The Abuja evening softened into a golden haze.
The Moses family compound buzzed with leftover Christmas joy as plates stacked high in the kitchen, music drifting faintly from Sophia's speaker, children darting in and out with balloons and fireworks.
But Ian's words still hung in the air like a challenge. "Let's play football."
At first, everyone thought it was a joke. Sam had laughed, Kayla groaned, Sophia rolled her eyes. But slowly, it turned serious.
"You're not backing down, are you?" Sam asked, narrowing his eyes at Ian.
Ian smirked. "You already know the answer, my legs are ready."
Kayla sighed dramatically, leaning against the doorway. "So this is how you two want to burn off Christmas dinner? Running on dust instead of digesting properly?"
"Exactly," Ian grinned. "Better than indigestion."
Sam leaned back, laughter bubbling, but in his heart, something stirred. Dust, street, joy… a smile spread across his lips.
"Alright," he said finally. "Let's play."
