The Decision

Nsaku rubbed Elizabeth's hips.

"The last week," he said, his voice deep. It resonated with Elizabeth.

"It is," she said, biting her lower lip.

"I must be honest with you. I have fallen in love with you. I wish to take you back to Africa with me," Nsaku said.

"But ... the children ..." Elizabeth said.

"Will come with us. I will raise them as their father. They respect me as they do not respect your white boy," Nsaku said firmly. "For the daughters, when the time comes, I will find them good partners among my countrymen."

"But ..." Elizabeth said. So many 'buts' in a moment like this. "They don't know the language or culture."

"We will have tutors for them. They will pick it up soon."

"But ... I'm old," Elizabeth said, her real fear.

"You are young enough to bear another son for me," Nsaku said. "Perhaps even several sons, based on your fertility. You can only live once, Elizabeth. You must live in this moment, for yourself."

Elizabeth nodded. "I'll need to tell Douglas." And then she smiled, the biggest smile she'd worn in many, many years since her days with Jamaal.