The wind blew softly as if it was clapping for their love. Inside the house, Madame Tina looked out the window and smiled.
And somewhere far away, Johnson knelt in his small room, praying, “Lord,” he said, “Wherever my grandson is right now, please let him be happy.”
He had no idea that his grandson was already walking into his answered prayer. A few days later, Andrew said to Naomi, “I would like us to go and visit my grandfather.
I want him to meet the woman who has stolen his grandson’s heart. I want him to meet his soon-to-be daughter-in-law.
Naomi smiled sweetly and nodded. I’ll be happy to meet him, too. That Saturday morning, they both dressed simply but neatly.
Naomi looked calm, but her heart was beating fast. They were on their way to visit Johnson, Andrews grandfather.
“Are you nervous?” Andrew asked her, holding her hand. Naomi chuckled. “A little. I’ve never met someone I like’s parents as a fiance before.
Andrew laughed. Relax. He’ll love you. Just be yourself. As they reached Andrew’s grandfather’s house, Andrew looked around.
The area was quiet and humble. They knocked gently on the wooden door and Andrew pushed it open.
They both stepped into the living room and sat down on a simple brown sofa.
The air smelled like home, warm and real. “Is your grandfather around?” Naomi asked. I think he stepped out to buy something, Andrew replied.
But he’ll be back soon. A few minutes later, the front door opened. Johnson walked in slowly, carrying a black nylon bag.
His face looked tired but brightened when he saw Andrew. My son, you didn’t tell me you were coming today, he said with surprise.
Andrew stood up to welcome him. Grandpa, I wanted to surprise you. I brought someone with me.
Johnson turned to look at Naomi. She knelt and greeted him respectfully. “Good afternoon, sir,” she said.
“Good afternoon, my daughter,” he replied, looking at her closely. “You didn’t tell me your visitor was this beautiful,” Johnson teased, laughing.
He looked at Naomi for a second, then turned. But Naomi kept staring at him.
Something inside her stirred. A memory, a voice, a face. As Johnson turned back around, she stepped closer, her voice soft and a little shaky.
“Sir, please. Your name? Is it Ogre Johnson? Johnson looked confused. Yes, I am Ogre Johnson.
Do we know each other? Naomi smiled sadly. You don’t remember me, do you? He shook his head slowly.
No, I’m sorry. Many years ago, I was just a little girl. I had lost my school fees and was crying by the roadside.
Johnson’s face remained still. I told you everything. How my stepfather would beat me if I didn’t pay.
You were sitting in your small shoemaker shed by the roadside. You listened to me.
You gave me 4,000 naira, your last money, and told me to be serious in school.
Johnson gasped a little. You prayed for me. You told me to never forget you.
You said your name was Ogre Johnson, and I never did. His mouth slowly dropped open.
Wait, are you that little girl? Naomi nodded. Yes, sir. I am the little girl you helped.
She stood and knelt gently before him. You didn’t just help me, sir. You gave me hope.
You saved me from the shame and pain of being chased out of school. That one act changed my life.
I became something because of that one moment of kindness and encouragement. Johnson’s eyes filled with tears.
He covered his mouth and sat down slowly, shocked. “My goodness. You mean that little girl was you?”
“Yes,” Naomi said. “And I’ve been looking for you for years. I never knew the man I fell in love with is your grandson.
Andrew also had tears in his eyes. Grandpa has always spoken about you ever since that day.
He always prayed that God should guide you wherever you were. Johnson couldn’t speak for a moment.
