Joy sighed and it wasn't the first. It was the second time so she intentionally made it a bit louder than the first. She needed to get his attention. Anything that could tip him off in regard to how she felt. Joy would like to busy herself with anything. But his apartment wasn't wide enough for her to go jolly sightseeing on and there was nothing to watch on the television. So, she could only sit on the other couch and watch him, hoping he would notice her predicament.

Dayo's eyes met with hers for a moment and he somewhat understood she was trying to get his attention, though he wasn't sure why.

He lowered the book from his view and turned to her. "Do you need something?"

She smiled briefly and shook her head. He gave a single nod and was at the verge of returning to his book when she interrupted. "The television doesn't work."

Adedayo looked from her to the T.V. and back to her. "Yes. Sorry about that. I don't watch it so I didn't see a need to pay for any channel."

But you bought a television. She smiled, one that said 'no problem, I understand.' and his smile was like a flash.

Joy lowered her eyes to her hands on her laps. It was sad for her to imagine any more days like this and more upsetting that Dayo wasn't noticing.

"Would you like to read a book?" He asked, a kind gesture on his part. Dayo wasn't sure why but he felt maybe he should offer her something.

Her eyes were back on him and after a few seconds of hesitation, she shook her head. "No, I don't think I want to read a book. Thank you for the offer" Joy didn't hate reading. In fact, the thought of it wasn't repulsing at all. It was simple. Right now, she didn't fancy burying her head in a book. She just... she wanted something different. Something exhilarating. Anything that will steadily take her mind off the fact that she still doesn't know who she is.

Dayo nodded his head to her appreciation and was about returning to reading when she blurted out. "I'm bored." He stared at her, no specific reaction or expression was detailed on his face.

Yes, Joy could've held it in. Yet, she blurted it out without much consideration. It made her realise she might be more impulsive than she knew of herself. Adedayo was kind to her and it was a bit mean to consciously put a wrench in more of his plans.

"I'm sorry I said it the way I did."

"What do you want to do?" His question followed right away and she paused the way she was, surprised by his quick reaction. She understood all he would prefer to do was sit home and read his books and unfortunately, here she was.

Her gaze shifted from him to the door and it was back on him. "Let's go for a walk."

Dayo's brows arched up. "Walk?" He repeated and she nodded.

"Let me change what I have on." Joy said as she quickly stood on her feet and turned away in a hurry towards the room, only to stop in her tracks in a sudden. She turned her head to him. "That's okay with you, right?"

"It's okay to say no." She added as his reply wasn't forthcoming and his face didn't exactly scream sure, let's go for it!

"No, it's fine." He replied, displaying a simple smile alongside. Joy was more than grateful and it showed as she smiled from ear to ear. Dayo watched as she hurried off into the room. To take a walk wasn't a big deal. It's just... he doesn't take walks. There was no specific reason. He simply wasn't the type to get up and fancy sightseeing. But Joy wants to and it was only normal she would feel that way. He couldn't imagine how she would feel when he lets her know the police were nowhere close to finding out anything about who she was. He wasn't capable of making her leave while knowing she had nowhere else to go. Which means her stay with him was indefinite. The thought had a ringing to it. He wasn't sure if he liked or disliked the idea. Does he like having his personal space? Yes, he does. Still, that wasn't enough for him to kick her out.

Joy came out, back in the dress she was in the day he met her. He was reminded that she had nothing more to change into and he made a mental note of it. Dayo was on his feet, leaving the book on the center table and led the way towards the door.

After Joy stepped out, she took a deep breath. Her entire being excited about this little change of scenery she was venturing into. The sun had recently sunk perfectly into the earth. The cloud was now in a shade of pink and gold. The cool breeze was welcoming. After he'd locked up, Dayo led the way again and she followed. When they were outside the gate, he looked left and right, not sure what path would be best to follow. Joy had to trust in his decision. After all, he knew more than she did.

In the end, they took the path to the right and she walked alongside him. The road was a wide path, altogether untarred, clayey soil as the ground and messy potholes. The residents on the other hand didn't seem to mind or rather, they were used to the condition of the road. It wasn't always like this everywhere but more often found in the residential paths of a poor neighbourhood. There were several kiosks and their produce was similar; tomato paste, spices, onions, bread and any edible that one might be in dire need to get their hands on but can't quickly head to the market.

Joy glanced at Adedayo who eventually met her gaze before she looked away.

"What do you do?" She broke the silence, deciding to take the opportunity and know more about the man who is more or less now like her saving grace.

"I'm a teacher."

Her pupils dilated as she looked at him. "You teach?" There was surprise laced in her voice and he read it.

"You sound surprised." He mentioned and she nodded. "Why? Don't I look the part?"

"That's—that's not the reason. You..." She shrugged her shoulders. Her gaze, away from him. "I don't know. I just, I imagined a government job for you. More like a clerk or a banker." Joy rolled her lips in for a moment.

"Any reason in particular?"

He raised a brow, not sure what she was asking of. "Any reason why you chose to teach?"

Adedayo stared ahead. His lips parted a few times like he was ready to speak but he never did in the end. It would be a lie if he said since day one, his dream has always been to become a teacher. A lot of memories flashed through his mind and he didn't have the right words to explain it all or better yet, he wasn't sure if he wanted to get into the details. Teaching might not have been his first choice but he has grown to enjoy it regardless that it might not seem that way to others.

"It just happened, right?" Her reply slash question was sudden but it got him to look at her. He was grateful she understood enough not to indulge him further into giving a reply. Adedayo nodded.

For a while, they kept walking, neither fast or slow and Joy took the moment to take in her surroundings. Adedayo glanced at her once and he contemplated if he should tell her. The truth will most definitely make her sad but it's important she knows.

"Earlier, I visited the police station." He started and she shifted her eyes to him, hope detailed in them. Dayo didn't feel good about crushing it. "They are yet to discover anything and it might take some time before they actually do."

Joy slowly nodded in understanding as she looked away from him. Her disappointment was obvious. Dayo felt he should say something but he wasn't sure what would be best for her ears.

"Thank you." She said as she stopped and he halted as well. They both faced each other.

"You don't need to..."

"No, you should know that I'm grateful. It's okay and I understand that my presence in your life was unplanned. I wish... I hope you won't abandon me but if you decide to do that. I won't be upset with you."

To her, it happened so fast. He'd reached out and grabbed her arm, pulling her immediately to him. The motorcycle with the reckless rider rode right past them and it was a good thing she was no longer where she was a few seconds ago. Joy hadn't realised how deep her heart had jumped in because of his surprise action until her eyes met him directly. She could hear her own breathing and more so feel his heart within his chest beating against hers. Again, they were too close for comfort.

Gently, Adedayo released his hold around her and took a step back. "Sorry. I should've said something before doing that." His apology was sincere and she could see that. But she wasn't vexed or anything of a sort. In fact, she had mixed feelings.

"It's fine." She replied as she lightly cleared her throat.

There was a minute of silence and Dayo spoke up. "Should we head back?"

Joy nodded and together they started on an awkward and silent ridden path back to the apartment.

I can only hope you're enjoying the story so far. Let's meet back here in a few days. The exact date of release will be communicated through my profile a two days prior to the release date. Meanwhile, stay safe and don't forget, votes and comments are still very much appreciated.