always carry her love and legacy in our hearts."
As she spoke, Akua's eyes met those of Lyra, the young girl who had been Kyra's student and protégée. Lyra's eyes were brimming with tears, and Akua knew that she was struggling to come to terms with Kyra's departure.
Akua walked over to Lyra and embraced her, holding her close as the young girl sobbed. "She will always be your mentor and inspiration, Lyra," Akua whispered. "And you will continue to make her proud with your art and cooking."
As the villagers slowly dispersed, Akua remained with Lyra, holding her and comforting her until the young girl's tears subsided. And as they stood there, Akua knew that Kyra's legacy would live on through the people she had touched, and that her love and spirit would always be a part of their lives.
Lyra was the best amongst Kyra's students, her name always intrigued Kyra, what does that name have to do with her? The answer remained unknown, but the friendship between Kyra and her student Lyra was more than a teacher to student relationship, maybe because of her name or was it her brilliance? Lyra struggled to cope with Akua as her new teacher for her cooking class, yet with Akua reminding her of her teacher, she was ready to move on, she had also collected Kyra's phone number to call her sometimes.
It's already 40 minutes since Kyra left the village and now she has arrived at the city of Willowdale. Kyra stepped off the truck and onto the bustling streets of Willowdale, she felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The city was alive with energy, and she could feel its pulse coursing through her veins. She took a deep breath, feeling a sense of liberation wash over her. This was a new beginning, a fresh start.
Kyra looked around, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. Towering buildings, busy streets, and people from all walks of life rushing to and fro. She felt a sense of anonymity, a freedom to be whoever she wanted to be. No one knew her here, no one expected anything from her. She was a blank slate, ready to write her own story.
With a sense of determination, Kyra hailed a taxi and headed to her new apartment, a cozy little place she had rented online. As she settled in, she couldn't help but think of Lyra and Akua, wondering how they were doing back in Oakdale. She smiled, knowing that Lyra would thrive under Akua's guidance, and that their bond would remain strong despite the distance.
As she unpacked her bags, Kyra's phone rang, breaking the silence. She smiled, seeing Lyra's number on the screen. "Hey, Lyra! How are you doing?, I always ask for my student's number before accepting them into my class, that's how I got your number, but did mother gave you my number?" she asked, eager to hear her student's voice. And as they chatted, Kyra felt a sense of connection, knowing that no matter where life took her, she would always have a piece of Oakdale with her.