"I can't believe I'm finally here, this village looks so small and scanty. Are people up to 100 here? What have I gotten myself into?" Tori asked herself, soliloquizing as she walked through a dusty road.
Tori is a researcher; she had been sent from her institute to undergo a study in Lingerton village as a report reached them on the living conditions of the village. To know more, the institute sent Tori Baker to undergo a cover mission and report the living conditions in this village.
"Why must it be me? Seriously, why? It's like I'm being sent here to die. I surely deserve a promotion after this, yes", Tori said as she continued walking with her box and a bag filled with her clothing and other needed materials. As she continued, she saw smoke coming out of a small hut-like building, she walked faster to see what was producing the smoke. On getting there, she saw writing at the entrance that said, "Eclipse Cafe." She stood outside trying to read the caption again and probably guessed what it meant until she was distracted.
"Hello, young lady, I'm Thomas, and you must be a stranger," Thomas asked.
"Hello, sir; I'm sorry for disturbing you. I am Tori Baker, I am new in this village. I'm still trying to find my way around, I didn't see anyone until I saw the smoke coming out of here. It gave me hope that living people exist here.
"Oh! Sorry, my dear, welcome to Eclipse Cafe; I am the owner. Come in, let me get you a cup of coffee, you must be tired.
"Yes, sure, thanks, Thomas. If I may ask, since when have you been running this cafe?", Tori asked Thomas.
"Tori, this cafe has been in existence for over 40 years. It belonged to my grandfather and passed down to my father before it got my turn. It is the only cafe in Lingerton", Thomas explained.
"Wow, this is wonderful, it tastes nicer than the one in the city. I can't believe there is this kind of wonder in this little village," Tori exclaimed as she sipped the coffee down her throat.
The people in the cafe all laugh out loud at what Tori said as they continue to chat and sip their coffee. After a few hours of familiarising herself with the few people she met at her, Tori asked Thomas if he could help her get a place to sleep for the night before she found an alternative tomorrow.
"Thomas, please, is there a hotel or a place where I can sleep for tonight? Then tomorrow, I will look around for a permanent resident.
"Come on, Tori, I have a room in my compound that no one is occupying; I'm sure that will be conducive enough for you," Thomas replied.
"Thomas, are you sure? I would be glad if you could do that for me", Tori said.
After a few minutes, Thomas told his sales representative to manage the cafe as he wanted to take Tori home so that she could rest. On getting home, Thomas met his daughters who came outside to welcome him. They looked surprised seeing their father with a young lady, they thought their father had remarried. Looking at his daughter's countenances he smiled and introduced Tori.
'Hello, I'm Tori Baker, I am a"Before Tori could complete her statement, Thomas ordered his daughters to help Tori get a broom and a bucket to clean her apartment. In no time, Tori and Thomas's daughters became so close that they shared things and took her around the village, meeting new people and enjoying the natural gifts of nature. Tori was so lucky as she was loved by the villagers. Some gifts her from time to time, which makes her have enough to eat, and in the evening, she visits the cafe to help Thomas. She got a job as a teacher to teach their elementary school which she gladly accepted and engaged with all of her heart.
Tori, there is a big tradition in Lingerton that you've not witnessed yet", Thomas's first daughter Dolly said to Tori.
"What tradition is that? Because I've not heard anyone talk about that", Tori asked.
"Do you know we do witness Eclipse in Lingerton?", Dolly asked.
"Eclipse?", Tori exclaimed.
"Yes, and it's been so for years; it occurs every four years, and we are expecting it next year; I'm sure you will be glad to see it and witness how we celebrate because we believe our ancestors came to visit and check on our wellbeing," Dolly narrated to Tori.
"I wish but then, I'm sure it will be a great time", Tori replied but Dolly was surprised at why Tori said she wish but she didn't ask her.
Tori learnt a lot from Lingerton village which helped her in the compilation of her report. After a year, her research duration was over. It was time for her to return to the city, which was a bit difficult because she had begun to love the village lifestyle of love and simplicity.
"A year has passed already? I never thought such a place like Lingerton existed on this planet Earth, a place filled with hardworking, loving, and accommodating people like you all. Lingerton is a wonder under heaven, and I'm going to miss you all a lot, especially the coffee and the Eclipse I never experienced before I left. Thank you all for making my stay in Lingerton a beautiful one. I wish i can stay to witness the eclipse festival but i can't but then i wish you all a wonderful celebration ahead", Tori said as she addressed everyone who came to wish her well at Thomas's cafe.
Thanks for your time and your comments will be appreciated.
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STOPTori should be commended for her patience and her ability to adapt and learn the ways of Lingerton.
At the end, she enjoyed her stay
Thank you
Aww
Such a beautiful story
I wish Tori experienced the eclipse festival before leaving the village
Cute story!