Chapter 5: Crossed Lines

Morayo come notice, she sharply straighten up, push her waist go front small.

She adjust her towel for front, clear her throat, then look my face. I catch her eye, she look away sharp sharp, then look my hand for lock again.

For about ten seconds, everywhere just pause. All place quiet.

Fan dey hum, NEPA light still dey. Outside, I fit hear horn from okada for street, but inside, na only our breath dey loud.

I bend head small look Morayo. Her packed hair near my nose. Harmattan breeze dey enter room, her body and hair dey smell sweet, just dey make person high. One small hair for her face float come touch my face.

I move back small, try no let our body touch. I smile to calm the air, but my heart still dey pound.

I try hold myself.

I remind myself, no fall hand, na my neighbour, no be stranger. I adjust my voice make e soft.

"Em, the door open?" Morayo ask softly.

She use her eyes look the door, then me. Her voice gentle, as if she dey try break the tension. She hold her towel tighter, her knuckles white.

"Yes, make I try again." As she talk, my eye clear. I put password again. "E don open—enter."

As I open the door, I step back make she enter first. She look me, smile, then walk inside. As Morayo step enter side room, my mind dey race—wetin fit happen next, only God know.