Noelle woke up to the soft rhythm of Kofi’s breathing, her head still resting on his chest. She took a deep breath, savoring the warmth of his embrace, knowing it would be one of the last they shared for a while. The sun filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow in the room and reminding her that their final day together had arrived. As they stirred from sleep, the reality of the day began to set in. The lingering traces of the previous night’s celebration were still fresh in her mind, but today held its own significance. Kofi suggested they have lunch at Mum’s Kitchen, a local restaurant in East Legon, renowned for its authentic Ghanaian cuisine. Noelle eagerly agreed, knowing it would be the perfect way to cap off her ten-day trip to Accra.

They dressed casually and left the house, hand in hand, ready to soak in their remaining hours together. The streets of East Legon bustled with life as entrepreneurs hustled their products from car to car in hopes of a sale. It amazed Noelle what types of things you could buy while sitting in Accra traffic. Thirsty? There’s someone selling ice-cold water. Hungry? Pull over for roasted plantain and groundnuts. Phone dying? Grab a charger. The vibrant energy of Accra had become a comforting background during her stay, and Noelle found herself trying to memorize every detail.

Mum’s Kitchen was a modest yet inviting place. The aroma of spices and freshly cooked dishes greeted them as they entered. They found a table and settled in, ordering fufu and light soup, another classic Ghanaian dish that Noelle had quickly grown to love. As they waited for their food, Noelle couldn’t help but reflect on her trip. It had been a whirlwind of emotions, from the nervous excitement of seeing Kofi after months of separation to the joy of experiencing his culture firsthand.

Kofi, sensing the reflection in her eyes, reached across the table and took her hand, his thumb gently caressing her fingers. “How are you feeling about going back?” he asked, his voice soft but filled with concern. Noelle sighed, squeezing his hand in return. “I’m going to miss this…miss you,” she admitted, her voice almost a whisper. “These ten days have been incredible. I’ve loved every moment of meeting your friends and experiencing your world. But it’s hard to imagine how we’ll sustain a relationship with the distance.”

Kofi’s gaze softened as he looked at her, his love for her evident in the way he held her hand, refusing to let go. “I’m going to miss you too, Noelle. More than words can say. But I believe in us. We’ve come this far, and we’re stronger for it. We’ll make it work, no matter what.”

Their food arrived, interrupting their conversation. Noelle closed her eyes with satisfaction as she tasted the rich flavors of the light soup, the spices warming her from the inside. She dipped the fufu into the piping hot soup, savoring each bite…well, swallow. It was a meal that symbolized more than just sustenance; it was a taste of the life she’d begun to envision with Kofi. Noelle initially thought this would be a fun trip to explore more of Ghana and spend quality time with Kofi. What she had not expected was for their attraction and connection to deepen so much that they’d both wanted to explore something more intentional.

As they ate, Kofi watched her with a tender smile, grateful for the woman sitting across from him. He admired how she had embraced his culture, how she had made an effort to understand his world. It wasn’t just about love for him; it was about the partnership they were building, the trust they were nurturing, despite the physical miles between them.

After lunch, they returned to the house to pack. Fufu was a heavy meal, and Noelle found herself moving slowly, not just because she was full, but because she didn’t want to leave a place that had come to feel like home. Kofi helped gather her things, his presence a comforting anchor amidst the whirlwind of emotions. He, too, was feeling the weight of her impending departure. The thought of returning to his daily life without her by his side was almost unbearable, but he kept those feelings in check, focusing instead on making sure she felt supported.

As they loaded her luggage into the car, Noelle took one last look around, trying to commit it all to memory. The drive to the airport was filled with a bittersweet silence, both of them lost in their thoughts. When they arrived, Kofi parked and helped her get her bags out of the trunk. Kotoka Airport was bustling with activity, travelers hurrying to and fro. People weren’t permitted inside without a boarding pass, so they’d have to say their goodbyes at the curb.

Noelle felt a pang of anxiety as she turned to say goodbye. Before she could say anything, Kofi pulled her into a tight embrace, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered words of encouragement. “We’ll get through this, babe. We’ll see each other as soon as we can, and we’ll keep talking every day. We have a future together, and this is just one step along the way.” His voice was steady, but Noelle could feel the emotion behind his words, the determination in his promise.

She clung to him, reluctant to let go. “I know. Whatever this is, I believe in it, in us. Thank you for an amazing time.” Kofi smiled, holding her even tighter. “As soon as you get settled, we’ll start planning the next trip,” he assured her, his heart swelling with the love he felt for her. They held each other for a few more moments, drawing strength from their connection. Finally, Noelle pulled back, blinking away the tears that had started to well in her eyes. They kissed one last time, a lingering kiss that held all the love and longing they felt.

As Noelle walked through security and toward her gate, she took a deep breath, focusing on the positives. She had shared an incredible trip with Kofi, one that had deepened their bond and enriched her understanding of his culture. She had a future to look forward to, one where they would be together again.

The flight home gave her plenty of time to think. The recent election of President Joe Biden and the first female and Black Vice President Kamala Harris brought a sense of hope and renewal to the United States, a stark contrast to the turmoil and uncertainty that had characterized much of 2020. She was returning to a country on the cusp of change, a nation looking toward a brighter future.

Noelle knew that navigating a long-distance relationship wouldn’t be easy, but she and Kofi were determined to make it work. As her plane took off, leaving Accra behind, Noelle looked out the window, the city shrinking below her. She smiled, filled with gratitude for the memories they had created and the love that would sustain them until they reunited again.

Song: Better Than I Imagined x Robert Glasper