Chapter 7 A face from the past

The day started slow.

Musa had stepped out to collect a delivery, so Nora stayed behind to watch the shop. She had gotten used to the work - slicing, packing, sealing - and today felt like any other.

Until the bell above the door jingled, and a girl walked in.

She looked around, smiling. "Wow. This place is neat."

Nora turned to greet her - just like she did with every customer - but stopped mid-sentence when she heard:

"Nora?"

Her chest tightened. That voice.

"Nora Nwoke?" the girl said again, louder this time.

Nora blinked. "Yes...?"

The girl grinned. "It's me - Ginika! From secondary school! Don't tell me you've forgotten!"

Nora's face lit up. "Oh my God-Ginika?!"

They laughed, hugged across the counter like lost sisters. Ginika had changed - taller, bolder - but her energy was still the same.

"I can't believe it's you," Nora said.

"What are you doing here?" Ginika asked.

"Long story," Nora smiled. "What about you?"

"Came to stay with my cousin while school's on strike. She told me about this meat shop, and I had to come see."

They exchanged numbers quickly. Ginika grabbed her meat, waved, and left.

Than Nora arranged, and seal the meat for the next sales