Ewe and Nandi had been dropped off at their respective addresses. The bus stopped on another street, and some people around Renny prepared to get off the bus at that exact stop.
That was also Renny's stop, so she stood up from her seat and headed toward the bus door. She paid the bus driver and headed in the southeastern direction where her apartment complex was located.
There was a mini grocery store on the way, so Renny paused her movement and decided to buy some eggplants and cabbage to cook for dinner.
She was still shocked by the cheap prices of organic greens and vegetables in Ghana, but she didn't hate it; she liked greens and enjoyed trying new recipes.
"Good evening, Auntie!" a young, cheerful girl with cornrows aged between 12-13 smiled at Renny, who was now inside the store.
"Hi," Renny silently smiled at the girl as she reciprocated the greeting.When she had first arrived in Ghana, she was surprised by the form of address, as she was 22 years old. With no known relatives in Ghana, she was also too lazy to correct them.
However, as time went on, she saw Nandi and Ewe being referred to as "Auntie" by random people. That's when Nandi explained to her that every person younger refers to their seniors as "Auntie" or "Uncle" as a form of respect. Teachers were also referred to as such in schools, so she later learned to go with the flow.
She bought groceries and headed to her apartment. A blue gate came into view; coincidentally, the gate man was opening it. A red car exited, and the gate man quickly closed the gate.
The car suddenly came to a stop, and a tall, dark, and handsome middle-aged man with white hair came out of it. He had aged like fine wine.
"Renny, it's really hard to cross paths with you even though we stay in the same building," the man said with a sigh as he approached Renny.
Renny silently looked at the man as she stood in the same spot. She was slim with a big afro, and coupled with the big sweater she had on, she looked like she could be swept away by the wind and disappear at any moment.
The man was her landlord, who had relocated to Ghana. He owned different apartments in the country, but he was staying on the 6th floor.
"Good evening, Mr. Greg," Renny slowly greeted.
"Apart from university and this apartment, where else have you explored? I only ever saw those two friends come to visit you, but I haven't seen you going out. It's really not good to stay locked up in your apartment," Greg advised.
Renny wanted to tell him that she didn't come to Ghana to explore; she just had a wish to fulfill, and she would go back after that. But she just swallowed the words; she didn't have to explain herself to anybody.
"How about this? There is a family I am going to meet; they just arrived in the country. They have two children around your age. Come with me to meet them; it could be good to have someone from the same country interact with them and fill them in about Ghana," Greg added.
"Sorry, I can't go," Renny said, making Greg sigh in regret.
"I have an assignment I am working on; I can't go out now," Renny added.
"Oh, how about Saturday? They are going to Elmina Castle; it would be great if you went with them," Greg enthusiastically said.
Renny hesitated a bit. She knew about Elmina Castle, built in 1482 by Portuguese traders. Elmina Castle was the first European slave-trading post in all of Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a historical site recognized by UNESCO as a heritage site. She had wanted it to be the very last site she explored before leaving Ghana.
"I am not ready to go there," she slowly spoke.
"When will you be ready? I know your hesitation, but trust me, once you go there, some part of your soul is soothed," Greg said as he suddenly looked at the watch in his left hand.
"Okay," Renny said.
"Really? Are you willing to join them? Alright, I understand! Let me make the arrangements," Greg excitedly said as he ran towards his car. He didn't want to let Renny change her mind midway; young people nowadays had mood swings, and one couldn't comprehend their way of thinking! Greg thought as he drove off.
Renny silently looked at the red car in the distance before going into the apartment.
"Good evening, madam!" the gate man greeted with a smile.
"Good evening, Joshua," Renny replied as she went inside. She observed that people in Ghana were always full of energy and happy, even though most things were out of their reach. She wondered why that was and what made them joyous. She reached inside her bag and picked out her apartment keys, opening the door.
She arranged the groceries, then headed towards the bathroom. She took a shower and then changed into her pajamas; she wasn't going out anyway, so it made no difference what she put on.
Preparing dinner only took 30 minutes. She ate in silence but couldn't taste the food, so she left it and stored it in the fridge. She then headed towards the small cupboard, picked up a small bottle of antidepressants, and swallowed them. After that, she lay down on the soft sofa with her eyes closed.
A woman's picture was placed beside the TV. She was wearing a black gown typically worn by lawyers and smiled brightly.
She had planned to rest her eyes a bit and then work on her assignment; unexpectedly, sleep took over her.
Sirens could be heard in the distance. Renny looked at her hands, covered with blood, and at a woman in her hands.
"It's okay," the woman smiled as she spoke, a stream of blood escaping through her mouth.
"Mom!" Renny softly called and then abruptly sat up from the sofa.
She turned to her right and saw the picture beside the TV stand, then stood up and headed towards the window, standing there and silently looking outside. It was already dark, but she knew she couldn't sleep at all.
She decided to work on her assignment for the time being. At around 1:00 a.m., just after midnight, a call came in. Renny picked up after seeing the caller ID.
"How are you doing, Renny? I am worried about you. It has already been one month. Are you really not planning to come back? There is already a provision at Michigan University if you decide to terminate your exchange student status," the woman on the other side of the phone said.
"I am alright, Aunt Jackie. I also plan to finish my program here before I return," Renny said. The woman on the other end sighed with resignation.
"You have always been stubborn. It's been a year since the incident; you haven't been yourself. I am worried. Hold on, it has to be midnight over there, right? You haven't gone to bed? Are your symptoms growing stronger?" the woman asked worriedly.
"I am fine. My mood has also improved ever since I arrived. I just got up for a glass of water when you called; no need to worry," Renny said.
"Really?" the woman insisted.
"Really," Renny replied.
"Go to bed then, don't stay up late. Let me cut the call. Have a good night," the woman said.
"Have a good day," Renny said as the woman hung up. Renny looked at the phone silently before going to the bedroom and lying down. Although sleep didn't come, she complied with her auntie's request.
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