Chapter 157

The next week passed in a blur of monotony for Mariama. She threw herself into setting up her new life, exploring job opportunities, and trying to ignore the emptiness that seemed to permeate her home. She told herself it was for the best, that she was safer without Andre around. But deep down, she missed him. It was exactly a week after Andre's departure when Mariama's phone rang. The number was unfamiliar, but something made her answer. "Hello?" "Mariama?" Andre's voice came through, low and urgent. "I need your help." Mariama's heart raced. "Andre? What's wrong? Are you okay?" "I'm fine," he assured her quickly. "But I'm in a bit of a situation. Can we meet?" An hour later, Mariama found herself in a small, dimly lit café on the outskirts of town. Andre was already there, sitting in a corner booth, his eyes constantly scanning the room. As Mariama slid into the seat across from him, she noticed the tension in his shoulders, the wariness in his gaze. "What's going on, Andre?