the road to redemption

Eunice sat quietly on the edge of Joyce's modest bed, her hands clasped tightly as if holding herself together. The room was dimly lit by a single bulb, its flickering light mirroring the storm inside her. Joyce, her long-time friend and confidant, sat across from her, carefully watching Eunice's face.

"You've been through a lot, Eunice," Joyce said gently, breaking the silence. "But this isn't the end of the road for you. You need to get out of Eldoret. Start fresh somewhere far away."

Eunice's voice was hoarse. "But where? With what money? I've burned every bridge I had."

Joyce leaned forward, her voice firm. "Listen to me. I know someone—a travel agent. They help women like you find jobs abroad. It's not glamorous, but it's honest work. Caregiving jobs in Saudi Arabia are easy to come by, and it's affordable to get started. You'll be far away from Mercy and all of this madness."

Eunice hesitated. "Saudi Arabia? That's… so far."

"And that's exactly why it's perfect," Joyce replied. "You need distance. Time to heal. Plus, it's the fastest way to start earning real money. You said you want to take care of your mom, right?"

At the mention of her mother, Eunice felt tears sting her eyes. "I've let her down so much, Joyce. She sacrificed everything for me, and all I've done is make things worse."

Joyce reached over, taking Eunice's trembling hands in her own. "Then make things right. This isn't the end of your story, Eunice. It's just the beginning. But you have to take the first step."

The next morning, Eunice accompanied Joyce to the travel agency. The office was tucked away in a small building downtown, its sign barely visible. Eunice felt a knot in her stomach as they entered.

The agent, a middle-aged woman with sharp eyes and a brisk demeanor, explained the process. "Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest placements. You'll need a passport, medical clearance, and a visa. Once everything is ready, we'll book your flight and connect you with an employer."

Joyce squeezed Eunice's shoulder reassuringly as the agent handed her a list of requirements. "I'll help you every step of the way," Joyce whispered.

For the next few weeks, Eunice threw herself into preparing for the journey. She secured her passport with money borrowed from Joyce, passed her medical tests, and submitted her documents to the agency. The process was overwhelming, but Joyce never left her side.

One evening, as Eunice sat packing her meager belongings, Joyce entered the room with a worried expression.

"I need to tell you something," Joyce said, closing the door behind her.

Eunice froze. "What is it?"

"Mercy is looking for you," Joyce said, her voice low. "She found out Peter broke up with her because of you. She's furious, Eunice. I heard she's threatening to…"

"To what?"

Joyce hesitated, then whispered, "To kill you."

Eunice's heart sank. She had feared this moment, but hearing the words aloud sent a chill down her spine.

"She won't find me," Eunice said, her voice shaking. "Once my visa is ready, I'm leaving. She can't follow me to Saudi Arabia."

Joyce nodded. "Stay out of sight until then. Don't take chances. Promise me."

"I promise," Eunice whispered.

Three weeks later, Eunice's visa was ready. She felt a mix of relief and fear as she held the ticket in her hands. The day before her flight, she made the difficult journey back to her village to say goodbye to her mother.

The small hut she once called home seemed even smaller now. Her mother was sitting outside, her frail body wrapped in a threadbare shawl. The sight of her brought tears to Eunice's eyes.

"Mama," she called softly.

Her mother turned, her face lighting up despite her obvious exhaustion. "Eunice, my child! You've come back."

Eunice rushed to her, kneeling at her feet and resting her head on her lap. "I'm so sorry, Mama. For everything. I've made so many mistakes. I've been selfish, and I've hurt people. But I want to make things right. I'm leaving tomorrow… for Saudi Arabia."

Her mother's hand gently stroked Eunice's hair. "Saudi Arabia? That's so far away."

"I know," Eunice said, tears streaming down her face. "But it's the only way I can help us. I'll work hard and send money back. I'll build you a proper house, Mama. I promise."

Her mother's voice was soft but steady. "You've always been strong, Eunice. Stronger than you know. Go and build a life for yourself. But remember, no matter where you go, your heart must remain good and honest. That's the only way you'll find true peace."

Eunice nodded, the weight of her mother's words settling in her heart.

That night, as she lay on the mat beside her mother, Eunice whispered a silent prayer. She prayed for forgiveness, for strength, and for a chance to start over.

The next day, Eunice boarded the bus back to Eldoret, her heart heavy but resolute. Joyce was waiting for her at the agency, her face breaking into a wide smile when she saw Eunice with her suitcase.

"You're really doing this," Joyce said, hugging her tightly.

"I have to," Eunice replied. "Thank you for everything, Joyce. I don't know where I'd be without you."

"You'd do the same for me," Joyce said. "Now go. And don't look back."

As Eunice sat on the plane, staring out at the clouds, she felt a strange mix of emotions—fear, hope, regret, and determination. She didn't know what awaited her in Saudi Arabia, but she knew one thing: she couldn't run from her past forever.

For now, she would focus on survival. But deep down, Eunice wondered if the ghosts of her mistakes would ever truly leave her.