The Stranger in Daniel's Office
Daniel had returned to Abuja alone—Favour would join him after the program. His office at work had become a sacred space of quiet progress.
That evening, a knock came at the door.
A man entered, tall and reserved, wearing a charcoal-gray agbada and tired eyes.
It took Daniel a moment to recognize him.
"…Dad?"
Chief Obiora Okonkwo—Daniel's estranged father. The man who had left his mother two decades ago.
Daniel stood up slowly. "Why are you here?"
The older man took a deep breath. "Because it's time."
"Time for what? Regret?"
"Time to stop letting your mother rewrite both our histories," Chief Obiora said, voice firm. "She tried to shape you into something I wouldn't recognize. But you—you've become more than I could ever have hoped."
Daniel stared, emotions clashing behind his eyes.
"I know what she did to your wife," Chief Obiora said. "I warned her not to play God."
Daniel leaned forward. "Why didn't you ever reach out? Not even once."
"I thought staying away would protect you. I see now that silence was its own violence."
There was a long pause.
Daniel looked away.
"I don't need a father," he said finally.
"I know," the man whispered. "But I came to be your witness. You did well, my son. With your wife… you chose right."
Daniel's hands trembled slightly. For the first time in years… he believed that too.