Chapter 19 — A Room with No Windows
The sun was dipping lower as they walked back home. The road shimmered with leftover heat, but the air between them was calm — almost warm. For the first time, Esi wasn't walking ahead in silence, and Kwabena wasn't trying too hard.
He glanced sideways at her. "You're looking… really beautiful."
Esi looked down shyly. "Thanks."
Then, after a pause, she added without looking at him, "You're not bad yourself."
Kwabena gasped dramatically. "Ei, Esi! Are you teasing me? Me that I haven't even shaved my head?"
She laughed — that same laugh from the salon. Not forced. Not tight. Just soft and human.
As they reached the mansion gate, he cleared his throat. "I… I looked inside your sketchpad. The one on your table."
She paused slightly but didn't turn to face him.
"I hope you don't mind," he said quickly. "It's… impressive. The lines, the emotion… I didn't know you could draw like that."
Esi's voice came slowly. "It's how I breathe, Kwabena. When I draw, it's like the world pauses — and I finally hear myself. Not other people's voices. Just mine."
Kwabena nodded slowly. "That's… deep."
There was a beat of silence before she added, "One day, I want to sell my work. Not just draw for myself, but really sell it. Have my own gallery. Maybe even a little shop. People walking in, looking at my art… seeing me for me."
They had reached the doorstep now. Kwabena didn't open it yet. He was staring at her.
"You know… life doesn't always bend to our wishes," he said softly. "Some things, we're born into. We don't choose them. We just… live with them."
Esi tilted her head, searching his face. "So… you don't believe I can have that kind of life?"
He hesitated. "I'm saying… I like it here. I like having you here. And I'm not stopping you from drawing, Esi. In fact—" he pointed gently toward the big mansion behind them "—if you want a whole room for your art, I can build it for you. In here. You can even name it whatever you want."
She blinked.
That should have made her happy. It sounded kind. Generous, even.
But something in her chest tightened. Her dream was of open doors, fresh air, strangers walking in and out… not a private galleKwabena smiled at her. Then tilted his head slightly, a playful glint in his eyes.
"And Esi… you have to draw me too oo. At least one fine portrait. I'll hang it in the hallway."
Esi looked up at him — surprised, a little amused. "You're saying it like it's a joke, but I can. I can draw you. A very good one."
He shrugged, still smiling. "I'll be waiting."
But even as the moment softened, Esi's mind drifted.
Maybe if I draw him — really draw him — maybe he'll see. Not just the lines and shading… but my heart. My dream. The part of me that wants more than gold gates and quiet rooms.
She glanced at the house behind him.
He liked her voice. He respected her skill.
But he still wanted her world to fit within his walls.
And somehow…
That made her
dream even louder,hidden inside a quiet, golden cage.