Dominick is coming back soon

(Phone ringing. I look at the screen. It's long distance.)

- Hola.

- Hello? Can you hear me? It's me, Dominick.

- Dominick? Where are you?

- I'm still in São Paolo. How are you doing, sweetie?

- Oh, I'm doing fine but it's too f-cking hot here! How are you doing?

- I'm okay! How's your family?

- They're all well, thanks. How are your folks?

- They're okay. My sister Ifeoma is back from Nigeria. She was very happy to see me. My kids are so big that you wouldn't believe it! God, they're growing up so fast! They make me feel I'm no more young, you see?

- I'm glad to hear you're having a good time with your own blood, Dominick.

(Uncomfortable silence follows...)

- Baby? Are you there?

- I'm right here...

- Do you miss me?

- (...) I do.

- You're sure?

- Why are you asking if I'm sure? I don't sound sure?

- I don't know... I'm just asking.

- Okay.

(Another brief pause.)

- So, you're not going to ask your man when he's coming back to you?

- No. Why should I? You're free to go anywhere.

- Wow. 

- Wow what?

- Just wow. I wasn't really expecting to hear that.

- Okay, Seems you want me to ask you about it so - when are you coming back, Dominick?

- I'm not sure yet, baby. But I'm coming back soon. Probably next week. When the time comes, I will call you and let you know the date. But it won't be long.

- Okay.

(Silence again.)

- You're not happy to hear the news?

- I am.

- Baby...

- Yes?

- Has someone been playing with my properties?

- No.

- Are you my faithful queen?

- Yes.

- Are you waiting for your Igbo king?

- Yes.

- Okay. I believe you. Anyway, you know I can read you. I'll know if you're telling me the truth when we meet again.

- Sure...

(...)

- Baby, I have to go now, but - I just wanna tell you something. Get ready. When I get back, we're going to go sit down, drink our tea, smoke a little bit, and then... Then we're going to talk. We have a lot to talk about, and I want you to be ready to listen and to give answers. On the answers you give will depend our future. That's all I have to say for now.

- Okay. I understand.

- Afulum gï n'anya.

- I love you too.

- Take care. And also take care of my properties. Bye.

- Bye, Dominick. Bye.