A NEW BEGINNING

I reached downstairs and looked at the small house where I had lived all my life with Grandma Ama. A wave of nostalgia swept over me , but I knew I was starting a new chapter. I hesitated briefly, then turned without looking back.

Reaching the car , I place my belongings in the trunk and entered the passenger seat. I didn't feel talking to anyone–just me and my thoughts.

The car started and the silence filled the space, only broken by the hum of the engine and the afternoon sun seeping through the windows. We were heading to Belleville in Bridgetown. The ride was smooth with little traffic.

When we arrived, the car stopped in front of a small house. I guessed we'd reached our destination. I got out and saw Ruth standing at the gate.

She was slim and petite, with curly brown hair that framed her little face. Her cheerful demeanor made her look innocent, but the sight of her sent a chill down my spine.

" Anaya!" She exclaimed, running towards me with open arms.

I panicked –this was the exact scene from my dream, where she hugged me and I fainted in her arms. My chest tightened as the memory replayed in my mind. I stood there frozen , not making an effort to meet her with the hug.

Before I could react, Uncle James intervened,

" Hey won't you hug your father first?" He said pouting like a child.

I forced a smile and used the opportunity to dodge the hug, moving to the trunk to grab my luggage instead.