I go try

Author pov.

Ejiro hadn't seen her parents since last night. She didn't know where her brother was either. Fear and anger still churned within her, but her growling stomach drew her downstairs to make some food for herself.

As she descended the stairs, she heard muffled voices coming from the dining room. She cautiously peeked around the corner and saw her family—her mother, father, and Alex—sitting at the dining table, eating breakfast. Her mother caught sight of her first, giving her a weak smile, which Ejiro didn't return.

Taking a deep breath, Ejiro awkwardly joined them. She avoided eye contact as she reached for some bread and eggs, her movements slow and deliberate. The tension was palpable, like a thick fog hanging over the table. No one spoke, and the silence was deafening.

After a few moments, her father cleared his throat. "So," he began, looking directly at Ejiro, "we need to talk about starting school. It's important for all of you to settle in quickly."

Ejiro kept her gaze fixed on her plate, refusing to acknowledge him. She had no interest in this conversation, especially not after last night.

"Alex, you'll be starting at St. John's High," her father continued, turning to his son. "It's a good school, and they have a strong football team. You'll fit right in."

Alex nodded, barely glancing at Ejiro. "Okay, Dad."

"Ejiro," her father said, his tone softening slightly, "you'll be attending Gracefield Academy. It has excellent facilities and a great academic record. I'm sure you'll do well there."

Ejiro didn't respond. She stabbed at her eggs with her fork, feeling the heat of her father's gaze on her. The silence stretched on, becoming almost unbearable.

"Do you hear me, Ejiro?" her father asked, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice.

She looked up, meeting his eyes for the first time. "Yes, Daddy, I hear you," she said respectfully, though her voice was subdued.

Her father sighed. "Good. I want you to give it your best shot."

"Yes, Daddy," she replied quietly, then asked, "Abeg, I fit go?"

Her father nodded. "You may."

Ejiro pushed her chair back and stood up, her movements deliberate and respectful. She walked out of the dining room, leaving her half-eaten breakfast behind.

Ejiro wandered back upstairs to her room, closing the door behind her. She threw herself onto her bed, staring up at the ceiling. Her mind raced with thoughts of home, of Warri, of friends she left behind. This place felt like a prison, and her family seemed like strangers.

After some time, she heard a soft knock on her door. "Ejiro, can I come in?" It was her mother.

"Yes, Mom," Ejiro muttered.

Her mother entered, closing the door quietly behind her. She sat on the edge of the bed, reaching out to gently stroke Ejiro's hair. "I know this is hard for you, my dear. It's hard for all of us. But we need to try and make the best of it."

Ejiro turned to look at her mother, tears welling up in her eyes. "Why we gatz dey here, Mom? This place... e no fit us."

Her mother sighed, a sad smile on her lips. "Sometimes, life takes us to places we don't want to go. But that doesn't mean we can't make them our own. Give it a chance, Ejiro. Please."

Ejiro wanted to argue, to say that nothing could ever feel like home again, but the pleading look in her mother's eyes made her pause. Maybe, just maybe, she could try—for her mother's sake.

"Okay, Mom," she whispered, wiping away her tears. "I go try."

Her mother hugged her tightly, whispering soothing words into her hair. And for the first time since they arrived, Ejiro felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe things could get better. Maybe she could find a way to fit in, after all.