Fear and confusion

I woke up early the next morning, feeling a sense of dread wash over me. Today was the day I was leaving to live with my aunt. I had never been away from home before, and the thought of starting over in a new place was terrifying.

As I got dressed and packed my bags, I couldn't shake the feeling of fear and confusion. What would my new life be like? Would I make new friends? Would I be happy?

I looked around my room, taking in the familiar sights and sounds. I would miss this place, miss my family and friends, I would miss the sense of security and comfort that came with living at home. But most of all I was going to miss Eniola.

As I made my way downstairs, I saw Mommy and Daddy waiting for me in the living room. They looked tired and worried, and I knew they were struggling to come to terms with my leaving.

Just then, Eniola walked into the room, her eyes welling up with tears. She saw me standing there with my bags, and she let out a sob.

"Kate, don't go!" she cried, running to me and throwing her arms around me.

I hugged her back, feeling my own tears fall. We stood there for a moment, consoling each other.

"I'll be back to visit, I promise you.," I whispered, trying to reassure her.

But Eniola just shook her head, crying harder. "It won't be the same," she sobbed.

I knew she was right. Things would never be the same again. But I had to try to make the best of it.

I'm going to miss you so much, Eniola. I said!

As we hugged each other tightly, Mommy and Daddy looked on, their faces etched with sadness. They knew how hard this was for all of us.

Finally, it was time for me to leave. I hugged Eniola, I'll call you everyday okay?

Eniola cried harder! Please daddy let me go with Kate! That's enough Eniola, let's go or we will arrive late, mommy said."Are you ready to go?"

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. I didn't want to leave, but I knew I had to.

Daddy helped me carry my bags to the car. We dropped Eniola with aunt Sarah daddy's distant relative who lived down the street, Eniola would not stop crying, I waved at her as daddy zoomed off until I could no longer see her.

Daddy, mommy and I set off on the long journey to my aunt's house. As we drove, I stared out the window, watching the familiar sights and sounds of my hometown fade into the distance.

I felt a sense of disorientation, like I was losing my grip on reality. What was happening to me? Why was I being sent away?

As the hours passed, the landscape outside my window changed. The urban sprawl gave way to rolling hills and countryside. I had never been this far from home before, and the unfamiliar scenery made me feel even more anxious and alone.

Eventually, we arrived at my aunt's house, a small bungalow on the outskirts of a quiet town. Aunt Clara was waiting for us, a warm smile on her face.

"Welcome, Kate," she said, giving me a hug. "I'm so glad you're here."

I smiled back, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Maybe this new life wouldn't be so bad after all.

But as I looked around at the unfamiliar surroundings, I couldn't shake the feeling of fear and confusion. What did the future hold for me? Would I ever find happiness again?

Only time would tell.

Aunt Clara was a single mom with twin girls, Julia and Julianna, I was few years older than them.

Daddy and mommy slept overnight in Aunt Clara's house, when morning came and they wanted to leave for Lagos, Aunt Clara and I saw them off to their car.

Kate be a good girl and respect your aunt, Daddy said!

I will sir, I mumbled.

Don't keep bad friends and focus on your studies. I don't want any complaints from your aunty else I will take you to your grandma in the village Mommy said!

Mommy Eniola take it easy on the girl, Aunt Clara intervened!

I was so ashamed but I nodded my head. 

Will you be okay here? Daddy asked

"I'll be okay," I said, trying to sound brave.

Mommy and Daddy nodded, smiling weakly. "We'll miss you, Kate," Mommy said.

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I'll miss you guys too."

They got in to their car. Say hi to Eniola for me, I said!

We will, don't worry we will call you later so you can speak to her. Mommy said!

I nodded.

Aunt Clara and I waved until their car left the compound. Tears stung the back of my eyes.

Oh dear, I am so sorry things turned out like this but I promise you we are going to have lots of fun, Aunt Clara assured.

Thanks ma, I said.

I'd been living with Aunt Clara in Jos for a few months now. Her warmth and kindness had been a balm to my soul, but the pain of my past lingered, casting long shadows of fear that seemed to follow me everywhere.

To cope, I threw myself into my studies. Aunt Claraenrolled me in a new school, and I was determined to excel. I spent every spare moment buried in my books, devouring knowledge like a starving person.

The school was a blur of new faces and unfamiliar classrooms, but I didn't let that faze me. I was on a mission to escape my past, to prove to myself that I was more than just a victim.

I made few friends, preferring to keep to myself. I didn't want to risk getting close to anyone, didn't want to risk getting hurt again. But I was determined to succeed, to make a new life for myself.

As I sat in class, scribbling notes and listening to the teacher drone on, I felt a sense of comfort. This was my safe space, my sanctuary. Here, I could forget about Uncle Peter, forget about the pain and the fear.

But even as I lost myself in my studies, I knew that I couldn't stay hidden forever. The shadows of my past would always be there, lurking just beneath the surface. And one day, I would have to face them head-on.