She bursts out laughing.

Me: And you is it because you are nothing but a prostitute that Nick LEVRY preferred to marry a street girl than you?

Honorine: Well that's enough now, little plague. Olivia is none of your business what other people do with their money. I am talking to you about you.

Me: I am already taking care of my father and will continue to do so.
I leave them and go upstairs to join my father in his room. Ahou his maid is feeding him, he is sitting in his wheelchair. When he sees me, he starts to smile. I'm going to hug her very tightly, holding back my tears. Every time I see him like this, it brings tears to my eyes. I take his dish from Ahou and feed him myself.

Ahou: Big sister, you did well even. He said if he finished eating we would call you.

Me: I missed him too much. Are you okay here?

Ahou: It's the same, oh but hey, I don't manage them anymore. Everyone is on their side now.

I wipe my dad's mouth after I finish giving him food and drink.

Me: How are you my darling daddy?

Dad (speaking with difficulty): I'm… fine. You are ... you are all ... beautiful my daughter ... adored.

Me (moved): Thank you dad. You are taking your medication well, I hope, are you?

Dad: Yes… I don't… want you to hit me.

I burst out laughing, wiping away a tear of sadness that threatens to fall.

Me: You better. I love you my little daddy.

Dad: I love you ... my ... princess. When ... do you ... introduce a man to me?

Me: Not at this time dad. My priority is to make a lot of money to get you out of this house. You are my man for now.

Dad: I want to… die… knowing you… with a good man… who will take care of… you as you take care of me and as you deserve.

Me: Be patient, it will come daddy and you won't die anytime soon, I promise you.

I lay my head on his crippled legs and he rests his good hand on my head, which he begins to stroke. We stay that way for several minutes and then I decide to put on a movie to watch together. Ahou helps me get him to sit on his bed where I join him to watch the movie. After the movie is over we still discuss everything and nothing until it's time for me to leave.

Me: I'm leaving but I promise to come back by the day after tomorrow to kiss you again and again.

Dad: I will… miss you.

Me: You too dad.

Dad: Look ... under the ... armchair ... I have ... something ... for you.

I look and see an envelope in which I discover 150,000 FCFA.

Dad: It's ... for ... your needs.

Me: But daddy is my job to take care of you, not the other way around. I'm sorry dad I can't take it.

Dad: I didn't… know… protect you… but… I won't… let you… fend for yourself… to survive. You are… the only memory I have… of the one… woman… that I… loved so much. Please ... my beloved daughter ... accept this ..... as a .... gift .... from your .... father.

I can't hold back my tears from falling when I see hers. I lay down on his legs again and he stroked my hair. I also hear Ahou sniffling. It's always like that when I come to see him. It is with a twinge of heart that I leave him. I give Ahou instructions and some money before I leave. I want to come back and live here, but he doesn't. He says if I come I risk the same fate as my mother. I ask the taxi driver to leave me at the Plateau at the garden level. I want to be a little lonely. Once I sat down on one of the benches in the garden, I let my tears run free. I can't stand to see my dad in this state. Him who once was so full of life and overflowing with energy. But everything changed overnight without anyone really knowing what happened. If I was alone, all this wouldn't mean anything to me, but there is also my father. It becomes unbearable to see him like that.

"Olivia ?? "

When I look up I see Ryan's friend Brice. I quickly wipe my face to give myself composure. He sits next to me without asking.

Brice: What's happening to you?

Me: Nothing very serious Brice. Don't mind that.

Brice: Nothing very serious and you cry bitter tears as well? Talking is liberating and you know it?

Me: It's because of my father.

And the words start to come out of my mouth on their own without my being able to hold them back. My tears also accompany them. When I finish I fall into his arms. He doesn't hesitate to hug me while consoling me.

Me (pulling away from him): I'm so sorry. I'm not used to letting myself go that way.

Brice: It's okay. (Handing me a handkerchief) Here wipe your tears.

Me (taking it): Thank you. What are you doing here ?

Brice: I was there for a business. I was walking home when I saw you from my car. So I came to see what you were doing there.

Me: That's really nice of you. I don't know if it's worth it for me to see my son in my condition.

Brice: Do you have a boy?

Me (smiling): Yes, 6 years old. He lives with his father and his wife. He spends the weekends with me and I was supposed to pick him up since this morning but I didn't want to take him in the midst of these witches.

Brice (smiling): You're right. I can go with you and get him if you want. I have nothing planned today.

Me: Oh thank you but don't mind me. I'm fine already.

Brice: It doesn't bother me. In addition, I like the presence of children. So we could spend an afternoon in the city to change your mind a bit. What do you say to yourself?

Me: It's not such a bad idea. Thank you very much for being there for me.