A New Beginning

Purity was only six years old when her world turned upside down. Her parents had died in a plane crash, and now she had to move in with her Aunt Wendy. At the funeral, she clung to Wendy's side, her small fingers gripping the fabric of Wendy's skirt.

"Aunt Wendy," Purity's voice trembled, "will Mommy and Daddy come back?"

Wendy, avoiding eye contact, said curtly, "No, sweetie. They're gone. You'll be living with me now."

The funeral was a haze of black clothes and soft murmurs. People spoke about Mr. Benson, Purity's father, and how good he was.

"I still can't believe he's gone," one guest said. "He was always so generous."

"He helped so many people," another added. "This is such a loss."

Mr. Benson and his wife had been a source of help to the less privileged. He was known for his generosity and embracing nature. Even when hurt by his sister, who caused a miscarriage for his wife after Purity was born, he remained kind-hearted. Mrs. Wendy had been a thorn in Mrs. Benson's flesh; they fought countless times. Mrs. Benson tried to avoid Wendy's issues, but their last confrontation ended in the hospital, where Mrs. Benson was hospitalized and lost her child.

Meanwhile, Wendy's own life was fraught with turmoil. Her marriage was on the rocks, primarily due to her reckless lifestyle. Late one night, as Purity lay awake, she overheard a heated argument between Wendy and her husband, Peter.

"You're never home, Wendy! The kids barely see you, and when they do, you're either drunk or yelling!" Peter's voice was strained with frustration.

Wendy snapped back, "Oh, so now it's all my fault? What about you? Always criticizing, never supporting. No wonder you ran off to California!"

Peter's voice lowered, but the intensity remained. "I left because I couldn't stand the constant fighting, the infidelity. You pushed me away, But I always try to come back because I love you Wendy!"

Wendy's voice cracked with emotion. "You left me with nothing, Peter. No money, nothing peter!"

Peter sighed heavily. "I wanted to make it work, Wendy, you never want to change,You always put yourself first."

Their argument continued, filled with accusations and raised voice of Mrs Wendy, echoing through the small apartment.

Peter, who was quick to temper,stormed out of the house and was never seen or heard from again, he ran to California to start a life with the woman who gives him comfort .

A few months before the crash, Mr. Benson had a serious conversation with Wendy about her life and future. They met at a Cafe near her apartment. Benson arrived early, sipping his coffee and mentally preparing for the difficult conversation.

Wendy walked in, her expression wary. "What is it, Benson? Why did you want to meet?"

Benson sighed, choosing his words carefully. "Wendy, I'm worried about you. Your lifestyle is taking a toll on you and your children. You need stability."

Wendy scoffed, crossing her arms. "I can handle my life, Benson. I don't need a lecture from you."

"It's not a lecture," Benson replied gently. "I want to help. I can get you a house, start a business for you. Something that will give you and the kids a secure future."

Wendy's eyes narrowed. "Why are you doing this? To feel better about yourself?"

"No, Wendy," Benson said, his voice firm. "Because you're my sister, and I care about you. And because your children deserve better."

Wendy's defiance wavered for a moment. She looked down at the table, her fingers tracing invisible patterns on the surface. "I don't know, Benson. I've messed up so much."

"It's never too late to start over," Benson said softly. "Let me help you."

Wendy nodded slowly, a tear escaping her eye. "Okay, Benson. I'll think about it."

Mr Benson had fufil his wish to help his sister, before the tragic plane crash happened, killing him and his wife leaving Wendy to take care of Purity.

Purity's tiny hand was wrapped in Wendy's, her eyes wide and confused. She looked up at Wendy with tear-filled eyes. "Aunt Wendy, what happens now?"

Wendy's face was stern. "We'll figure it out. You're living with me now."

Moving to Wendy's apartment in New York City was overwhelming. The apartment was small and cluttered. It smelled of stale cigarettes as she had become a serious addict of smoking, and the furniture was old and mismatched. Purity's new room was barely big enough for a bed and a dresser.

That first night, Purity lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. The city outside was noisy – sirens, car horns, and distant chatter. She missed the quiet of her old home. Wendy's children, Lucy and Elion, hardly spoke to her. Everything felt foreign and uncomfortable.

The next morning, Wendy was already up and making breakfast. Purity, not knowing what to do, stood by the kitchen door.

"Good morning, Aunt Wendy," she said softly.

Wendy glanced at her. "Morning. Start by sweeping the floor. I have a lot to do today."

Purity picked up the broom and began sweeping. Mrs Wendy was away after giving orders. Lucy walked in, her face twisted with annoyance.

"Great, the new maid is already here," Lucy said sharply. "Don't mess up the kitchen."

Purity kept her head down and continued cleaning. Elion entered and saw Purity working hard.

"Hey, Purity," he said kindly. "You don't have to do it all by yourself. I can help."

Purity looked up, her face brightening a bit. "Thanks, Elion."

Lucy huffed and muttered, "Whatever. I'm going out. Don't mess up the house."

Days turned into months and years, and Purity's life became a relentless routine of chores. She woke up early, cleaned, cooked, and then cleaned some more. Wendy's attitude remained distant. Lucy's meanness was constant, but Elion's kindness was a small comfort.

One evening, when Purity was twelve, Wendy came home with a crumpled envelope. She threw it on the kitchen table and called out.

"Purity, come here."

Purity walked over, her heart pounding. "Yes, Aunt Wendy?"

Wendy's expression was grim. "I've made arrangements for you. Starting tomorrow, you'll be working for Mr. James."

Purity's heart sank. "Working for Mr. James? What kind of work?"

Wendy waved her hand dismissively. "Just errands and tasks. We need the money. I can't afford to keep you here."

Purity's eyes welled up. "But why, Aunt Wendy? Can't I stay? I don't want to go."

Wendy's face hardened. "I don't have the finances to support you. My business isn't doing well. You're old enough to work."

Purity's voice trembled. "But I'm just a kid. I don't know what this job will be. Please, can't you help me?"

Wendy's frustration was clear. "I'm doing what I can. You need to help out. Pack your things tonight. You start tomorrow."

That night, Purity was up late, packing her few belongings. Wendy's demands were relentless.

"Purity!" Wendy shouted from the living room. "I need those clothes washed before morning!"

Purity sighed heavily and started washing the family's clothes. She scrubbed the stains and hung them up to dry. The smell of detergent mixed with the stale scent of the apartment.

Lucy walked by, glaring at her. "Still working? You better not get tired. We need those clothes for tomorrow."

Purity nodded, her hands sore and tired. Elion came in, his face concerned.

"Hey, Purity," he said quietly, "do you need any help?"

Purity shook her head. "No, I'll manage. I just wish things were different."

Elion gave her a sympathetic smile. "I wish I could do more. Just hang in there. Things will get better."

After finishing the laundry, Purity collapsed into bed. She lay there, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing. She felt a deep sadness and fear. She was leaving behind everything she knew, stepping into an unknown future. The thought of working for Mr. James made her stomach churn. What kind of work would it be?

Tears began to flow down her cheeks as she thought about her parents and the life she once had. She missed their warmth, their love. She missed feeling safe.

"What will tomorrow bring?" she wondered aloud, her voice barely a whisper. "Will I be okay?"

She hugged her pillow tightly, trying to comfort herself. The noise of the city outside seemed to get louder, almost mocking her fears.

As she closed her eyes, exhaustion took over. She fell asleep with a heavy heart, unsure of what the next day would bring. The only thing she knew was that her life was changing drastically, and she had no idea what awaited her.

The next day, Wendy's demeanor was even colder. She barely spoke to Purity, her face a mask of indifference

As Purity prepared to leave for Mr. James's place, Elion approached her with a small, encouraging smile. "Remember, Purity, you're strong. You'll get through this. Just keep going."

Purity nodded, her heart heavy but grateful for Elion's kindness. She took a deep breath, stepping out into the bustling city, ready to face whatever the future held.