Benjamin flew back to the city the morning after Megyn was collected by her father - James Maringo from Hotel Sunset, where she had spent another night, and this time without informing her parents.
The flight lasted only forty-five minutes, but he was so exhausted that he fell asleep in his seat—something he had never done before.
One moment he was airborne, the next, he was waking up to the familiar view of Sunset Hospital and the Flying Doctor Services complex.
He alighted and decided to visit his father, who served as the managing director of both institutions.
Mr. Hawi—an older, seasoned version of Benjamin—was seated behind a large mahogany desk, deep in conversation on the phone. When he looked up and saw his son, his face lit up with a warm smile.
"Here he comes," he said, ending his call immediately. He stood and opened his arms wide. Father and son embraced wholeheartedly.
"Welcome back, my son. I'm so happy to see you."
"Oh, how I've missed you, Dad!"
"Really, my son?" Mr. Hawi replied with a teasing grin.
"What, Dad?" Benjamin chuckled,
settling into one of the two leather seats in front of the desk. He noticed how refreshed and youthful his father looked. It made him happy.
"My son," Mr. Hawi began, "it's been a long time since I've seen you this happy." Tilting his head he added, "So now, the question is—when do we get to meet our future daughter-in-law? We've heard so much about her, and I've seen her photos more times than I can count."
Benjamin grinned. "Dad, what makes you think it's a girl that's making me happy? I mean, seeing you after all this time should be reason enough.
Besides, I can't wait to see Mom."
He paused, then added, "You do look younger and more relaxed though. What's going on in your life, Dad?"
When Benjamin had called upon landing from London, he had longed to see his parents, but they were attending a Real Estate Association workshop in Pwani County. Mr. Hawi, the chairman of the association, had been deeply engaged in the event. This happened a lot in Benjamin's adult life. He had gotten used to not seeing his parents even for two months consecutively. He had normalized this such that for him, even a call was enough to check on them.
They hadn't discussed and understood what type of mission Benjamin had in Randi, but Lucia had called her sister and shared everything about Benjamin and Megyn.
"Now, to answer your questions," Mr. Hawi said, "First, I'm a man, son—and I see it in your eyes. Second, your mum and I agreed she should take a break from active work—two or three years at least. And third, God has blessed your mother, and that makes me deeply glad."
"Dad, what do you mean by that?" Benjamin asked, puzzled. "Mum loves working so much, stepping away for even a year might drive her crazy. She's only fifty!"
Mr. Hawi chuckled and patted his son's back. "Let's go home, lover boy," he said, taking his hand. "Your mother is impatiently waiting—and she has a big surprise for you."
Father and son—mirror images of each other, one older and wiser—left the lavish office. The space was grand, with a gleaming mahogany desk topped with hard glass, sleek black leather chairs, and a waiting area featuring a glass coffee table and a seven-seater leather set. The plush green carpet could hide a pen, and the cream-and-green walls matched the hospital's corporate colors. The luxurious interior was a testament to the institution's success.
Outside, a black BMW X3 awaited them in the parking lot. They both sat in the back as the car pulled away, heading down the superhighway past the Sunset Apartments and into a neighborhood of private homes managed by Sunset Properties.
Soon, they arrived at the Hawi residence. A slight honk brought the gate open, revealing a sprawling compound covering a hectare. The garden was in full bloom, the grass a vibrant green. Fruit trees bowed under the weight of ripening produce.
Benjamin's eyes landed on the pomegranate tree by the gate—his tree, with ripe fruit hanging low. His mouth watered.
But then he saw her—his mother—standing at the entrance, smiling brightly. He was filled with joy and anticipation. It had been a month since he'd last been home, and he could immediately feel the difference in climate between Randi and the city.
He rushed toward her—but stopped mid-step. His eyes widened. Her figure was unmistakable. Her stomach was protruding. She was pregnant.
He stood frozen, stunned, as his mother called out to him encouragingly.
His father noticed his hesitation and walked over. "Go on, son. Embrace your mother—just like you always have."
Holding his hand, Mr. Hawi guided him forward. The embrace that followed was warm but awkward, the large bulge between them preventing a full hug. Benjamin was overwhelmed.
"Mom, I've missed you. But… are you alright?" he asked.
"I've never been better, my son."
"Have I been away so long?" he murmured, turning to his father, who shifted uneasily before offering an explanation.
"Your mum is five months pregnant. Though she considers herself strong, the doctors insisted she take it easy. She's been put on bed rest."
"That's… a big surprise," Benjamin said, stunned. "I'm happy for you, Dad. I always knew you wanted a big family."
"But what, son?" Mr. Hawi asked.
"It's just—I waited my whole life for a sibling. I had given up. And now, just when I'm imagining starting my own family, a sibling shows up—due around my birth month!"
"Two siblings," his father corrected gently.
Benjamin's jaw dropped. "Wait… you mean—?"
"We're expecting twins. Two girls."
"That's incredible! But… how didn't I know this all these months? You could've told me."
"We wanted it to be a surprise," Mr. Hawi said. "We know how much you hoped for a sibling every year. But we were also cautious—your mum's age, the risks—so we waited until we were sure."
Benjamin nodded, moved. "I understand now. It really is a wonderful surprise. I'm going to be a big brother."
"That's right," his mother smiled. "And that shouldn't stop you from living your life. Pursue that girl—and bring her home."
Her words made Benjamin beam. She had touched a tender spot in his heart.
"Thirty years! After I had already given up hope—and now, just like that, two new members of the family, around my birthday month!"
He gently held his mother and guided her into the house.
As they walked, a sudden movement startled him. The twins kicked.
"They're happy to hear you," Lucia said, placing his hand over her belly. "Here—feel."
"Hi Becky. Hi Betty," he whispered. "I'm Benjamin, your big brother. I can't wait to meet you." Another kick followed.
"Mom, I think they've accepted their names," he said softly.
"Have you named my daughters before I could?" Mr. Hawi teased, though his heart was full.
Inside, the dining table had been set for a welcoming brunch. Housemaids bustled in and out of the kitchen, determined to make the meal memorable.
Benjamin slipped away, heading to his old room. He had one more thing he needed to do.
Climbing the wide staircase, he took out his phone and dialed Megyn's number.
By the time he reached his room and sat on his childhood bed, she had already picked up.
"Gazelle, how are you"
"I'm fine Benjie. Did you reach well?"
"Yeah. I reached well - It's you I'm worried of. Is everything okay."
"I don't know. He brought me home and proceeded to work without any discussion." She exhaled, "I think he is just being my father."
He was troubled about Megyn. Her father hadn't spoken to him kindly—accusing him of overstaying his welcome and spending too much time with her.