The cab carrying Megyn from Randi Airstrip pulled into her family's parking lot early in the evening. She had donated most of her belongings, keeping only her books and notes for future reference when she would begin her medical practice.
Megyn had already informed Benjamin of her arrival, and he had asked her to pass his regards to her parents, siblings, and Amanda.
It had been a long journey, not just from the airstrip, but through the years of intense study, sleepless nights, and emotional hurdles that came with pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree.
Megyn stepped out of the cab, stretching slightly before reaching into the trunk to retrieve her two suitcases,
dragging them behind her. Almost immediately, Mellissa, Mex, and Amanda rushed out of the house with excited shouts, wrapping her in warm hugs and kisses. They ushered her inside, joy written all over their faces.
The house looked different—unusually clean, and freshly furnished with new curtains and elegant leather seats. It was the Easter holiday season, and Megyn slipped into the celebratory mood with ease.
The inviting aroma from the kitchen confirmed that a feast was in the making—a special dinner in Megyn's honor to welcome her home after completing her grueling medical course.
Talking of the course - the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery - Megyn had confidence in her journey. She knew she would make it, even before receiving her final results.
For the past five years, she had excelled in her studies with remarkable consistency. Failure had never been something she feared.
Now, her family proudly addressed her as "Doctor Megyn Maringo," a title she humbly accepted. Her parents arrived home shortly after and joined in the celebrations. That evening, the Maringos shared an exceptional dinner, made even more special by the presence of Amanda's daughter, who had just completed her high school exams.
After dinner, no one seemed in a hurry to leave the table. They lingered in the living room, eager to catch up. Even Mex, who normally retired to bed early, remained beside his elder sister, fascinated by her stories. He was shocked to learn that Megyn had worked with cadavers during her studies—a thought that unsettled him.
"I think I'll be a pilot, like my big brother," he announced, clearly shaken.
Mellissa, on the other hand, looked at Megyn with concern. "I'm sorry, Megyn, but I could never do what you've done. I can't even imagine seeing a stranger's dead body."
"I'd rather follow Mum's path," she added. "I want to be a general manager or a company secretary. Business law is what I'll study."
"Well, who's going to follow in my footsteps then?" James, their father, asked with mock disappointment.
"Don't worry, Dad," Megyn said with a laugh. "We'll pursue our careers and still be entrepreneurs—just like Benjamin's family."
Her father smiled, clearly pleased. "Now that's more like it."
Eventually, Mellissa and Mex grew tired and were sent to bed. Megyn stayed behind with her parents. It was time to talk about the upcoming wedding. They wanted their daughter to confirm -without doubt - that marrying Benjamin was her own decision, and not something she was being pressured into.
"You are our first fruit of the womb," Mr. Maringo said, his tone calm but serious. "And we've done our part to care for you and educate you to the highest level you desire, and we would continue doing that if you desired to further your education. What matters now is that this decision is yours."
Megyn looked at her father, smiling tenderly. "Dad, I'm still your daughter—the one you love. You won't lose me, not at all."
When they were satisfied that Megyn truly wanted a life with Benjamin, they asked her to agree on a date for both families to begin formal introductions.
Later that night, Megyn walked into her room, eager to talk to Benjamin. She had left her phone in the drawer so she could dedicate dinner time to her family without distraction.
But when she picked it up, she was surprised to see a text message from Benjamin, sent two hours earlier.
She quickly dialed his number. It rang a few times, then stopped. He was probably asleep by now. Disappointed but understanding, she changed into her nightdress and got ready for bed.
Meanwhile, Benjamin stirred awake to the sound of the ringtone he had assigned specifically to Megyn-"Princess." The call had ended by the time he reached the phone, and guilt crept in. How could he fall asleep before speaking to his princess?
Rubbing his eyes, he sat up and quickly attempted to call her back. Realizing he didn't have enough airtime, he used the newly introduced mobile banking service to purchase airtime directly from his bank.
Megyn answered on the first ring.
"Princess?" he asked.
"Yes, my prince," she replied, her voice soft.
"Are you crying?" he asked gently, hearing a faint sniffle.
"No, my love… I just missed you so much. Hearing your voice again… it made me emotional. I'm just so happy."
"Really?"
"Yes, Benj. I want to be by your side, hearing your voice every day."
"Our feelings are mutual, Princess," Benjamin said. "From the moment I set eyes on you, I knew I wanted to marry you. Call it love at first sight - but it has only grown stronger every day."
Megyn's heart was full of joy. Benjamin has proved to have eyes only for her.
"I spoke with my parents," Benjamin continued. "They're ready for us to move forward. My kinsmen would like to visit yours within the next two weeks. We just need to agree on a date."
"Let's do Sunday next week," Megyn suggested. "That should work for both of us. What do you think, Benj?"
"The date is set. Sunday it is." Benjamin said.
"Perfect," Megyn replied. "I'll be waiting to welcome you and your people to your mother-in-law's home."
"Afterward, we shall go on a date- you know, the one where the boy takes the girl from her parents house and brings her back home before curfew." Benjamin chuckled lightly. "I can't wait to see you, Megyn. I love you so much."
"I love you too, Benj. With all my heart."
They stayed on the phone, chatting softly until Benjamin noticed Megyn's voice becoming faint and incoherent.
Smiling, he whispered, "Goodnight, Princess," and ended the call.