Silence, the unspeakable error

Prologue : Echoes of Silence

Silence is not always golden. It can comfort, yes, but it can also suffocate. For Amaka, silence was an escape a choice to avoid pain. But sometimes, what we avoid grows larger in the shadows. Her silence was the start of a storm, quiet at first but destructive in its wake.

The echoes of unspoken truths have a way of growing louder until they demand to be heard. This is her story, a story of choices, of fear, and of finding her voice in a world that taught her to suppress it.

Chapter 1: The Birth of the Unspeakable

The morning dawned with an air of anticipation, heavy with the weight of unspoken words. Amaka stood at her window, gazing out at the vibrant streets of her close-knit community. Yet, despite the bustling life outside, she felt disconnected, trapped in a prison of her own silence.

She clenched her fists, the words she longed to speak bottled up inside her. Fear held her back, fear of shattering the fragile peace she had carefully constructed, fear of the consequences that might follow. "It's better this way," she whispered, trying to convince herself of the lie.

But silence is a insidious seed, one that takes root and grows, spreading its tendrils deep into the soul. Amaka thought she could control it, contain it, but she was wrong. That single, unspoken word became the first thread in a labyrinthine tapestry of secrets, one that would eventually ensnare her.

As the days passed, Amaka's silence grew, a palpable presence that accompanied her everywhere. It was a weight she couldn't shake, a constant reminder of the words she'd left unspoken. She began to feel like she was living a lie, her true self hidden behind a mask of serenity.

The people around her didn't notice the change, or if they did, they didn't comment. They saw only the surface, the calm exterior that Amaka struggled to maintain. But beneath the façade, a storm was brewing, one that would eventually shatter the fragile peace she'd created.

Amaka's relationships began to suffer, her connections with others strained by the weight of her unspoken words. Her friends and family sensed the distance, but they couldn't quite put their finger on what was wrong. Amaka's smile, once bright and genuine, now felt forced, a thin veil hiding the turmoil beneath.

Her community, once a source of comfort and support, began to feel suffocating. The expectations and traditions that had once brought her peace now felt like a trap, a constant reminder of the secrets she kept. Amaka felt like she was drowning in her own silence, unable to escape the crushing weight of her unspoken truths.

Chapter 2: A Whisper in the Dark

Amaka's nights were the hardest. She would lie in bed, staring at the cracks in the ceiling, hearing whispers that weren't there. The voice in her mind repeated the questions she refused to answer: Why didn't you speak? What are you afraid of?

She hated the darkness, not because it was empty but because it mirrored her silence. In the quiet hours, her unsaid words felt alive, mocking her. She longed to scream, to tell someone, anyone, but her fear kept her paralyzed.

The darkness seemed to mirror her silence, its emptiness a constant reminder of the words she left unspoken. In the quiet hours, her unsaid words felt alive, mocking her with their presence. Amaka longed to shatter the silence, to confide in someone anyone but fear held her captive, its grip suffocating.

As the nights wore on, Amaka's grip on reality began to slip. The whispers in her mind grew louder, more insistent, until she could hardly distinguish between her own thoughts and the echoes of her silence. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of unspoken words, unable to find a lifeline to cling to.

The people around her noticed the change, but they didn't know what to make of it. Amaka's withdrawal was gradual, but it was as if she was disappearing before their eyes. Her smile, once bright and warm, now seemed forced, a thin mask hiding the turmoil beneath.

Chapter 3: The Weight of Secrets

Amaka's shoulders sagged under the crushing weight of her secrets. Each unspoken truth felt like a boulder, pressing down on her, making it hard to breathe. Her smiles were forced, her laughter strained, as she struggled to maintain the facade of a life untainted by the burdens she carried.

Her family sensed the change, but Amaka's responses were always evasive. Her mother's gentle inquiries "Is everything alright, Amaka?" were met with the same rehearsed reply "I'm fine." But the words rang hollow, even to Amaka's own ears.

With each passing day, the chasm between Amaka and her loved ones grew wider. Her secrets had become a palpable presence, a constant reminder of the lies she told to keep them hidden. The weight of her deception was suffocating her, and Amaka wondered how much longer she could carry the burden alone.

As the days turned into weeks, Amaka's isolation deepened. She felt like she was living in a bubble, separated from the world around her by a thin membrane of secrets. Her relationships began to fray, her connections with others strained by the weight of her unspoken truths.

Her mother's concern turned to frustration, her father's patience wore thin. Amaka's siblings sensed the tension, but they didn't know what to make of it. The family's dynamics shifted, like a puzzle with a missing piece. Amaka felt like she was the one holding the puzzle together, but her grip was slipping.

As the silence between Amaka and her family grew, the space around her began to feel oppressive. Every conversation, every meal, every moment together was tainted by the secrets she kept. Amaka felt like she was drowning in her own deception, unable to escape the weight of her unspoken truths.

Her mother, once a source of comfort and strength, now seemed distant, uncertain. Her father's eyes, once warm and encouraging, now held a hint of disappointment. Amaka's siblings, once carefree and playful, now seemed wary, as if they were walking on eggshells around

The tension at home was palpable, a living, breathing thing that seemed to pulse with every heartbeat. Amaka felt like she was suffocating under the weight of her secrets, unable to find a way out of the labyrinth she'd created.

One day, while helping her mother with chores, Amaka's hand brushed against her mother's. The touch sparked a memory, one that Amaka had kept hidden for far too long. She felt a lump form in her throat as she struggled to contain the emotions that threatened to spill over.

As Amaka helped her mother with the chores, the familiar rhythms of their routine felt like a thin veil hiding the tension between them. Amaka's mother, Nneoma, seemed to sense her daughter's unease, but she didn't press the issue. Instead, she focused on the tasks at hand, her hands moving with a quiet efficiency that Amaka had always admired.

But today, Amaka couldn't shake off the feeling that her mother was watching her, waiting for her to crack. She felt like a fragile egg, teetering on the edge of a precipice, ready to shatter at any moment.

As they worked, the silence between them grew thicker, like a fog that refused to lift. Amaka's heart ached with the weight of her secrets, secrets she couldn't share with the one person she loved and trusted most.

As the afternoon wore on, Amaka's anxiety grew. She couldn't shake off the feeling that her mother was hiding something from her, that there were secrets lurking beneath the surface of their seemingly ordinary lives.

Nneoma's eyes seemed to hold a deep sadness, a pain that Amaka couldn't quite understand. She felt a pang of guilt for not being able to open up to her mother, for not being able to share the burdens that weighed her down.

The air was thick with unspoken words, and Amaka felt like she was drowning in the silence. She longed to break free, to shatter the glass that seemed to separate her from the world around her.

But the fear held her back, the fear of being rejected, of being judged, of being found wanting.

As Amaka helped her mother with the evening meal, the silence between them felt like a living, breathing thing. It pulsed with unspoken words, with secrets and fears that neither of them dared to confront.

Amaka's hands moved automatically, chopping vegetables and stirring the pot, but her mind was elsewhere. She was trapped in a labyrinth of her own making, with no clear exit in sight.

Her mother's voice broke the spell, soft and gentle as it was. "Amaka, can I talk to you for a minute?"

Amaka's heart skipped a beat. What did her mother want to talk about? Had she finally discovered the truth?

Amaka's heart was racing as she followed her mother into the living room. The air was thick with anticipation, and Amaka could feel the weight of her secrets pressing down on her.

Nneoma sat down on the couch, her eyes locked on Amaka's. "I know something's been bothering you, Amaka," she said, her voice soft but firm. "I want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what."

Amaka felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at her mother. She wanted to tell her everything, to unburden herself of the secrets she'd been carrying for so long. But the fear held her back, the fear of being rejected, of being judged.

Amaka's mother reached out and took her hand, her touch warm and comforting. "Amaka, I know you're strong, but you don't have to carry this burden alone," she said, her eyes filled with concern.

Amaka felt a surge of emotion, a mix of sadness and longing. She wanted to believe her mother, to trust that she would understand and support her. But the fear was still there, lingering in the shadows.

"I...I don't know what you're talking about, Mama," Amaka stammered, trying to pull her hand away.

But her mother held tight, her grip gentle but firm. "Don't lie to me, Amaka," she said, her voice low and urgent. "I know something's wrong. Tell me what's going on."

Amaka felt a wave of panic wash over her. She couldn't tell her mother the truth. Not now, not ever.

"Mama, please," Amaka begged, trying to pull her hand away again. "Just drop it, okay?"

But Nneoma's grip only tightened. "Amaka, listen to me," she said, her voice firm but desperate. "I know you're hiding something. And I know it's eating away at you. Let me help you, Amaka. Let me be there for you."

Amaka felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at her mother. She wanted to believe her, to trust that she would understand and support her. But the fear was still there, lingering in the shadows.

Amaka's mother searched her face, looking for answers. But Amaka's mask was firmly in place, hiding her true emotions.

Nneoma sighed, her shoulders sagging in defeat. "Okay, Amaka," she said softly. "I'll drop it. For now."

Amaka felt a mix of relief and guilt. She knew she'd hurt her mother, but she couldn't bring herself to open up.

Nneoma released Amaka's hand and stood up. "Let's finish dinner," she said, her voice a little too bright. "Your father will be home soon."

Amaka nodded, feeling a sense of numbness wash over her. She followed her mother back to the kitchen, the silence between them thicker than ever.

As they finished preparing dinner, Amaka couldn't shake off the feeling that she'd just made a terrible mistake. She'd pushed her mother away, and now she felt more alone than ever.

Chapter4: Silent Witnesses

Ife watched her best friend with growing concern. She saw the way Amaka avoided eye contact, the way her laughter didn't reach her eyes anymore. Ife wanted to help, but she didn't know how to reach her.

"Maybe she needs space," Ife thought. But deep down, she knew space wasn't the answer. Amaka needed someone to break through her walls, but Ife's own fears held her back.

In their silence, they became complicit in the very thing they both feared: loneliness.

As the days turned into weeks, Ife watched Amaka's withdrawal with growing unease. They used to share everything, from their deepest fears to their wildest dreams. But now, Amaka seemed to be disappearing behind a mask of silence.

Ife tried to reach out, to bridge the gap between them. She'd invite Amaka to hang out, to study together, or just to talk. But Amaka would always find a way to deflect, to change the subject or excuse herself.

Ife felt like she was losing her best friend, and she didn't know how to stop it. She began to wonder if she was the problem, if she'd done something to push Amaka away.

The doubts crept in, whispering in Ife's ear. "Maybe Amaka doesn't need you anymore. Maybe she's moved on."

Ife pushed the thoughts aside, refusing to believe them. She knew Amaka, knew that she was struggling with something. But Ife's own fears and doubts held her back, preventing her from reaching out and offering the support Amaka so desperately needed.

Ife's thoughts swirled with questions and worries as she walked to her next class. She spotted Amaka sitting alone in the cafeteria and felt a pang of guilt. Why hadn't she pushed harder to get Amaka to open up?

As Ife approached the table, Amaka looked up, her eyes flashing with a mixture of warning and desperation. Ife hesitated, unsure of what to do next.

"Hey," Amaka said softly, her voice barely audible.

Ife sat down across from her, trying to read Amaka's expression. "Hey," she replied, her voice equally soft.

The silence between them stretched out, thick and heavy. Ife fidgeted with her hands, feeling like she was walking on eggshells.

Amaka's eyes dropped to the table, her shoulders sagging in defeat. Ife's heart went out to her, and she reached out, placing a hand on Amaka's arm.

"Amaka, please talk to me," Ife whispered, her voice cracking with emotion.

Amaka's gaze snapped up, her eyes locking onto Ife's. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air between them vibrating with tension.

Amaka's eyes searched Ife's face, as if looking for something. Ife held her breath, hoping that Amaka would finally open up.

But then, Amaka's gaze dropped, and she pulled her arm away. "I'm fine, Ife," she muttered, her voice barely audible.

Ife felt a pang of disappointment and frustration. Why wouldn't Amaka talk to her? Didn't she trust her anymore?

As they sat there in silence, Ife realized that she had a choice to make. She could push Amaka to talk, to confront whatever was bothering her. Or she could back off, give Amaka the space she seemed to want.

Ife took a deep breath and decided to try a different approach. "Okay, Amaka," she said softly. "I'll give you space. But promise me one thing."

Amaka looked up, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "What's that?"

Ife's voice was firm. "Promise me you'll talk to someone. Anyone. Just don't keep it all bottled up inside."

Amaka's gaze faltered, and she nodded, almost imperceptibly.

Ife smiled, feeling a small sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, Amaka would start to open up.

Chapter 5: The Error Within

Amaka stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection. She barely recognized the person looking back. Her silence had turned her into a stranger, even to herself.

"Why can't I just say it?" she asked aloud, her voice trembling.

The error wasn't just in what she didn't say, it was in what she believed about herself. She believed she was weak. She believed her voice didn't matter. These beliefs were the true prison, and breaking free felt impossible.

Amaka's eyes dropped, unable to meet her own gaze. She felt like she was living a lie, pretending to be someone she wasn't. The weight of her secrets was crushing her, making it hard to breathe.

She thought about Ife, about the concern in her eyes, the willingness to listen. Amaka wanted to confide in her, to share the burden she'd been carrying for so long. But the fear of being rejected, of being judged, held her back.

As she stood there, paralyzed by her own doubts, Amaka realized that she had a choice to make. She could continue to believe the lies she'd told herself, or she could start to break free.

With a newfound determination, Amaka raised her eyes, meeting her own gaze in the mirror. "I am not weak," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "My voice matters."

The words felt like a promise, a vow to herself to start speaking her truth. Amaka took a deep breath, feeling a sense of resolve wash over her.

But just as she was about to turn away from the mirror, Amaka's eyes landed on a piece of paper taped to the corner of the mirror. It was a quote, written in her mother's handwriting:

"A woman who does not know her worth will never know her power."

Amaka's heart skipped a beat as she read the words. She felt a surge of anger, mixed with sadness. Why had her mother never told her this? Why had she never shown her that she believed in her worth?

The questions swirled in Amaka's mind, but she knew she couldn't dwell on them. Not now. She had to focus on finding her own worth, her own power.

Chapter 6: Breaking the Silence

The day Amaka finally spoke, it rained. The storm outside mirrored the turmoil within her as she sat across from Ife, her hands trembling.

"I need to tell you something," she said, her voice barely audible.

Ife reached out, her touch a lifeline. "I'm here. Take your time."

The words poured out of Amaka like a flood. For the first time, she allowed herself to feel the pain, to confront the fears she had buried so deep. Each word felt like tearing open an old wound, but with each tear came a sense of relief.

She cried, and Ife cried with her. It was messy and raw, but it was real.

As the storm raged on outside, Amaka's words poured out like a flood. "Ife, I have something to tell you. Something I've been hiding for weeks."

Ife's eyes locked onto hers, filled with concern. "What is it, Amaka?"

Amaka took a deep breath before speaking the words she'd been too afraid to say out loud: "I'm pregnant."

The room fell silent, the only sound the quiet patter of the rain outside. Ife's eyes widened in shock, but she quickly regained her composure.

"Who...?" Ife started to ask, but Amaka cut her off.

"It was Ugo," Amaka said, her voice barely above a whisper. "We fell in love, and...and things just happened. But when I told him I was pregnant, he ran off. He said he wasn't ready to be a father."

Ife's expression softened, and she reached out to take Amaka's hand. "Oh, Amaka, I'm so sorry. You must have been so scared."

Amaka nodded, feeling tears prick at the corners of her eyes. "I was. I still am. I don't know how my family will react. They'll be so disappointed in me."

Ife squeezed her hand. "We'll face them together, okay? You're not alone in this."

Amaka felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at Ife. She knew that her friend would stand by her, no matter what.

"Ife, it's all so embarrassing," Amaka said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've had a crush on Ugo for ages. He's my father's friend's son, and we've grown up together. We'd always been friends, but last year, something changed. He started looking at me differently, and I couldn't help but feel the same way."

Ife's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "What happened next?"

Amaka's cheeks flushed as she remembered the night. "He asked me out on a date, and I couldn't believe it. We went to the palmwine bar on the outskirts of town. It was magical, the stars were shining, and the music was playing softly in the background. We talked for hours, laughing and getting to know each other better."

Ife smiled, her eyes shining with excitement. "And then...?"

Amaka's voice dropped to a whisper. "We shared a bottle of palmwine, and I felt my heart fluttering. He took my hand, and we walked under the stars. It was like the whole world had come to a standstill. I felt like I was floating on air."

Ife's expression turned dreamy. "That sounds so romantic."

Amaka nodded, her eyes shining with tears. "It was. I felt like I was in love. And when he asked me to follow him home, I didn't think twice. I wanted to be with him, to feel his arms around me."

The room fell silent, the only sound was the quiet patter of the rain outside. Ife's eyes locked onto Amaka's, filled with empathy.

"What happened next?" Ife asked gently.

Amaka's eyes dropped, shame washing over her. "I don't remember much. We were kissing, and then...and then I woke up the next morning, feeling sick and disoriented. He was gone, but he left a note saying he'd call me soon."

Ife's expression turned angry. "He took advantage of you, Amaka. You were drunk, and he knew it."

Amaka nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I know. I was so stupid. And now...now I'm pregnant."

Ife's expression turned serious. "What do we do now? How many months are you?"

Amaka hesitated before responding. "I'm about three months pregnant."

Ife's eyes widened. "Have you told Ugo about it?"

Amaka's face fell, and she shook her head. "He's gone. He ran out of town, and no one knows where he is."

Ife's expression turned sympathetic. "Oh, Amaka. I'm so sorry."

Amaka's eyes welled up with tears. "I don't know what to do, Ife. I feel so lost."

Ife took Amaka's hand, her voice gentle. "Do you want to...remove the baby?"

Amaka's eyes snapped up, a look of determination on her face. "No, Ife. I've thought about it, and I don't think I can do that."

Ife nodded. "Okay, then we need to come up with a plan. We'll figure this out together."

Amaka took a deep breath, a sense of resolve washing over her. "I need to tell my parents."

Ife's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you sure? They might...react badly."

Amaka nodded, her jaw set. "I know. But I have to tell them. I have to face this head-on."

Amaka stood up, her heart racing with anticipation. "I'll go tell them now."

Ife nodded, her expression supportive. "I'll come with you."

Amaka smiled gratefully. "Thanks, Ife."

Together, the two friends walked to Amaka's house, the tension between them palpable. Amaka's mind was racing with thoughts of how her parents would react.

As they entered the house, Amaka's mother looked up from the kitchen, a look of curiosity on her face. "Amaka, what's wrong?"

Amaka took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. "Mum, Dad, I need to talk to you about something."

Her father looked up from the living room, a look of concern on his face. "What is it, Amaka?"

Amaka's eyes locked onto her parents', her voice trembling. "I'm pregnant."

The room fell silent, the only sound was the ticking of the clock on the wall. Amaka's parents exchanged a shocked glance, their faces pale.

Amaka's mother was the first to speak, her voice trembling. "How...how did this happen?"

Amaka took a deep breath, preparing herself for the reaction. "I met someone, Mum. His name is Ugo. We...we fell in love."

Her father's face turned red with anger. "Love? You call this love? You're not even married!"

Amaka felt a surge of defensiveness, but she knew she had to stay calm. "Dad, please listen."

But her father cut her off, his voice rising. "No, you listen! You've brought shame to our family! What will people think?"

Amaka felt tears pricking at the corners of her eyes, but she refused to cry. She knew she had to stand up for herself.

Amaka's mother stepped forward, her voice softer than her father's. "Amaka, sweetie, we just want what's best for you. But this...this is a big mistake."

Amaka felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at her parents. She knew they were disappointed, but she hoped they could understand.

"Mum, Dad, I know this isn't what you wanted for me," Amaka said, her voice shaking. "But I'm asking you to please support me. I'll do whatever it takes to make this right."

Her parents exchanged a glance, and for a moment, Amaka thought she saw a glimmer of hope. But then her father's face hardened again.

"We need time to think about this," he said gruffly. "This is not something we can just accept overnight."

Amaka felt a pang of sadness, but she nodded. "I understand."

As the silence hung in the air, Amaka realized that this was just the beginning of a long and difficult journey.

As the days passed, Amaka's parents barely spoke to her. The tension in the house was palpable, and Amaka felt like she was walking on eggshells.

One day, Amaka's mother called her into the living room. "Amaka, we've been thinking...," she started.

Amaka's heart skipped a beat as she wondered what her parents had decided. "Yes, Mum?"

"We think it's best if you go to your aunt's house in the village," her mother said, her voice firm but sad.

Amaka felt like she'd been punched in the gut. "The village? But why?"

Her mother sighed. "We can't have you staying here, Amaka. The neighbors will talk, and your father's reputation will be ruined."

Amaka felt a surge of anger and hurt. "So, I'm being sent away because of what people might think?"

Her mother nodded, tears in her eyes. "We're doing this for your own good, Amaka."

Amaka shook her head, feeling a deep sadness wash over her. "No, Mum. You're doing this because you're ashamed of me."

Just as Amaka's mother finished speaking, Amaka's father walked into the room, a look of determination on his face.

"I've been thinking," he said, his voice firm. "And I've decided that Amaka will remain here with us."

Amaka's mother looked at him in surprise. "But, dear, we discussed."

Amaka's father held up his hand, interrupting his wife. "I know what we discussed, but I've been thinking, and I realize that we can't just abandon our daughter in her time of need."

He turned to Amaka, his eyes filled with love and compassion. "You're our daughter, Amaka, and we will love, protect, and support you at all times, no matter what."

Amaka felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at her father, tears of gratitude streaming down her face.

"Thank you, Daddy," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Her father opened his arms, and Amaka ran into them, feeling a sense of relief and comfort wash over her.

As Amaka hugged her father, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She knew that she still had a long and difficult journey ahead of her, but with her parents' support, she felt like she could face anything.

Her mother joined in the hug, tears streaming down her face. "We love you, Amaka," she whispered. "And we'll get through this together."

Amaka smiled, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that she was loved, and that she wasn't alone.

As they pulled back from the hug, Amaka's father looked at her with a serious expression. "We need to talk about the future," he said. "We need to figure out what's best for you and the baby."

Amaka nodded, feeling a sense of determination. She was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, as long as she had her parents by her side.

Amaka's father smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "First things first, we need to get you to a doctor. We need to make sure you and the baby are healthy."

Amaka nodded, feeling a sense of relief. She had been worried about her health and the baby's health, but with her parents' support, she felt like everything was going to be okay.

Her mother stood up, a look of determination on her face. "I'll make an appointment with Dr. Okoro. He's the best obstetrician in town."

Amaka smiled, feeling grateful for her parents' love and support. She knew that she was lucky to have them, and she was determined to make them proud.

As her mother left the room to make the appointment, Amaka's father turned to her with a serious expression. "Amaka, we need to talk about Ugo. What's going on with him?"

Amaka felt a pang of sadness and anger. She had thought that she was in love with Ugo, but now she realized that he had just been using her.

"He's gone," Amaka said, her voice barely above a whisper. "He left me as soon as he found out I was pregnant."

Her father's face darkened with anger. "I'll take care of him," he growled.

But Amaka just shook her head. "No, Daddy. I don't want you to do anything. I just want to move on with my life."

Amaka's father nodded, his expression softening. "Okay, baby. We'll focus on taking care of you and the baby."

Amaka smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her father. She knew that he would always be there for her, no matter what.

Just then, Amaka's mother walked back into the room, a look of determination on her face. "I've made the appointment with Dr. Okoro. We'll go see him tomorrow morning."

Amaka nodded, feeling a sense of relief. She was ready to take care of herself and the baby.

As the day went on, Amaka's parents took care of her, making sure she ate well and rested. Amaka felt grateful for their love and support.

The next morning, Amaka and her mother went to see Dr. Okoro. The doctor was kind and gentle, and he answered all of Amaka's questions.

After the appointment, Amaka and her mother went home, feeling relieved and happy. Amaka knew that she still had a long way to go, but with her parents' support, she felt like she could face anything.

As they walked into the house, Amaka's father looked up from his chair, a concerned expression on his face. "How was the appointment?" he asked.

Amaka's mother smiled, relief written all over her face. "It went well. The baby is healthy, and Amaka is doing great."

Amaka's father nodded, a look of gratitude on his face. "Thank God," he said.

Amaka smiled, feeling happy and relieved. She knew that she still had a long way to go, but with her parents' support, she felt like she could face anything.

Just then, Ife walked into the room, a look of concern on her face. "Amaka, how are you?" she asked.

Amaka smiled, feeling grateful for her friend's support. "I'm doing great, Ife. Thanks for asking."

Ife nodded, relief written all over her face. "I'm glad to hear that. I was worried sick about you."

Amaka's mother smiled, a look of gratitude on her face. "Thank you, Ife. We appreciate your support."

As they talked, Amaka felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that she had her parents and Ife to support her, and she felt grateful for that

As the days went by, Amaka settled into a routine. She went to her prenatal appointments, took care of herself, and spent time with her parents and Ife.

One day, as Amaka was sitting in the living room, her mother walked in with a package in her hands. "Amaka, I got you something," she said, a smile on her face.

Amaka's curiosity was piqued. "What is it, Mum?" she asked.

Her mother handed her the package. "Open it and see."

Amaka unwrapped the package to reveal a small, adorable onesie with a card attached to it. The card read: "To my dear grandchild, I love you already."

Tears of joy filled Amaka's eyes as she looked at her mother. "Mum, thank you," she said, her voice trembling.

Her mother smiled, her eyes shining with tears. "I'm going to be a grandma, Amaka. And I couldn't be happier."

Amaka felt a sense of happiness wash over her. She knew that she had made the right decision in keeping the baby.