Silence engulfed the building upon Tayo's statement.
Bachi stood frozen, mouth half-open, as if the words had turned him to stone.
"That's the part of humans I always want to forget about," Sango murmured, voice heavy with gloom. He stared down at the scarred table legs, tracing cracks that looked like old wounds. "Our history was, and still is, based on discrimination. I'm highly ashamed."
Tayo's gaze never left Bachi's. "Don't get me wrong. I never said the fear of the unknown was a bad thing. After all, the fear of the unknown is actually what kept humanity alive for this long."
He leaned forward slightly, blue eyes unblinking. "The fear of the unknown is a valid fear, after all. Things in the unknown are better kept unknown."
Bachi swallowed hard, voice cracking when it finally came. "That sounds like the words a maniac would say… who eventually destroys the world."
Tayo tilted his head, a small, knowing smile ghosting across his lips. "Whoever said destruction was a bad thing…? After all, it's all about perspective, am I right, sir…?"
He shifted his gaze to Sango.
*Where the hell is this kid from?* Sango thought, pulse thudding behind his ears.
He forced a smile. "Yes. You are absolutely right. In this world, it's all about perspective, just as you've said."
Bachi's eyes flashed. "You idiot. You're both a bunch of idiots. I have a feeling you'll both die young."
Sango met the boy's stare, unflinching. "I never even thought for once about having a long life. I'm bound to die sometime soon anyway. You've got strong balls, kid. I respect you for that."
Bachi gave a curt nod. "Hope you enjoy the meal."
He turned and disappeared into the kitchen, apron strings flicking like a cat's tail.
Sango nudged Tayo's bowl. "Dig in, kid, or it'll get cold."
Tayo plunged his right hand into the bowl of water Bachi had left, rinsed it with solemn care, then tore off a piece of yam. The moment it touched his tongue, his eyes flew wide.
Words failed him.
All that emerged was a breathless chant:
"Wow! Wow! Wow!!!! This meal is something else."
He devoured it—fingers flying, stew splattering, yam vanishing in soft, frantic swallows.
Sango laughed under his breath. "You have to slow down. Your food isn't going to run."
In the blink of an eye, the plate was spotless. Tayo dragged his tongue across the clay, chasing the last trace of egusi.
"Looked like you enjoyed your meal," Sango said, amused.
"Enjoy is not up to what I felt," Tayo said, licking a thumb. "That meal was something else. I've never had anything such as that before."
"Bachi!!! Bachi!!! Bachi!" he bellowed toward the kitchen.
The boy poked his head out, wary. "Yes? What's the matter?"
"I never knew you had magic hands, 'cause that meal of yours is one of a kind!" Tayo beamed.
Bachi blinked. "Please tell me you're kidding."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Tayo asked, grin faltering.
"Nothing much," Bachi said, brow creasing, "apart from the fact that two minutes ago you were a kid who talked like a philosopher, and now you're speaking like a typical child."
"Hey, look," Tayo said, shrugging, "you and I both know hunger can change a man. Back then I was too hungry to talk to my satication."
"You mean *satisfaction*," Bachi corrected, deadpan.
Sango threw his head back and laughed like a child himself, eyes watering. "I stumbled upon a kid… I never knew I stumbled upon a comedian."
Tayo turned to him, solemn again. "So, sir, you said you were going to take me with you. I want to use this median to appresuate you."
"You mean *appreciate*," Sango said, still grinning. "But no need, kid. You don't need to thank me."
Tayo's gaze sharpened. "You have a home, right, sir?"
"Yes, I do."
"Let Bachi come with us so he can cook his meal for us."
Sango's laughter boomed through the rafters. "Hahahhahahahahahahah!"
He wiped his eyes. "Well, that depends on him…? Bachi, do you want to come with us…?"
"No!!" The answer shot back like a crossbow bolt.
"Wow," Sango said, mimicking a jester's bow, "that was quick. You didn't even give it a thought. You do know it's *Sango* asking for your company."
"Still a no," Bachi said. "I can't spend more time with imbeciles like you two. You'll just corrupt my brain."
Sango stood, stretching. "Looks like your friend declined our request, Tayo."
Tayo hopped down from the bench. "Okay, sir. Hope to taste your food again, Bachi."
They walked side by side toward the door. Just before it swung open, Bachi's voice followed them, softer now, almost sad.
"You do know they won't accept you, right? The world is a cruel place, and they don't adjust to new things."
Tayo paused on the threshold, sunlight spilling over his dark skin like liquid gold.
He didn't look back.
"I really don't care if they accept me or not," he said. "I only live for myself, and that is all that matters to me."
Then he stepped into the light, Sango at his side, and the crooked door creaked shut behind them.