Chapter 4 A Fresh Start

Morning light streamed through the lace curtains of Sea Whisper Inn, painting delicate patterns across the wooden floor. The distant sound of ocean waves and birdsong was gentle, like the village itself stirring awake after a night of laughter and celebration.

Folakemi stretched beneath her blanket, a slow smile warming her face. The memories of the Sea Festival still glowed inside her - the rhythmic drums, lantern light on the ocean, Wale's hand in hers as they sat on the jetty.

And today, a sense of purpose pulled her to her feet.

"There's so much to do," she murmured, tying her scarf before padding into the kitchen.

The house felt lighter this morning, as though Maami's spirit approved of her homecoming. Folakemi filled the kettle, savouring the familiar ritual of preparing tea as she gazed out at the ocean shimmering silver-blue.

Billy barked outside and ran toward the gate. Curious, Folakemi followed him onto the porch - only to see a small crowd already gathering at the gate.

Chidi Okeke was at the front, a wooden toolbox in hand, and his broad grin splitting his face. Mrs. Alade balanced a covered bowl of fried akara on one hip, and Sade waved, a length of cheerful blue-and-gold fabric tucked under her arm.

"Good morning!" Folakemi called out in surprise.

"You thought you'd be fixing this place up all alone?" Chidi teased. "Not in this village!"

Her eyes misted.

"You came to help," she said softly.

"Of course," Mrs. Alade chuckled. "That Sea Whisper Inn needs some TLC, and who better to help than your village family?"

Folakemi felt a lump rise in her throat as she hurried to open the gate.

"You're all too kind," she began.

"Kindness and hard work," Chidi corrected, already stepping onto the porch. "That's what this village is built on!"

And so they began.

The morning became a cheerful blur of activity.

Chidi and Wale hauled out old furniture to repair - the dining chairs with wobbly legs and the wooden bench by the door with its peeling paint. Mrs. Alade set up a makeshift cooking station in the garden and began frying up puffs and yams, the scent drawing villagers like a beacon.

Sade worked beside Folakemi to sort linen and curtains, humming a Yoruba praise song as they folded and refolded crisp fabrics.

"You know," Sade said warmly, "you make this place feel alive again."

"I'm trying," Folakemi replied, hands trailing over a pale blue curtain.

"You're doing more than trying," Sade assured her. "Maami would be so proud."

Those words filled Folakemi's heart.

Proud.

That was exactly what she hoped Maami would feel.

As the sun rose higher, they took a break, gathering under the almond tree to drink chilled hibiscus juice. The ocean breeze kept them cool as Mrs. Alade handed around roasted groundnuts and told a story about the first Sea Festival she attended as a teenager.

"You should have seen your Maami dance that night," Mrs. Alade laughed. "Your Maami could move like nobody else!"

Folakemi chuckled along with everyone. It was comforting - hearing their stories, feeling woven into this community. Every word was a reminder of why this place had always been more than a guesthouse. Sea Whisper Inn was a sanctuary built with memories, stories, and the hands of people who truly cared.

And now it was hers to restore.

By mid-afternoon, Folakemi and Wale were alone in the garden. The others had wandered home to rest, promising to return the next day.

Wale was fixing the wooden swing that hung from the old almond tree, hands sure as he tightened its chains.

Folakemi brushed a curl back from her forehead, holding a plank steady.

"You're good at this," she remarked.

He grinned up at her, sweat gleaming on his brow.

"Someone's got to look after Sea Whisper," he replied, voice warm. "And I'm glad it's you."

Her hands paused on the plank.

That simple confession sent a ripple through her.

"You've always looked out for me," she murmured.

Wale straightened, his gaze gentle as he stepped closer.

"That's because you've always mattered," he said simply.

And in the quiet that followed - with birds chattering in the branches above them and the ocean murmuring at the edge of hearing - Folakemi felt a flutter in her chest.

The kind that spoke of something deeper, something cherished.

That evening, Folakemi sat on the porch of Sea Whisper Inn as the sun melted into a warm orange glow across the ocean. The swing swayed gently under the almond tree.

Wale had left only an hour before, after promising to return tomorrow.

And although she was tired, Folakemi's heart felt light.

She thought back on the day - the hands that had come together to help, the stories shared over cool drinks, the laughter that filled every corner of the house.

More than anything, she felt a sense of belonging settle in her soul.

And under that peaceful sunset sky, Folakemi made a quiet promise - to rebuild Sea Whisper Inn into a place that reflected every ounce of love this village had poured into her.

And perhaps, just maybe, to explore the gentle, hopeful feelings blooming between her and Wale.

That night, as she drifted to sleep, the scent of the ocean and jasmine lulled her into dreams.

And in her dreams, Maami smiled - proud and full of joy.