After dinner, Halle ran back to her room, carefully cradling something in her hands. She rushed to find Darlene and presented her with a handmade Maasai beaded ornament—a traditional symbol of blessings for love and unity, often given at weddings, rituals, and community events in Tanzania.
Holding her present, she gratefully said, “Captain Benson, thank you for taking care of me these past few years. You made this camp feel like a warm, welcoming home.”
Darlene’s eyes sparkled as she accepted the gift. “Well, aren’t you sentimental all of a sudden?”
She smiled warmly but wondered, 'Is this meant for this kind of occasion?'
Before Darlene could say more, Terence appeared out of nowhere. His eyes landed on the knot, and his expression was unreadable.
“Why does she get a gift?” he asked. “Where’s mine?”
His words felt like a dagger, striking Halle squarely in the heart.
He knew how she felt about him, yet he still said something so cruel. Asking her for a Maasai beaded ornament—a blessing for happiness in love—felt like forcing her to acknowledge his relationship with someone else.
Tears pricked her eyes as she stood up, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion.