Chapter 12: Letting Go, One Book at a Time

I carried the box of books I’d just arranged and got ready to go downstairs.

Tunde glanced at the box in my hand and suddenly spoke.

"Cousin, where are you taking these books?"

I didn’t want any trouble.

"To read, just to pass time."

Tunde stared into my eyes.

For a moment, nobody said anything.

The attic was suddenly quiet.

Morayo smiled and broke the silence.

"Can Miss Zainab really finish reading so many books? Why not leave them for someone who truly loves books?"

Her eyes shone as she picked up the top book, turning to Tunde with excitement.

"Egbon Tunde, see this book—I’ve been looking for it everywhere. Please, can I have it?"

Anger rose in me. I answered stiffly:

"Taking without asking is stealing. Please give me back my book, Miss Morayo."

Morayo’s eyes filled with tears, about to cry.

Tunde’s face turned cold, his voice like ice:

"Cousin, you’ve gone too far."

I thought I was already numb.

But Tunde’s cold words still hurt.

I turned my face away.

He seemed to realize he was too harsh and softened his tone, trying to negotiate:

"You can’t finish so many at once. Can you let Morayo have this one, and read the others first?"

So even the distant Egbon Tunde could beg for his beloved.

I muttered quietly:

"What if I insist on reading this one first?"

Tunde didn’t hear me, frowned, and asked again:

"Cousin?"

Looking into Tunde’s cold black eyes, I finally let go.

"Alright. As you wish, cousin."

I let the book drop, the thud loud as my heartbeat. I swallowed my pride and left, my eyes burning.