…

At 6 p.m., Angela met up with her friend Caroline at a fast-food joint in Agla, a neighborhood in Cotonou. She planned to tell her that she would soon be leaving Cotonou to continue her studies in Goleta, and she knew Caroline wouldn’t take it well. Her friend had always been possessive and couldn’t stand people drifting away from her. She had already sulked several times because Angela had kept her distance lately, preferring to stay alone.

It was William who dropped Angela off in front of the restaurant, already packed at this time of day. She scanned the small terrace by the roadside but saw no sign of her friend. Obviously, she was late—again. As usual.

Angela sat down at a table and pulled out her phone. Two young men around her age, seated a bit further away, kept staring at her. She ignored them, simply frowning at her phone screen. Angela left Caroline a message saying she was already at the meeting place and wouldn’t wait long. It had been a long day full of errands and paperwork. Thankfully, Will had been a big help.

Caroline showed up 20 minutes later, wearing a navy-blue dress far too tight for her round figure. But that didn’t seem to bother her. Without the slightest hint of guilt for being late, she kissed Angela on the cheek with a cheerful smile.

— “Sweetie, how are you? Sorry for being late,” she said, sitting down. “I had to take care of one last thing before coming.”

Angela shook her head.

— “It’s fine. I just didn’t feel like staying out too long today. How are you?”

— “I’m good. I was with Aristote.”

Angela had suspected as much. She nodded knowingly. For a moment, memories of her time with Jeremy made her feel nostalgic. As if reading her thoughts, Caroline added with a wink:

— “Jeremy was there too.”

— “I see.”

William’s sister pretended not to care. Seeing her words hadn’t sparked the reaction she wanted, Caroline dropped the subject.

— “So? You wanted to see me?”

Angela got straight to the point.

— “I might be leaving Cotonou this year. I wanted to tell you.”

Her friend’s eyes widened like they might pop out of her head.

— “But why? For school?”

Angela nodded.

— “Stop it, you’re joking. We were supposed to go to university together! Why are you doing this to me?”

Tears welled up in Caroline’s eyes, but Angela wasn’t fooled. Her friend cried over everything and nothing. Still, seeing her suddenly so sad did stir something inside her. They had known each other since primary school and shared so much together.

— “It’s Will who planned everything,” she said, aware she was blaming her brother. “I’m sorry. Honestly, after Mom died, I didn’t want to continue school. But William convinced me. I visited the school, and I assure you—it’s worth it. You could come too. Your parents can afford it.”

Though maybe you’re the one who doesn’t have the IQ for it, she thought to herself.

— “Where is it?”

— “In Goleta.”

Caroline grimaced.

— “That village?”

— “It’s not a village. You’d be blown away by the place.”

Caroline shook her head, and her chubby cheeks wobbled.

— “No, no, Angie. I’m not interested in leaving Cotonou. I’ve got too many plans here. And who would I leave Ari with? The campus girls would devour him the second I left.”

Angela rolled her eyes in exasperation.

— “You talk like you’re married.”

— “Might as well be. It’s easier for you—you’re single.”

That last comment hit Angela like a dagger to the heart. They exchanged a sharp look before Angela shook her head.

— “It’s okay. I just wanted to tell you before I left.”

***

That goodbye hadn’t gone how Angela imagined. Her best friend had stormed off, upset that Angela was leaving for another city. And Angela had been hurt by Caroline’s parting words, calling her a deserter. She went home and took a well-deserved nap, just to stop thinking.

That evening, dinner was surprisingly festive—something that hadn’t happened in months. Quiet Angela had become talkative Angela. She hadn’t stopped chatting all night. The family’s new high school graduate was thrilled at the idea of starting university.

From Cotonou, Ossey Gérard lovingly listened to his children talk. He smiled now and then, but he couldn’t help wondering what had caused such a sudden change in his daughter. Just days earlier, Angela had been trapped in a world of sadness and melancholy. But tonight, something had clearly shifted. William knew what had happened. Freddy, Angela’s younger brother, seemed more playful with her than usual. He hadn’t teased her in months because of the tough times she was going through. Tonight, a joyful energy filled the Ossey home. It felt like life had returned to their little villa.

Ossey Gérard gently tapped his wine glass with his spoon. All eyes turned to the head of the family. He was a charismatic man with stern features, broad shoulders, and a commanding presence. At work, he rarely smiled, but at home, he was a loving, attentive father. You could also say he was a good husband—he’d always tried to keep work from interfering with family life.

But like anyone, Gérard Ossey was only human. Losing his wife had nearly driven him insane. His only refuge during that time was work. He started spending more and more time at the office and less at home. A rift had grown in the family. Instead of being united in grief, the Osseys had grown apart. That lasted for months, until William arrived. His presence had brought some light back into their lives.

Bit by bit, things began to fall back into place. Mr. Ossey first noticed it in Freddy, who stopped staying out all night and hanging out with morally questionable friends once his older brother returned. William wasn’t authoritarian, but nobody really wanted to disappoint him. He had a special way of suggesting things that made it hard to say no.

Tonight was no different. Mr. Ossey was willing to bet William had something to do with Angela’s sudden change. He looked at his son and smiled—a smile identical to William’s own.

— “I’m really happy to see you like this,” he said to his daughter.

Angela nearly choked on her water.

— “Me? Like what?” she asked nervously. “I’m the same as always.”

— “You seem happier,” her father replied. “All of you, actually. It’s been ages since we laughed like this.”

— “I’m just excited about starting college, Dad. That’s all,” Angela said with a frown. “It’s not a big deal.”

— “I see. So you got in as a paying student, right? Are you sure this university is the right fit? You know you could study in the U.S. with your brother.”

Angela glanced at William, who shrugged with an innocent grin. Clearly, the idea hadn’t crossed his mind either. She hesitated a moment, then shook her head.

— “I’m not sure, Dad. I just feel… No, I’m certain. That’s the school I’m supposed to be in.”

Her father remained thoughtful for a moment, then nodded.

— “Alright, if that’s really what you want… Your brother will help you finish the enrollment. I’ll ask Clark if we can get you an apartment near campus. You know what? Why don’t we all go to Goleta together tomorrow? We can do a bit of sightseeing and get Angie settled in. What do you think, Will?”

— “Great idea, Dad. I’m in,” William replied. “Besides, it’ll be good for Freddy to get out a bit.”

— “Me? Why me? I like my own thoughts. I don’t need to change them.”

— “It’ll be good for you,” William said with a wink. “And you’ve never been to Goleta. Time to play tourist, just like Dad said.”

— “Well, if you say so…”

— “Then it’s settled,” said Mr. Gérard. “We’re going to Goleta on Saturday.”

— “Thanks for asking me first,” Angela grumbled. “Who says I want you all coming with me?”

— “Of course you do,” Freddy said, wrapping an arm around her and ruffling her hair.

— “Ugh, let go, Fred,” she hissed, wrinkling her nose. “How long has it been since your last shower?”

— “I don’t know, sis. I stopped counting after day three.”

Everyone burst out laughing. It was a beautiful evening, no doubt about it.

***

After dinner, Angela went back to her room. It was already 10:30 p.m., and the house had gone quiet again. William was in his room, her father was reading documents in his office, and Freddy was watching TV in the living room. Angela took a shower, then sat on her bed, thinking about her day.

She felt good. What exactly had William done that night he prayed for her? It was since that moment that her sadness had lifted. She thought back to the conversation they’d had three days earlier. What if William was right? she wondered. What if God wasn’t to blame for the suffering on Earth? Especially for the loss of her mother.

In any case, she told herself, it was far too late to dwell on that now. She’d had a long, exhausting day and needed rest. Just then, she remembered the young man she had met that morning at UST. What was his name again? Oh right—James. He’d said he was the president of the student club or something like that. A charming guy, that James.

A bit cocky, but still charming. And she could tell exactly what he wanted. She picked up her phone and scrolled through her contacts. She found the number saved as James Franco. She thought about calling him, then hesitated. It was late. She wasn’t going to throw herself at him so easily. She’d let him stew a little longer… or maybe not. Angela dialed the number.

The line rang only a few seconds before a voice picked up.

— “Hello?”

— “Um, hello, good evening. Is this James?”

There was a brief silence, then the voice answered:

— “Angela? The angel of UST?”

She looked up and rolled her eyes. Clearly, this guy was a real character.

— “Good evening, James,” she said. “Yes, it’s Angela. How did you recognize me? Don’t say it was the voice—we only spoke for a few seconds.”

— “It was the voice,” James replied. “And you break my heart speaking so formally, as if I’m a total stranger.”

Alone in her room, Angela raised an amused eyebrow. A joker too. Of course, he was a stranger. What did he think?

— “Okay,” she said, relaxing. “If you want, we can use first names.”

— “I’d love that. So, did you get home safe?”

— “Yes, thanks. I called so you’d have my number. About the campus tour—you can let me know when you’re free.”

— “It would be a pleasure, dear Angela. Count James here would be honored to give you a tour of his castle—the UST!”

Angela smiled.

— “Alright then, Countess Angela looks forward to it. I’ll message you on WhatsApp. I’ll be in Goleta tomorrow. My dad wants us to find an apartment before Monday. I hope we can find something decent.”

— “Of course. I’ll send you the contact for a real estate agency in town.”

— “Wouldn’t happen to be Ossey IMMO, would it?” Angela asked, already knowing the answer.

— “Yeah… you know them?”

She didn’t want the conversation to go down that road. He might bolt if he found out her father was one of the wealthiest men in the country. She chose to answer vaguely.

— “Yes, yes, I know them. But don’t worry. Dad will take care of everything. James, I’ve got to go. It was nice talking to you. See you tomorrow?”

— “Leaving already, Countess? And I was just beginning to savor your sweet voice.”

Okay, he’s laying it on thick, she thought.

— “Yes, James. I need to get to bed early. Lots to do tomorrow. We’ll talk again soon—I promise.”

— “Got it. I’ll let you rest. It was great talking to you too.”

She hung up and flopped onto her bed. In the end, the guy was kind of cute. He had a sense of humor, and honestly, he was her type. Since Jeremy, it was the first time a guy had stirred something in her. She smiled, thinking she wasn’t quite ready for a relationship just yet.

Just then, there was a soft knock at the door. Angela ignored it. Then the knock came again, more insistent.

— “Come in! Will,” she called. Who else could it be?

But she was wrong. Her late-night visitor wasn’t William—it was her father. Mr. Gérard pushed the door open and walked in, wearing navy blue pajamas.

— “Good evening, sweetheart,” he said.

Angela sat up, surprised.

— “Dad? What are you doing here?”

— “I was about to go to bed,” he said, “but I decided to say goodnight first.”

— “Uh… okay,” Angela replied, caught off guard. “Are you alright?”

— “I’m fine, sweetheart. I just wanted to tell you how much I love you and your brothers.”

— “Okay…”

— “You know, you three are the best thing that ever happened to me—apart from your mother. And even if I don’t say it often, that doesn’t mean I don’t feel it.”

Angela’s heart clenched. It was the first time her father had spoken like this.

— “Dad. We love you too. You know that. I love you. And as a dad, you’re doing your best.”

— “I know, Angie. But I wanted to tell you in particular. I haven’t been there for you lately, my little girl. And I’m truly sorry. I really am. There’s no excuse. Please forgive me. I’ve decided to to make more of an effort.”

Angela was growing increasingly confused and uncomfortable. Her father was acting very strangely tonight, and it bothered her a little. She tried to smile.

— “Dad, I’m fine…”

— “It’s not you, Angela. It’s me. I realized a lot of things tonight… and I’m really glad your brother came home.”

Ah! So it was him, she thought. Her brother had probably had a talk with their father, just like the one he’d had with her—and she was in the best position to know the power his words could have.

— “Me too, Dad,” she said. “His return really changed a lot of things.”

— “Yes…” her father replied pensively.

He had just entered his fifties, but he looked seventy. Life really hadn’t been kind to him, Angela thought. He walked over and sat on the bed beside her.

— “You know,” he began, “your mother was very proud of all of you. When we were young and I was just starting my business, she already had big plans for you. She kept telling me she wanted three children. One girl and two boys. I remember when you were born, she looked at me and said tenderly: This one will be the angel of this family. And you really had the aura of an angel. You practically glowed…”

— “Is that why you named me Angela?”

— “Your mother chose the name. She thought it suited you. And so did I.”

Angela smiled, imagining her mother holding her in her arms.

— “You miss her, I know.”

The girl nodded.

— “I’ve learned to live with it, Dad. And you? Are you holding up?”

He looked at her and affectionately patted her head.

— “You’ve grown so much. And now you’re worried about me. I’m fine, sweetheart. I’ve mourned her. It’s you I was worried about. But your brother told me I didn’t need to worry anymore. Is that true?”

Angela sighed. Everyone was hovering around her as if she were fragile, but she was fine. It was starting to get a little annoying. Still, she knew they were doing it out of love. She looked up at her father and gave him a reassuring smile.

— “Dad, I’m doing really well.”

— “Alright, my princess. I believe you. I’ll let you sleep,” he said, standing up. “Don’t stay up too late, my angel. I love you.”

— “Okay, Dad.”

He walked toward the door. He really did look old, Angela thought. In the end, maybe I was the one who hadn’t been there for him. Just before her father could leave the room, Angela got up and hugged him. She rested her head on his comforting chest and stayed there for a moment.

— “I love you too, Dad,” she whispered, her eyes full of tears.

Gérard Ossey held his daughter close and kissed her hair.

— “Alright,” he said, “let Daddy go now. I have to get up early for work tomorrow.”

Angela let go of her father and wiped her eyes.

— “Good night, Dad.”

— “Good night, my treasure.”

Mr. Ossey left the room and walked away. Angela remained still, standing silently in front of the door. Then she made her decision. She walked out too. Her father was already on the stairs, heading up to his bedroom on the third floor. Angela took the opposite direction and hurried to her older brother’s room. She knocked softly, but insistently. She didn’t have to wait long. William was already in his pajamas, and his eyes were heavy with sleep.

— “Angie? What are you doing here? It’s late…”

— “Wil,” Angela said bluntly, “I want to know your God. Ever since you arrived, strangely good things have been happening in this house. And after you prayed for me… I didn’t want to admit it, but I felt instantly healed from that pain that had been eating me up for so long. I can’t ignore all this. William, what’s your secret? I want to know God… like you do.”

A radiant joy lit up the doctor’s face. He looked at his sister with compassion, then pulled her into the room and closed the door behind her.

— “You’ve made the right decision, Angie. Come, sit down. Let me tell you about the one they call Jesus…”

This text is an excerpt from the book “SENTINELS: FIRST WATCH” written by Charles SANDAH.

We invite you to read the following article: “LIGHT ON THE PATH.”

A HEALED HEART. A HEALED HEART. A HEALED HEART. A HEALED HEART. A HEALED HEART. A HEALED HEART.

A HEALED HEART. A HEALED HEART. A HEALED HEART. A HEALED HEART. A HEALED HEART. A HEALED HEART.