Okon looked around slowly. His eyes searched the area.
His face began to change.
He took a few steps forward, then stopped.
“This place…” he muttered under his breath.
He looked again, then again.
His heart began to beat faster.
“Is this not the land Chida bought?” he said quietly to himself.
But there was nothing there.
No building. No blocks. No sign of construction.
Just empty land covered with tall grasses.
Okon walked a little farther down the street, checking carefully. He looked at nearby houses and landmarks.
Everything matched.
This was the place.
He slowly brought out his phone again and dialed Chida’s number.
It rang once.
Twice.
Three times.
No answer.
His jaw tightened.
He stood still for a moment, then turned and walked back to the car.
He opened the door and sat beside his mother.
He let out a deep sigh.
“Mama,” he said slowly, “I don’t even know what to think right now.”
She looked at him with worried eyes.
“The land is empty,” he said. “There’s nothing there. No house. Nothing. Just grass.”
Mrs. Madara covered her mouth.
“My God!” she cried softly.
Okon gently held her shoulders.
“Mama, please don’t cry,” he said. “For your health, I don’t want your blood pressure to rise.”
She nodded slowly, trying to control herself.
“Hmm,” she murmured weakly as she wiped her tears.
Okon leaned back in his seat, his mind working fast.
Right there, he brought out his phone again and searched for a serviced apartment. Within minutes, he found a good one and made a reservation immediately.
“Mama, you will stay somewhere comfortable for now,” he said.
The driver started the car.
They drove to the apartment.
When they arrived, Okon stepped out and helped his mother ins
