The air was chilly the next morning. Noni woke up early and watched the sun come out. She sat by the window, thinking. She thought about what Mrs Sakala had advised her to do. She saw Suzanne snoring softly and she gave a smile. Noni had been teasing her about her snoring but Suzanne refused to believe that she snored.

Noni took the pink book from her pillow where she always hid it. She stared at it. To burn it was to erase it from existence, like it was never there. The whole night she hadn’t dreamed of Keith as she always did. She slept peacefully. Maybe it’s a sign, she thought. A sign that her obsession with Keith should end. She stood up and tore the book into pieces and threw it in the bin. She lit a matchstick and watched the book burn. The fire burnt every piece slowly.

“The place is on fire!” Suzanne shouted. She wiped her eyes only to see the fire was coming from the bin. “Girl, you frightened me,” she sighed, and when she saw little pieces of the pink cover she went and rubbed Noni’s shoulder.

Noni stood there without blinking, looking at the fire.

“It will be okay,” Suzanne whispered, and embraced her.

Noni suddenly felt sad and wanted to cry. She cried quietly, tears dropping onto Suzanne’s shoulder. She went to her bed and Suzanne felt sorry for her, but knew it would pass and she was strong enough to endure it. It was a Sunday so they would stay in their rooms or join others going to church. Suzanne checked the time and saw it was still early. She sat on Noni’s bed. Suzanne knew she needed more comfort and encouragement. Noni had her back towards Suzanne so she wouldn’t know she was crying.

“Noni, I know it’s hard, but you did well,” she said, looking at her.

Noni was like a shivering dog. “I will be fine, don’t worry.” Her voice cracked and she continued to cry.

“I can stay with you and skip church,” she suggested.

Noni wiped her tears and looked at her, “No, go. I will be fine I promise,” she pretended.

Suzanne left her and prepared for church. Noni cried her lungs out as quietly as possible. Her pillow was wet with tears. She fell asleep after her heart was at ease.

Noni loved nature, and when she woke, she decided to take a walk. She dressed in her lovely t-shirt, fancy skinny jeans and her flops. She smiled all way. She felt happiness in her veins as she watched the flowers blossoming and trees with fallen leaves. She saw Keith and his girlfriend cosy on a bench, but she didn’t flinch. She continued walking with her heart full of joy. She turned around and jumped when she felt the fresh smell of flowers, birds chirping in the trees and crickets buzzing along with the bees. She watched flamingos by the pond and sat down on the soft, green grass.

Keith appeared from a distance. Sarah was furious, shouting at him, and he tried to calm her down. She pushed him and walked away. Keith had his hands on his head. Noni decided to mind her own business and enjoy her peace. She laid on the grass looking at the faded sky with small clouds that looked like insects. She watched the birds that flew past. She fell asleep and woke up when she heard a dog barking. She stood up in a buzz, rubbed her jeans and walked back to her hostel. She didn’t hear Keith calling her.

“Noni, wait!” he shouted. But she didn’t hear him.

He grabbed her hand, she looked at him, confused.

“Look, Noni, I am sorry about what I did, can I make it up to you?” he pleaded, sadly.

Tell us: Do you think Noni will give Keith a second chance?