FARIDA Episode 31 – 32 by Oge’s Stories

FARIDA Episode 31 by Oge’s Stories

Farida was excited when Monica mentioned Sam’s visit. She hoped change was at the corner. Monica insisted she suspected something happened to Francis. Finally, one morning, Monica banged at Farida’s door. When she came in, she told Farida she got a missed call from Francis.

“What did he say?”

“He left a voice message, listen”.

“Baby girl, your family didn’t want me. They threatened me so I had to disappear. I was making you feel good but your family wants you sad always. What was I to do? I took off to save my life. I was told how you looked for me that’s why I decided to contact me. You know your father is rich and powerful, he said he will find me anywhere in the world and kill me if I don’t leave you alone. He said I am beneath you and don’t deserve you. Stop looking for me. When I am settled, I will contact you. Don’t be sad, I have a plan. You need to work to make money for our plan to succeed. My Michelin, I hope you haven’t lost weight. Don’t let them deceive, fat sits very well on you. You know I love you just the way you are. Do not tell anyone I contacted you otherwise they will come after me” the recording ended.

“Farida my father was the one behind my ordeal all this while yet he made me feel he didn’t know what I was going through. I am leaving Nigeria. Papi has invited me over. I told him I needed a job and he said I could work with him. He is the only father I know. I have disowned my father.”

“Why are you quick to believe what Francis says? Why would your father do that to you? And what did Francis mean by he was making you feel good?”

“Leave Francis alone. I am leaving. Are you sure you won’t join? We can stay together”

“I am resuming officially after orientation in DPR in a month. This is an opportunity I can’t throw away. I have to work at least three years before I consider furthering my studies”

“That’s nice. Congratulations. I guess I am the only one not pulling my weight around. I lost out on CBN and now I have to work in a dairy farm and winery”

“You don’t have to. You can get another job”

“In CBN they called me fat. Francis loved me that way that’s why I maintained it but their words hurt me”

“Should I talk to you honestly?”

‘You know you can”

“Francis met you when you were slender and sexy and turned you into this. Why? You are too fat Monica. This fat will affect your health. Why are you doing this to yourself? There are many guys better than Francis out there so why Francis who says the way you look now is sexy to him. It is only a dishonest human that will say so”

“Farida, Francis loves me and I love him in return. That’s all to it”

“Francis loves your status and your money. He doesn’t like anything else. Wake up and smell the coffee. Since you’ve been off drugs can’t you see a difference? Aren’t you reasoning better?”

“Who told you about the drugs?”

“The walls have ears Monica.Do you know how many people knew about it in Abuja? When they asked Francis about it, he didn’t have anything nice to say. Please Monica, put yourself first. Take care of your health. If Francis has good intentions, he knows the right thing to do”.

Monica was silent. How did Farida know about the drugs? She never did drugs in the open so how did anyone find out? It was between Francis and her. The drugs did make her feel good and also gave her an appetite. Francis loved flesh and she was all the flesh he desired. He had asked her to keep their communication a secret. Could she trust Farida to keep the secret?

“I don’t want to talk about Francis anymore. I have to ask, if my secret safe with you?”

“Of course. I won’t tell anyone”.

“I am leaving next week for Germany. I wish you could come along; it will be like old days”.

“I have a big opportunity here. What about Sisterz Boutique?”

“Let’s sell off the one in Abuja and start here in Lagos”

“That’s fine by me. Remember one woman showed interest while you were there. Can you contact her and get it sorted?”

The woman was ready to buy the boutique off them. Unfortunately, she would only be available for signing off agreements after Monica had left. That would require Farida to travel to Abuja. Where she would stay was a problem. She didn’t want to stay at Monica’s father’s guest house without her being there. Wale offered his place for a three-night stay. He also bought her plane tickets to and fro. She was skeptical and he knew it. He assured her he would not do anything to her.

She travelled to Abuja on the same day Monica travelled to Germany. She saw her best friend off to the airport. Monica’s driver took her to the local airport for her flight to Abuja. She had told maami she was going to Abuja to sell off the boutique. Maami didn’t ask her further questions. Maami trusted her and she was determined never to betray that trust. She never wanted to disappoint her. She didn’t tell maami much about Monica’s issue and Sam’s proposal because she knew she might stop their friendship and she didn’t want that. She had to be there for her friend.

Wale was at the airport to pick her up. She went straight to the boutique to take inventory. They had commissioned an auditor and an amount of money was missing from the business all thanks to Monica. Farida had ensured that most of the backlog of the loan was paid off and the sale will help liquidate the balance. There was nothing left for a fresh start.

Wale picked her up at 9pm. She was really tired. She dozed off on the way home. He woke her up when they got to his house. He showed her the room she would be staying in. She took a shower. He knocked to let her know dinner was ready. She ate rice and chicken stew before rushing to bed.

The next morning, she was up by 5am. She had a bath and got ready. She knocked for Wale to inform him she was leaving for the boutique to take the last round of inventory before the lady came around. Wale answered her shirtless and in boxers. Farida turned away immediately. Wale was amused by her reaction.

“Don’t tell me you are leaving for the boutique this early?”

“I have to finish the inventory before I meet the lady”.

“Ok. Wait for me let me quickly take a shower and drop you off”.

“No, I will take a cab”.

“Wait for me. It is safer if I go with you”.

“Ok”.

He took her to the boutique. He stayed with her there helping until 7:30am when he had to leave for work. She was grateful because he helped her which made her round up before 9:00am.

The woman came around and they had further discussions. She went through the boutique and all she was taking over. They negotiated throughout the day. Finally, they agreed on an amount. The agreement was to be drawn up by the buyer’s lawyer and the sign off the next day. Farida was very happy. She called Monica and shared the good news. Then she called Wale who asked her to join him in the filling station.

“How do we celebrate? Let’s go dancing. I would love to dance with you. I know you can dance”

“Can we go somewhere to just eat and talk? I’m not interested in dancing in the presence of others”.

“Would you dance with me at home? We will have fun together”.

“We can do that. But before then, I would love to cook for us tonight. I can cook soup or rice or pasta depends on what you like”

“We had rice yesterday. Let’s have pasta. What will you make it with”?

“Pasta and fish sauce”

“Let’s go then. They don’t need me in the station tonight”

They stopped by at the market to buy the items. After they both got refreshed, Wale joined Farida in the kitchen to help prepare the ingredients. They discussed while they cooked. They talked about Monica and her family. Wale talked about what Abuja guys were doing to babes. They discussed about everything.

When food was ready, they sat down together to eat. Wale was impressed by the food prepared by Farida. He hadn’t eaten anything prepared by her before but this was very delicious. When she was cutting up carrots, green pepper, red bell peppers, tomatoes etc to make the sauce, he wondered what she was making, but it came out impressive and delicious. He told her so.

‘You will make soup and stew for me tomorrow before you go back. I will get everything you need to make it”

“That will not be a problem. But won’t your girlfriend mind?”

“I don’t have a girlfriend. I have female friends. And you? Any boyfriends you are hiding?”

“Very funny. I don’t have.”

Wale helped to clear the dining table and tidy up the kitchen. They came to the sitting room and sat on the three seater together. They decided to wait until their meal digested before dancing. They watched a movie instead. Wale couldn’t believe he had Farida all alone in his house and she was comfortable. He had had ideas seeing her every morning but he knew it could destroy everything. As they sat together so closely, he felt his emotions rising. He wasn’t paying attention to the movie but was focused on Farida. He hadn’t seen her in four months. She was still as naturally beautiful as ever; she did not change at all. After the movie, he put on some music and dragged Farida , who claimed not to know how to dance, to her feet. They started dancing with Farida shying away. When they played one of her favourite songs, she lost it and began to dance. Wale had to step aside to watch her dance to the beat in amazement. The ease in which she rolled her waist gave him an instant hard on. He was transfixed where he stood watching her, mesmerized by each step she took. At the end of the song, she stopped.

“Come here” Wale ordered.

Farida saw something strange in Wale’s face. Why she obeyed him she could never tell but she did. He drew her into his arms and said to her,

“I don’t want to make any move right now that will jeopardise our friendship but I must confess, I really want you at this moment; it is taking all my will power not to do anything. Please Farida, let me kiss you. Just a kiss and I swear nothing more”

At that moment Farida looked up to him and realized what she beheld was lust. She stepped away from his embrace and walked swiftly towards her room. Wale stopped her.

‘I will never do what you don’t want me to do. I only asked for a kiss. All you have to say is no and I won’t ask again”.

Farida didn’t respond. She just struggled to be allowed to go and Wale let her go.

Farida was angry with herself for not challenging or stopping Wale when he pulled her into his arms. How dare he ask for a kiss? As she was pondering over everything, a message came into her phone. It was from Wale. It read

I have tried to control my desire for you but tonight, something got into me.

Please do not take this out on our friendship. I know what happened tonight and I promise you it won’t happen again.

Let’s shove this night’s experience from our memories. I don’t want to lose you ever. You are my best friend and gist partner.

Please forgive me.

Farida didn’t respond. Instead she called Monica and told her what happened.

“He asked permission to kiss you? He is an unserious person. Something he should have taken at that time he was asking for permission. Who does that? Wale is another breed completely. He still apologized on top. He is a ju-man. He is just a fine boy with no moves”

“What are you saying? Were you expecting him to rape me? I don’t understand”.

“Rape you? Why would he rape you? Farida have you been blind to the fact Wale loves you? The guy is crazy about you to the extent he is willing to be friends with you as long as you are in his life”.

“In love with me? I don’t think so. We are just friends”.

‘Keep dreaming. Someone that has been in love with you for years. He will never harm you. It was just a spur of the moment occurance. You are beautiful and he acted on his emotions; a moment of weakness”.

“How do you know Wale loves me?”

“Because he told me so himself”.

Farida was silent. So many guys at their three months training course were running after her but she showed no interest. She didn’t see anyone she liked. She liked Wale but not in a romantic way. She didn’t know how to explain it. Her instinct told her not to answer his order but her heart pushed her to him. How would they face each other tomorrow?

The next morning, Wale knocked on her door and asked if she was ready to leave. She was ready but she stayed in the room because she didn’t want them to have an awkward moment. She came out and joined him. He talked to her normally and before long she felt comfortable again.

After signing the agreement and receipt of the payment, Farida called Wale to let him know she was through for the day. He picked her up. He was with a lady in the car. The lady, Ada, was very fair and beautiful. She had an impressive frontal and aerial view. She was what guys referred to as hot. They stopped by at the market. Wale asked Farida what she would like to cook and Farida gave him a list. Immediately, they separated themselves and went to purchase items. The closeness between Wale and Ada was evident. It made Farida uncomfortable. Was it because of last night he brought her? What was their relationship.

In the house, Farida changed into something more comfortable. She planned on cooking two pots of soup and two pots of stew. She entered the kitchen while Wale and Ada were in the bedroom. She cooked Afang and Okro soup. It was the aroma that brought them out of the room. Ada was wearing a bum shorts with a tshirt when she entered the kitchen. All her physical assets were on display. Farida was uncomfortable but Wale didn’t seem to mind. Ada helped Farida boil the tomatoes as she rounded up soups. Then Farida made the fish and chicken stew. Ada was amazed by her prowess in the kitchen.

“You are a wife material” she said while eating the okro soup. “This is so delicious. I wonder how the Afang tastes. Even the stews were awesome. I will take some home”

“You are taking nothing home. You are a woman like her; you should learn how to cook. I loved her spaghetti that was why I asked her to cook for me to store”, Wale replied.

“I am going back tomorrow. By the time I get there what will I eat? I will take small stew”.

“I don’t know what you are talking about. She is also leaving tomorrow and she didn’t ask to take anything”.

“Wally, why are you behaving like this? Is it because she’s your best friend?”

“Yes and more”.

Farida watched and listened to the exchange between them. Wale called her his best friend but wanted to be inappropriate with her. He had this girl here who stayed inside the room with him for almost two hours before they came out to help. Why did he bring her? Was he trying to rub it in her face he could get someone more beautiful and willing? She was offended by the girl’s presence and obviousness. After the meal, she went into her room and didn’t come out again. About an hour later, she heard a knock on her door. It was Wale.

“I came to check on you. Why are you in here? Come let’s watch a movie together”

“I am not interested. You can watch with your friend. I am fine here”.

Wale came into the room and sat on the bed. He looked at Farida and asked, “Are you offended I brought her home?”

“I am not offended. I am a guest here so I have no say”.

“She is travelling tomorrow and her place is far from the park so she asked if she could stay the night. She is a good friend”.

“Obviously”.

“Am I detecting some jealousy?”

“You are joking right?”

“We had something years ago but not anymore. I didn’t want to inconvenience you by asking her to put up with you. And, I didn’t want a repeat of last night when I would have begged you all night for a kiss. With a third party here, I will have self control. I’m sorry if I came on too strong last night. I promise it will never happen again”.

“I have forgotten about it. I have forgiven you. I believe you when you say it won’t happen again”.

“It won’t”.

He stayed there in her room and they talked for a long time. Ada knocked and joined them. They talked about everything. Farida felt relaxed in their company. She observed the way Ada touched Wale unconsciously. She couldn’t feel that free with a guy. The girl could talk and she had a lot of stories to tell.

Wale watched Farida as they talked. She was relaxed but observant. He intended to make her jealous by bringing Ada in and he knew he succeeded. But, his feelings for her was getting even deeper. Ada threw herself at him in the room but he refused just because Farida was around and to him, it would be a disrespect to her. He had flings and nothing more but as his relationship with Farida grew stronger, the flings became less. He knew it was about time he told her about his father’s decision for him to travel immediately for a Masters’ degree. With Monica in Germany and him in the UK it would be tough on her. If only she could wait for him for 18 months.

FARIDA Episode 32 by Oge’s Stories

Wale told her on the way to the airport. Farida was not happy about it at all.

“Why are all of you travelling and leaving me behind?”

“You have a very good job and it will be insensitive of me to ask you to leave it to join me. I knew you would be upset that was why I didn’t tell you. I will miss you so much”.

“When are you leaving?”

“In six weeks. I am coming to Lagos next week. Will it be ok to spend every day with you before I go?”

“Every day? No, we mustn’t see that often. But, It is going to be lonely when you are gone”.

‘You will make new friends and I am just a phone call or chat away”.

“I know but it’s not the same”.

He saw her off to the boarding gate. He asked for a hug and she came to him willingly. He caught her off-guard by kissing her on the forehead. She looked at him and he smiled at her and hugged her again. He could see she was beginning to loosen up. Or was it the news that made her drop all her defences? He couldn’t wait to see her again.

By the time Wale returned to Lagos for his onward trip to the UK, Farida had started work. From the first day she stepped into her new office, she was determined to set herself apart as the best. Men bought lunches for her without her requesting. They offered her free rides home but she declined as she didn’t want to give anyone ideas. But Wale, he never took no for an answer. He insisted on picking her from work every day before he left. That was how everyone believed he was her boyfriend. One person recognized him. He had come to DPR with his father on occasions in the past. Wale helped reduce the pressure from men in the office since it was suspected she was in a serious relationship. She didn’t bother to correct that notion.

The night before Wale travelled, he invited Farida to his home. She helped him pack his things while they talked. Farida wasn’t happy and she was having a hard time hiding her feelings. This was the second friend leaving her. Wale tried to lighten the tensed mood in the room but it wasn’t going away. Farida was very moody.

“Farida, I will come back on breaks and you can also visit. It is not the end of the world. I am not going forever; I will be back”.

Farida had few words to say. She had no other close friends. Now she couldn’t talk to her friends at a drop of a hat. She was angry and frustrated. They didn’t understand how she felt.

His father came into his flat to give him some documents and money he would be travelling with. When he saw Farida, he beamed with smiles while Farida went on her knees to greet him.

“Omo dada. You came to see your friend?”

“Yes sir”.

“He said you got a job with DPR. That means all our problems with that department is over”.

Farida just smiled.

“Sit down my child. Where are you from?”’

“Ilorin, Kwara state, sir”.

“Those people are very hardworking people. They are business people. I can now understand Wale’s description of you. Where are your parents?”

“My parents are divorced. My mother is a teacher here in Lagos while my father should be in Ilorin”.

“He did not train you?”

“No sir, my mother trained my brothers and I although we all got scholarships”.

“That is very good. She must be a good woman. Wale told me your mother recently got her degree in Education. Is that true?”

“Yes sir”.

“I relocated the secondary school to Magodo Isheri. It is a boarding school. I need a head Matron for the school. She will live within the premises in a furnished three bedroom bungalow. Will she be willing to the take job? She can also teach but she will have to be screened before employing her and within three years of employment, she must have her Masters’ degree”.

Farida was completely speechless. This was a big opportunity for them. They could move to a more comfortable abode after so many years. She prayed her mother would agree to it. She had tears in her eyes. This was a beautiful parting gift Wale was giving her. She knew it was Wale’s doing. She couldn’t wait to get home and tell her mother.

Wale’s father gave Wale the things he brought. “I still owe you a present for doing exceptionally well. Take this and buy whatever you want” He then brought out a wad of N200 notes and gave to Farida.

Farida wanted to reject it but he dropped it in her hand and said to his son, “Omo dada ni. I like her. I will like to be seeing her often here when you get back”

“Ok sir”, Wale replied.

Farida dropped to the bed. She looked at Wale and wondered what she did to deserve such friends. It started with Monica and now Wale. Their families showed her so much love. Monica’s father rejected the money they returned but Farida insisted saying it was business. He promised he will give her another loan to start off the business in Lagos when she was ready. Now, Wale has gotten her mother a better job and even better accommodation. She was very happy.

Wale’s mother refused him going out alone that evening. She asked the driver to take them as Wale insisted, he was going along to drop off Farida. When they got to the house, Iya Farida was in the sitting room. Since graduating from the university, she was a different person. The way she walked and talked showed she was more enlightened and exposed. When Farida shared the good news with her siblings and mother, there was so much excitement but Akram was quick to point out, “Maami is the caretaker here and she is so loyal. Will she be willing to leave here for another? And, you know she is well respected here. Would it be the same over there?”

“The school is very big. Maami will be in charge of hostels as the head Matron. She will be better respected as she will be around highly qualified people who will know her worth”, Wale replied.

“I know this was your handwork. This means a lot to us. Thank you”, Farida added.

“Please let me have copies of all your certificates and CV to give my dad. Everything should be sorted out by next week”.

Maami prayed for Wale for his benevolence and also wished him safe trip. She prayed that he will be successful in all he does to which they all said a resounding Amen. Wale asked to be excused. He went outside with Farida and they talked for a while.

“I will make arrangements for a vehicle to pick up your personal effect for onward movement to the school. A bus and a car should be able to carry everything”

“Why are you doing all this?”

“Aren’t we best friends again? I want to ensure you are always happy before I come back”.

“How do I appreciate you for this?”

‘You just have to compromise a little”.

“What compromise?”

“I will tell you at the airport tomorrow. I will send the driver to pick you up at 4pm. Is that ok?”

“That’s fine. I will be ready”.

Back in the house maami was very happy.

“I told you this Wale is a good person. I am so happy he has come back into your life. Your friendship is so unique. Has he said anything more?”

Farida was confused. “More as in?”

“Has he asked for a relationship or marriage?”

“We are friends maami. Do friends get married?”

“You are still deceiving yourself. This boy wants more than friendship from you but he doesn’t want to push so you don’t run away. You are not getting any younger; within the next year you should settle down. If not for religious differences I would have said Wale is the best guy for you”

“Maami, I like Wale very much but I do not feel that way towards him. I see him as a best friend whom I can confide in same as Monica although I talk more to Wale than Monica but that’s really all”

“Farida, aren’t you seeing the handwriting on the wall? This boy just changed your status without it looking like he did something. Do you think I would have been considered for this job with my current position? He knows you don’t like people doing things for you so he used job opportunity for me to change our story. Wale likes you very much and I am surprised you don’t know he has feelings for you”.

She had heard this too often not to take note of it. How come she was not seeing what they were seeing or feeling what they claimed was there? She liked Wale as a good friend and nothing more.

The driver arrived at 4pm to pick her up. She had made pasta. Wale will eat before leaving the house and she had also fried meat, chicken parts, and fish he could nibble on during the trip. She packaged both very well and left for his place. Maami bought ori (shea butter) and aboniki (balm) for him to use when the weather was very cold. Farida hoped Wale knew how to use them.

Wale settled down to eat the food Farida brought for him. His mother came to check on him. Farida knelt down to greet her and she said she shouldn’t as big girls don’t do that. Wale was taken aback and eyed his mother.

“Wale, should I shoin you at the hairport?” his mother asked.

“You don’t need to, my friend is going with me”.

“I will not shee you for two years na. Let me shee you off”.

“No need for that” Wale’s father said from the door. “Can’t you see he is going with his friend? Let him be; he is not a baby”.

“Mo ti gbo. I am going; won’t you give me an (h)ug?”

Wale went to hug her and she kissed him on his cheeks. She slipped something into his hand and then she left.

“Farida, you are welcome. They will contact your mother on Monday. I have told them I want everything finalized before weekend so you can move in”.

“Thank you, sir”.

“It’s not me. Thank your bobo, he told me I will not regret it and I believe him”.

“You won’t sir”.

Wale got ready and they left for the airport by 6pm. His luggage had left earlier so he was just going to show himself and board. When they got to the airport, he held Farida’s hand and they walked hand in hand to the counter. Then it was left with boarding. Wale was very emotional at this point. He took Farida to a corner. She was also struggling with her emotions. She felt like crying but she tried to control herself. Wale held her close and then he looked into her eyes.

“I asked that you compromise a bit for me. Will you be willing to grant my earnest wish at this moment since we will be separated for a while?”

“What do you want? I will do anything to make you as happy as you have made my family”

“You and your family’s happiness is my responsibility. Do this because you want to do it not because I am compelling you to. If you say no, I will let you be”.

“Tell me what it is”.

‘Allow me kiss you this once. I want to leave with a memory that will last me until I come back”.

Farida looked at him. She felt in her heart she should allow him, but her head was saying something else. She decided to shut the voice and take a risk. She closed her eyes and offered her lips. Wale took advantage of the opportunity without hesitation. He placed his lip on hers gently. He rubbed both lips against each other and then he parted her lips with his tongue. The feelings that hit him made him take a deep breath and sigh as the kiss got deeper. He knew she didn’t have experience so he did all the work, he probed every corner of her mouth and felt good as her mouth got moister. His heart was beating very fast as the sensation rode all over his body and he had an erection. He didn’t care if she could feel; she needed to know what she did to him most times.

Farida didn’t know what came over her. The first brush of the lips sent sparks down her spine. When it became deeper, she lost herself in the sensation of the kiss. She enjoyed the feeling she had when he probed the inside of her mouth. She enjoyed the kiss. Wale pulled her closer to him. When she felt the bulge from his trouser, she separated herself from him in a reflex action. This was her first real kiss and she enjoyed it until now.

“That’s what you do to me even without touching you. I want you to wait for me Farida. Just wait for me to come back. Don’t get involved with anyone please”.

“I will wait for you to come back. I’m not promising anything but I will wait”.

“I love you”

“What did you say?”

“I said I love you and I mean it. I know it won’t be easy to process right now but I think this is the best time to tell you. If you don’t feel the same way, I understand and I will still be there for you. I will always be there for you”.

Wale gave a confused Farida a hug and kiss and he led her to the boarding gate. At the gate, he gave a final hug and went in. Farida stood there dazed for some time. She wondered what just happened. Why would Wale say he loves her? Were they not just friends? She did feel something for him but she didn’t think it was love but affection from their closeness.

She got home and shared her experience with Monica. She had mentioned Wale loving her before and she just wanted to confirm it.

“He loves you and he has told me that. He wants you to feel the same way about him before he declares it. Maybe he wasn’t sure what would happen on this trip that was why he wanted to secure his territory”.

“I like Wale a lot but I don’t love him……”

“But you kissed him”

‘He kissed me”

“He took permission before he kissed you. So why did you agree? And since when did you start hugging guys?”

“I have hugged only Wale and allowed him to kiss me. Maybe I just wanted to appreciate him for what he had done. Or, I just wanted to know how kissing him would feel. I felt a bulge through his trouser”

“How big was it?”

‘I don’t know. I have never felt nor seen one before. How big is it supposed to be?”

“Farida! You are too naïve. You need to get exposed. Use google to see what a penis looks like. For you to feel it, it must have been big”

Farida was determined to discover what a penis looked like. She would use her computer in the office to check tomorrow. She was still confused. She didn’t want to tell her mother what happened because she didn’t feel she had to share some intimate details of her life with her. How would she tell maami she kissed Wale? How would she feel about it? She knew she would have to tell her about Wale’s proposal but that would be after they had moved.

Wale kept in touch and talked as though nothing happened at the airport which further confused Farida. She was also embarrassed about bringing it up so they continued as just friends.

#OpraDre FARIDA 31

To be continued

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