THE morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of the ocean and the faint hum of activity from the resort. Amelia moved through the lobby with measured steps, her luggage trailing behind her, all the while keeping her mind on the last moments she had left in this place.
Before heading to the checkout desk, she made a small detour to the bar, hoping to see Ifeanyi one last time. The bar was quiet, the soft clink of glasses and the low hum of background music creating the familiar cocoon she had come to treasure. And there he was— standing straight behind the counter, arranging a few bottles with practiced precision. His eyes lifted briefly as she approached, and he gave her the same professional nod she had come to recognize, that small bow that carried respect without intrusion.
“Good mor
