Sakyi sat on the edge of his bed, phone pressed to his ear, a small smile on his lips. His father’s warm voice filled the room, carrying an air of excitement.

The month of February had arrived, and a lot of noise about the play was going round. Tickets were selling fast, and Mr. Ampor-Jones had just called to comment on the play’s growing publicity.

As well as drop an exciting announcement.

“We’ve all got our tickets!” the old man announced proudly. “Your mother, your sister and her boyfriend, even your uncle Kwadwo. Sekyeraa went to get them this morning, and we’re so excited. We’re really looking forward to seeing you on stage.”

Sakyi chuckled, shaking his head slightly. “Awesome! That’s wonderful to hear, Dad. I really appreciate the support.”

“It’s the very least we could do, my son! This is a big deal! We’re very proud of you.”

His father’s words settled in his chest, a comforting warmth spreading through him. It was such a joy to have Mr. Ampor-Jones lay down the usual African parent expectations and go full throttle in supporting him. It meant the world to him, and he could not be more grateful for that.

After a few more exchanges, they said their goodbyes, and Sakyi set his phone down beside him. A deep breath left his lips as he leaned back against the headboard, staring at the ceiling. Oh, the joys of having a supportive family. Chale, God has been good to me! I can’t complain.

And then, his mind drifted to Dufie.

I wonder if she’s told her family about the performance, or if they even know about her being a part of the play, he thought to himself. Given how fractured her family dynamics seemed, there was probably little chance of that.

He couldn’t help but feel bad for her. Here he was, basking in the warmth of unconditional support, while she probably might not get any. Life and its unfair ways…

As he thought about that, his mind drifted to other matters concerning her.

The apology, the explanation, the fact that he finally had some closure.

And that moment when she reached for his hand…

His stomach tightened at the memory. The way her soft fingers felt against his, the unexpected flicker of something deep inside.

That sweet something deep inside. The good old feeling that rose whenever they had held hands. Whenever they had giggled about something. Whenever he pressed his lips against hers…

His hear beat swiftly as a brief thought crossed his mind…

Is there still a chance?

He exhaled sharply and shook his head.

No. He couldn’t let his thoughts wander there.

Dufie was still healing, still finding her way. The last thing she needed was the pressure of rekindled romance.

But damn it, I still love her! I never stopped loving her. Underneath all that pain dwelt a longing for the love of my life. If she’s back, can’t I just…

He sighed and ran a hand over his face, letting out a quiet chuckle at himself. These thoughts were running wild really fast.

“Get it together, chale,” he muttered under his breath. “This isn’t the time for all that.”

Pushing himself off the bed, he decided to shake off the thoughts. There was work to do, rehearsals to focus on. And maybe, just maybe, time would tell what was truly meant to be.

***

Dufie was seated on the edge of her bed, hugging her knees to her chest as she stared out of the window. A cool evening breeze drifted in, but the weight in her heart was beginning to lighten.

It felt so good that she had finally opened up to Sakyi.

For so long, she had carried regret and shame at how she had ended things with him. But now, there was peace. He understood, at least to some extent, and they could move forward—if not as lovers, then at least as fellow actors in a play, without the lingering bitterness between them.

But somehow, the memory of his breakdown still haunted her.

She had seen the way his eyes welled up and spilled over with tears, and the way his voice cracked as he spoke of how much the breakup had crushed him. The pain she had caused him was undeniable, and it tore at her.

She knew the past could not be altered, but she wished she had handled things differently. She wished she hadn’t been so heartless with that message, cutting him off like he meant nothing when, in reality, he had meant everything to her.

He was the most incredible guy in the world. Sweet, kind, caring… everything I ever wanted in a man…

She pressed a hand to her chest, exhaling shakily. She had loved him deeply, and in truth, she still did.

But love wasn’t enough to erase the past. All she could do now was hope that, with time, they could both heal. Maybe the doors would open eventually for a reconciliation, but not now.

Besides, there was a show to gear up for.

***

Back at rehearsals, the atmosphere was lighter, but the focus remained sharp. Now that Sakyi and Dufie had vowed before everybody not to cause any more fights, everyone was happier, expecting a smooth rehearsal process.

The next scene between Kwame and Rose was underway, with Sakyi and Dufie stepping into their roles.

Kwame entered the seamstress shop, holding a pair of trousers. “Rose, I need you to fix these for me,” he started with a sly smile, his true motive evident.

Dufie, as Rose, smiled back.

“Kwame, this is the third time this month. Are you sure you’re not just finding excuses to see me?”

Those were the words she was supposed to utter in response, according to the script. But instead of following the script, she hesitated, her mind slipping for a second, and she uttered different lines.

“Cut!” Leslie’s frustrated voice rang through the hall.

Before Dufie could apologize, Sakyi stepped forward. “Sorry, Leslie. That was on me. I gave her the wrong cue. Forgive me. I’ll correct that.”

Leslie raised an eyebrow but said nothing, his expression unreadable.

Dufie glanced at Sakyi, surprised. A few weeks ago, he would have snapped at her and probably thrown a hissy fit as well. This time, however, he was taking the fall when he didn’t need to.

The tide really had turned.

When she looked up at him, he met her gaze and smiled ever so slightly.

Her heart did a little flip.

They ran the scene again, this time flawlessly. Dufie delivered her lines perfectly, Sakyi responded with the right level of charm, and by the end of it, Leslie nodded approvingly, clapping.

“Much better! That’s the kind of performance I expect from you guys. Keep it up.”

As Leslie moved on to the next scene, Dufie felt the fuzziest of warmths linger in her chest. Maybe, just maybe, things between them were truly beginning to shift.

***

As rehearsals wrapped up for the day, Sakyi and Dufie walked side by side toward their dressing rooms, a sense of ease between them. It was wholly evident to everyone that the earlier tension that had defined their interactions was gone. Now it had been replaced by a sense of camaraderie and respect.

“You did really well today,” Sakyi remarked, glancing at her.

Dufie smiled, nudging him lightly. “So did you. Your Kwame is getting dangerously smooth.”

Sakyi chuckled. “Well, I dey try my best. How we go do am?”

As they neared their respective rooms, Sakyi’s expression shifted slightly. “Hey, uh, just wondering… have you spoken to Naa lately?” 

Dufie’s eyes squinted for a moment. “Uhh, Naa?”

“Naa Torshie. My beautiful cuzzie.”

Her eyes then widened in realization. “Oh my God, Naa! Oh, oh, how could I have forgotten about her? I haven’t reached out to her ooo.” 

“Well, I guess you should. She’s been wondering what’s going on with you,” Sakyi remarked. “I mentioned to her and George, so they really wanna hear from you.” 

Dufie groaned, shaking her head. “Oh boy. Another set of people I owe an apology. My sweet, sweet neighbour and her darling husband. You’re right, I need to reach out to them.” She glanced at him hopefully. “You have her number, right?”

“Sure,” Sakyi nodded, pulling out his phone and reading out the digits. Dufie quickly saved them. 

“Thanks,” she said with a relieved sigh. 

“No worries.” Sakyi smiled. “Anyway, I’ll be on my way.” 

“Alright, see you later,” Dufie responded.

Without thinking, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him in a hug. 

It caught him off guard. 

For a moment, he froze, his body reacting before his mind could catch up.

Her warmth, her scent—everything about this hug was too familiar, too intoxicating. He had held her like this so many times before, and the sensation brought a rush of memories flooding back.

Sweet, incredible memories of the beautiful and passionate love they shared. 

Dufie pulled away just as quickly, but the air between them had changed. 

Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, it was like nothing else existed. An almost tangible romantic tension enveloped them, as if the air itself was charged with the electricity of their past love. Their closeness in that fleeting moment seemed to reignite a fire that had never truly gone out.

“Umm, bye,” Dufie whispered softly after what felt like ages, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear before turning away and heading toward her dressing room. 

Sakyi stood rooted to the spot, his heartbeat unsteady. Breathing heavily, he placed a hand on his chest.

His feelings for her weren’t just alive. 

They were burning.

We all knew it was gonna happen, didn’t we? Sakyi’s back in love now! Will Dufie be open to it, though?