"Morning, Grandma," Star said softly as she sat beside Mandume in the backyard, where the air was still soaked in dew and the peace of an early Sunday.
"Morning, Star. How was your night?" Christine asked warmly, her voice aged with wisdom but bright with faith.
"It was great, Grandma… and I must say, this idea of starting the day with prayer? It's powerful. Always involving God in whatever you're doing—that's how you win," Star replied with conviction.
"God is there for everything," Christine said, nodding deeply.
Mandume glanced at Star, his brow etched with concern. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, just morning sickness," she said, brushing it off with a faint smile.
"I'm glad you're fine," he murmured, squeezing her hand gently.
Star turned to greet Bonita, who had just stepped out, and then all three of them bowed their heads as the prayer continued under the watchful eyes of the rising sun.
After the prayer ended, Bonita excused herself. Star lingered, waiting to speak privately with Christine. Mandume stayed by her side.
"Grandma," Star began, her tone lowering with gravity, "I'm really glad you're trying to bring Mr. Davids back. It's a strong card to play—powerful."
Christine sighed. "Yes, my dear. In this life, with so many wicked crooks around, you just have to trust in God that everything will be alright. It's been five years since I've seen my boy. Five painful years."
"Don't worry, God heard you," Star said sincerely.
Christine smiled, touched, and pinched her cheek. "You're sweet, Star."
They all chuckled.
"Grandma, so you're cheating on me now?" Mandume teased.
"Mmm, actually," Star interjected, "she's not cheating. She's literally replacing you."
Christine laughed. "It's not fair, Grandma," Mandume pouted.
"Aww! Mama's boy," Star said, pinching Mandume on the chin before darting away playfully.
"See that, Grandma? This girl is always stepping on my toe," Mandume groaned dramatically.
"You really are a mama's boy," Christine said with a chuckle. "Small pinch and you're running to me already?"
"He just talks big, Grandma," Star said over her shoulder, slowing her steps.
Mandume stared at her in mock offense before jogging toward her. "You know I can't be running around like this. I'm going to be a mother—I need to be careful," Star warned with a grin, holding up her hands.
"Oh, now we're using pregnancy as an excuse?" he quipped.
Before he could reply again, Bonita's voice pierced the calm.
"Grandma! Brother! Police… in our house!" she called out, her voice shaky with alarm.
The laughter died instantly. Christine and Mandume froze, their eyes wide with disbelief.
The storm had arrived.