Madiaw Thiam, already informed that some residents from Diamegueune would come to visit Soukeyna, spent the entire morning cheerful and smiling as he prepared to receive them.

  The idea pleased Salif greatly. He put on a fine shirt. Even if things between him and Soukeyna were complicated, he still wanted her to see him at his best.

  It hurt that she saw him as too young. But life is like that — nothing is ever perfect.

  Among the visitors were Salif’s sisters, Nabou and Nogaye, along with their friends: Nder, Ibra, Thiam, and Babam Ba.

  Upon arrival, they were welcomed by Yaye, Modou’s little sister.

  Madiaw Thiam loved his youngest daughter obsessively; he took her everywhere — except to meetings. That was why she was currently staying with Madiaw’s second wife, Amina, the co-wife of her mother, Fatou.

  Recognizing her with surprise, Salif asked Modou:

  “Isn’t she supposed to be at your place?”

  “Hey, little sister!” Modou greeted her warmly before turning back to Salif. “She’s Father’s favorite. Wherever he is, she is — unless it’s impossible.”

  “Happy to see you!” little Yaye said innocently with a bright smile. “Father is inside!”

  “My sons!” Madiaw Thiam exclaimed as he came out to receive them, clearly busy preparing the feast. “Why are you standing there? Come in!”

  They greeted him and entered.

  Inside, Amina welcomed them warmly.

  “Thank you so much for coming,” she said. “You are truly kind.”

  “It’s only natural,” Salif replied. “Where is she?”

  “At the shop,” Amina answered.

  The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  “She would have done the same for us,” Nabou added.

  Modou stepped closer to his aunt, slipped his hand into his pocket, and discreetly handed her some money.

  “My mother sent this,” he whispered. “She apologizes for missing her promise — she couldn’t come to the hospital.”

  “That’s alright,” Amina replied gently. “I understand. Someone had to stay home and watch over the house. I’d also like you to meet Tierno Diagne.”

  “He’s here?” Modou asked in surprise.

  “You know him?” Amina asked.

  “Yes. I saw him at the hospital.”

  “I see,” Amina said thoughtfully. “You know… yesterday your father told me that when Soukeyna is ready, he will offer her hand to Tierno Diagne.”

  Salif, who had been listening quietly, felt something twist inside him. But he showed nothing.

  The meal was served around two o’clock — four large platters.

  Madiaw, his family, and their guests gathered around dishes of rice, each crowned with a chicken at the center, surrounded by colorful garnishes and spices. Smiles appeared instantly on the faces of the gourmets.

  Salif and Tierno sat at the same platter, occasionally exchanging thoughtful glances.

  After the meal, dessert was served by Soukeyna herself. Then came the tea, prepared by Tierno, who had volunteered.

  All afternoon they talked, teased one another, and told jokes — the natural joy of young people gathered together.

  Around ten o’clock, the visitors decided to head home.

  Tierno and Soukeyna walked with them for a short distance. The others were busy chatting and paid little attention to the quiet conversation between Salif and Tierno.

  “What you did to save Soukeyna was remarkable,” Salif said.

  “Thank you,” Tierno replied. “She told me about you… You don’t resent me, do you?”

  “She’s older than me,” Salif answered calmly. “And I think you suit her.”

  “It must still be hard for you,” Tierno said gently.

  “No,” Salif replied. “It will pass.”

  “Well, thank you for walking us,” Nabou interrupted.

  “It’s we who should thank you,” Soukeyna said warmly. “Maybe in a month we’ll come visit you — I’m not sure yet, but thank you. Bye!”

  A loud chorus of “Bye!” echoed as the group parted ways.

  On the way back, Tierno could hardly stop glancing at Soukeyna.

  “You want my picture or something?” she teased.

  “I don’t need your picture if your face is right here,” he replied.

  “Stop looking at me like that,” she said, pretending to be annoyed. “It’s irritating.”

  “I can’t.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You know what I mean,” he said softly. “I’m crazy about you. I love you.”

  Soukeyna turned toward him, facing him fully. Looking straight into his eyes, she answered:

  “I love you too. And I needed to hear that.”

  Silence settled between them — the good kind. Tierno smiled, his heart pounding with joy.

  They walked home hand in hand, without speaking, continuing their path together.

  Later, Modou and his group arrived home as well, and each returned to their own house.