-Adam-

I find myself standing in the middle of my spacious living room, the morning light streaming through the windows. As I stretch and let out a big yawn, I can't help but feel grateful for the deep, restful sleep I had last night - a rare occurrence ever since I arrived in this country. With a sense of contentment, I make my way over to the sleek, modern phone on the coffee table to listen to the messages left on my answering machine.

A message from my father on the answering machine stopped me in my tracks. Furrowing my brow, I listened to the message, but without waiting to hear the entire thing, I pressed the delete button. Then I made my way to the kitchen and reached into the fridge to grab a drink.

As I start my morning routine, I pour myself a refreshing glass of orange juice and set the bread to toast. While the toast is cooking, I head over to the coffee table to grab my phone. After picking it up, I dial a number and patiently wait for the person to pick up on the other end.

"Hello Shelley. I learned you reported to work today. How are you feeling now?"

"Yes, I did. I am much better compared to the last time we met."

"Ow yeah! I believe a lot of it has to do with the ginger chicken soup I prepared for you. I guess it was a good thing I came over when I did."

-Shelley POV-

Listening to him on the phone, I couldn't help but cringe at the sly tone of his remark. "Alright, I'll admit that it did help a lot," I said, laughing.

Hearing him laugh on the phone, I couldn't help but grin. He certainly enjoys receiving affirmation when he is right.

"I am really glad you are feeling better," he says. "If you ever need me, I am always available for you. Never think of it as a hassle."

"I appreciate the offer, but I'm perfectly capable of handling my own needs. There is no need to be concerned."

Chuckling he says, "I still stand by my offer, even though I know you can handle yourself. In any case, are you occupied at the moment?"

"'Nope.' Is there an issue?"

"No, I just want to hear your thoughts on a matter that has been weighing on me."

"Sure! You have my attention."

He began telling me about an incident that occurred between him and Miriam's dad on the day he left my apartment. "Do you think I made the right call, and do you think I should inform Miriam about our meet-up?"

"I plan on throwing her a welcome home party at my flat this weekend since she is being discharged from the hospital, and if that is to come on, I don't think I can avoid keeping her in the dark about this," he says.

I took a long pause as I contemplated what I had heard from him. "I believe it was a prudent choice for you to remain impartial in a decision between a father and daughter," I stated. "You were right in leaving it to both of them to figure it out among themselves and also letting him know where you stand when it comes to Miriam, which in this case is behind his daughter's decision. This will let him know that, in the near future, you will always be supportive of Miriam."

"As for whether to inform Miriam about her father's request for you to persuade her to work for him, given your close relationship, you can tell her. However, please refrain from mentioning her father's illness as I think he should be the one to share that information."

"He has to tell her about his illness, not you."

"Do you believe so, Shelley?" he asked. "I mean, if it were you, wouldn't you have preferred your friend telling you about your father's condition if he knew of it?" I could hear the concern in his voice.

"Well, yes, I would prefer he tells me about it, but then again, I will understand if he does not, considering the compromising situation he finds himself in."

"Regardless of the decision you make on this matter, someone will undoubtedly suffer harm. The question is, 'Who will?' Will her father feel hurt upon learning that you informed her daughter about his condition, even though he wishes to keep it from her, or will Miriam suffer as a result of you not telling her?"

"Consider this while you make a decision before this weekend's gathering."

"I agree with you. Would you be interested in attending the party to celebrate Miriam's return?" he inquired.

"Absolutely, I love to."

"That is fantastic. By the end of the day, I will have texted you my address. It will be great to meet you there. Enjoy your day. Bye."

***

-Adam POV-

The clock struck 4 p.m., and a sudden knock echoed through my house, breaking the stillness of the afternoon. With a sense of anticipation, I hurried to the door, my footsteps echoing on the tiled floor. As I swung the door open, a rush of excitement filled me as I beheld the presence of my first guests, Mr. and Mrs. Blackson, standing on the threshold, their warm smiles lighting up their faces. It was the moment I had been waiting for-the arrival of my very first guests.

"Hey guys, welcome! Please, come on in." I greeted Margaret with kisses on both cheeks as I ushered them inside.

"Thank you, Ben," says Margaret. "We brought potato salad. I believe this is an addition to your already-prepared food."

"Well, I made a caterer prepare some local dishes. I've gotten it over at the kitchen counter. I only plan on bringing it to the table when we are all here."

"We have waakye, jollof, banku, and tilapia; kebabs; some spicy fried plantain; beef stew and shito; and last but not least, potato salad," I said, gesturing towards the food on the counter. "So guys, what do you think?" I asked while standing by the counter.

"That is quite a feast you have going on here. Miriam will be happy. At least you have her favourite meal on the menu. says Blackson."

"Well, she has been through a lot these past few weeks. That's the least I can do for her. With close friends around, she will bounce back in no time."

Just then, a knock came. "Let me get that."

As Margaret and Blackson make themselves at home in the living room, voices from the corridor approach them.

I step into the living room with Matthew and Miriam at my heels, a variety of wine bottles in hand. Both Blackson and Magaret welcomed the two couples with hugs. With both couples having an idle chitchat, I took up the opportunity to have the wine chilled for the occasion.

Miriam approaches me as I arrange the wine glass on the tray. "Thank you for organizing this for me. It feels good to be among familiar faces outside the hospital," she says.

"You are welcome. I am glad you approve of this." I said with a grin on my face. Just then, Matthew throws a comment my way.

"Shouldn't we start now that we're all here?"

"I am afraid we have to wait for one more guest." Just then, the doorbell sounded across the room. "Well, I believe she is at the door." I hurry to the door as my friends stare after me in curiosity.

As soon as I answer the door, my jaw drops at the sight of Shelley, who looks divine. She is clad in leather leggings and a coffee-brown casual women's shirt top with lace detailing at the cleavage. Shelley's lips adorned a delicate shade of pink lipstick gloss which seemed to be just right for her, while her hair cascaded down her left face in a lemonade braid.

I kept staring at her for what seemed like an eternity, even though she was expecting me to speak. She caught herself, clearing her throat to escape the uncomfortable tension my gaze caused her. "I brought dessert," she managed to say.

"Ahh, yes, forgive me." Come on in. By the way, you look absolutely lovely.

"I appreciate it," Shelley says with a smile as she makes her way inside.

"Guys, I believe we can now start since the last guest is here." These are my last remarks as I and Shelley enter the living room.

Miriam calls out to Shelley, "You are here," and encircles her in an embrace.

"Very much so. Without a doubt, I would not miss it."

As I poured the wine into the glasses, I felt a sense of anticipation building up inside me. I was getting ready to make a heartfelt toast: "Here's to Miriam's speedy recovery and to all the incredible moments that lie ahead. May the coming year be overflowing with joy and blessings." With my glass raised, I declared, "Cheers!"

With my raised glass in a toast, I watch my friends reciprocate the gesture before taking a sip of their drink.

As the gentlemen help the ladies set up the table for dinner, I move Miriam aside. "I need to speak with you."

"What is it about?" she enquires.

"Um, your father invited me to dinner this week."

"Please tell me he didn't ask you to try to persuade me to accept his proposal to work for him." As Miriam watches me with bated breath, hoping for a negative response, I confirm her worst fears.

"'You must be kidding me.' What was your response to that?"

"I told him to go fuck himself. Of course, not the exact words, but I did tell him I wasn't going to involve myself in this, and I would support whatever decision you made."

"Well, thank you for sticking with me."

"Always," although I would prefer that you make time to talk with him. I have a feeling there is something important he needs to tell you, but he doesn't know how to do it.

"Is there anything you know that I'm unaware of?" Ask Miriam.

"Maybe," I replied. "Just keep in mind that it is not my place to tell you. I'd prefer that it come from him."

Miriam shrugs. "Fine, I will find time and ask him about it."

"So, you invited Shelley," she said while joining arms with mine.

"'Yes, I did.' I assumed you'd want her here. She is very fond of you."

Miriam says with a smile as we make our way to our friends, "As I am of her."

As my friends and I gathered around the table, we enjoyed the abundance of food. As I played with my glass of wine, I couldn't help but grin triumphantly at Miriam's happiness amid the chatter and laughter going on around the table. I thought, "That is one plan well executed by me." Looking forward to putting my next strategy into action.