Chapter 4 A SUDDEN FAREWELL

For five wonderful years, Ama was a constant presence in Jean-Luc's life. But then, his father retired, and they had to return to France. The day they left was one of the hardest of Jean-Luc's life. He hugged Ama tightly, promising to never forget her. But as the years passed, life got in the way, and they lost touch.

The news of their return back to France came suddenly. Jean-Luc's father had received a letter from his company, informing him that his retirement had been approved and that they would need to return to France within the month. Jean-Luc was devastated. He did not want to leave Ivory Coast, and he certainly did not want to leave Ama.

The days leading up to their departure were filled with a mix of emotions. Jean-Luc tried to savor every moment with Ama, knowing that their time together was limited. They spent their days doing all of Jean-Luc's favorite things - visiting the market, cooking together, and telling stories. But

there was an underlying sadness that neither of them could ignore.

On the morning of their departure, Ama woke Jean-Luc up early. She had prepared a special breakfast, all of his favorite foods. They sat together at the table, eating in silence. Jean-Luc could feel the lump in his throat growing, and he struggled to hold back his tears. Ama reached across the table and took his hand to hers.

"Jean-Luc," she said softly, "je t'aime beaucoup. Tu seras toujours dans mon cœur." (Jean-Luc, I love you very much. You will always be in my heart).

Jean-Luc could not hold back his tears anymore. He threw his arms around Ama and hugged her tightly. "Je t'aime aussi, Ama. Je ne t'oublierai jamais." (I love you too, Ama. I will never forget you).

As they drove to the airport, Jean-Luc pressed his face against the car window, watching the familiar streets of Abidjan pass by. He felt a deep sense of loss, as if he were leaving a part of himself behind. When they arrived at the airport, Ama hugged him one last time, her tears mingling with his. She kissed his forehead and whispered, "Sois fort, mon petit. Je serai toujours avec toi." (Be strong, my little one. I will always be with you).

Jean-Luc waved goodbye to Ama as they walked through the departure gates, his heart heavy with sorrow. He did not know when, or if, he would ever see her again. But he made a promise to himself that he would never forget her, no matter where life took him.