People of the City
Page 16
‘Amusa! Amusa!’ It was Beatrice.
On hearing the happiness in her voice, everyone seemed to feel her longing for the man she loved. And they began to leave.
In the corridor, Sango found himself face to face with Aina’s mother.
‘Sango, your mother was a wonderful woman. She loved you so much! Do you know she died of happiness? When she heard you were to be a father, she was so glad. She said, “Thank God, he is becoming something at last.” So she said, and I swear to you I am speaking the truth. She told me to fetch you at once, that she might see you. She was very glad! But I didn’t know where to find you then. You must forgive me, Sango,’ she said and pressed the edge of her cloth to her eyes. ‘You see, I went there to spoil your name before your mother. Because of Aina. But your mother was above it all!’
Sango saw her to the door. Aina stood there, crestfallen. There were genuine tears in her eyes and a hint of rebuke. She had broken down at last. Sango looked at her, embarrassed.
‘Travel to Gold Coast, Overland!’
‘Kofi! Hello, Kofi. You just coming when everybody is leaving!’
‘Travel to Gold Coast Overland,’ said the boisterous man. ‘Come with me, and bring your bride.’
‘Who told you, Kofi?’ said Sango.
‘There’s no secret in this city. You took a special licence, and you tried to hide yourself. You think no one will know . . . Listen, Amusa. I’m all right now. I’ve recovered from the loss of my Nigerian girl friend. I’m not so sad as last time when we met. It was horrible then.’
Sango looked at Beatrice and smiled. ‘Our secret is out, B!’
‘Let’s go to the Gold Coast. I have always wanted to go there.’ There was a plea in Beatrice’s voice.
‘Yes. We want a new life, new opportunities . . . We want to live there for some time – but only for some time! We have our homeland here and must come back when we can answer your father’s challenge! When we have done something, become something!’
‘Travel to Gold Coast Overland! By Kofi Transport! It is safe, sure and slow.’ Kofi by now had a glass of beer in his hand and was behaving as though the contents had taken effect. ‘But it will get you there – in peace.’
‘Not in pieces,’ Beatrice and Sango laughed together.
Beatrice had slipped her hand under Sango’s arm. ‘Amusa, let’s snatch happiness from life now – now, when we’re both young and need each other.’ She was smiling and her eyes searched his face.
Yet contradicting that smile was the tiny pearl of a tear which he saw stealing down her cheek. He embraced her tenderly, murmuring into her hair.
‘God bless you – and us!’
Table of Contents
Cover
Biographical Notes
Title Page
Copyright and More Information
Contents
Introduction
People of the City
Part One 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Part Two 9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Landmarks
Cover
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