The holiday was almost over, and school would reopen in a few days. I was thinking about what to give Chioma when we resumed. At the beginning of last term, she brought me dried fish, which was delicious. I’m sure she’ll bring me a present, and I would feel bad not to give her anything in return.

I don’t know how to tell Chioma that I love her and want to spend the rest of my life with her, but I’m afraid that if I tell her, she might ignore me. I keep thinking about confessing my love for her. I imagine it and even dream about it; I confess my feelings, and she looks happy to have such a wonderful boy as her boyfriend.

School will reopen tomorrow, and I’m excited. My mother helped me pack my clothes, shoes, books, toiletries, and other necessities into my suitcase. As soon as I arrived at school, the first person I saw was Chioma. She was happy to see me and hugged me while carrying my bag. She told me I looked beautiful, and I didn’t know what to do except smile at her. We played together, and I felt happy to be with her.