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At just 24, Andra Summers finds herself navigating the joys and burdens of new motherhood while chasing the future she once dreamed of. With a four-year-old son, a distant father who floats between charm and absence, and no steady income, she leans heavily on the strength of her aging parents, her sisters’ sacrifices, and friends who step in where love falters.

When Kingsley's father, Parker—once a dreamer with political ambitions—proposes at their son’s six-month baby shower, Andra, overwhelmed by post-partum depression and unmet promises, rejects him publicly. What follows is a slow unraveling of illusions. Andra returns to school with Kingsley on her back and determination in her heart. But when money runs out, the pressure mounts. A missed salary payment. A broken promise. A loan her mother silently takes to protect her dignity.

As Parker's love continues to flicker in and out, Andra learns to depend on no one but herself. She hardens with grace—smiling politely at his new girlfriends while quietly chasing a better life for her son.

What She Carried is a heartfelt tale of resilience, silent sacrifices, and the quiet strength it takes to rise while the world expects you to beg. Andra doesn’t just carry a child—she carries generations of hope, pain, and the fierce will to never be a story of failure.

What She Carried

Chapter Seventeen: "Clearing the Air"

The heat in Eldoret was unrelenting, just like life had been lately. Andra sat on the edge of her bed, surrounded by half-packed bags, wondering how it had all come to this.

Living with her parents in Kitale had been a blessing, but with the pressures of her third year, the distance to campus, the back-and-forth bus fare, and the expectation to live closer to university for practicals and labs—it was all too much. The rent outside school wasn't kind, and the upkeep hit harder than she thought.

She tried to stay afloat with the little HELB loan she received, a few tailoring gigs during the weekends, and the generous but stretched support from her parents and siblings. Still, it wasn't enough.

And school wasn't going to pause for her financial chaos.

That's when she decided to find a roommate.

She crafted a short message and shared it in several WhatsApp groups and student activity pages:

> "Looking for a responsible, clean female roommate. Child-friendly. Willing to split rent and utilities. Inbox if interested."

Within a few hours, she received a message from an unfamiliar number:

> "Hi, I saw your post about looking for a roommate. My name's Happy. I'm interested, but I'd like to meet in person first—just to be sure we click."

The next afternoon, she met Happy at the small café outside the main gate—Tamu Bites.

Happy wore a bright yellow hoodie, had short curly hair, and an easy smile that lit up her entire face. They talked for a while—school, courses, experiences in hostels and rentals, their dreams after campus. Andra liked her instantly. She was lighthearted but sincere.

Then Happy cleared her throat and leaned in a little.

"There's just one thing I'd like to clarify before we move in together," she said, tone now softer.

"Well," Happy hesitated, "someone mentioned something. They said you used to have a roommate in first year who's now been spreading some stories. That you were… kind of involved with a lot of guys around campus. That you're always entertaining people. I just thought—I'd rather ask than assume."

They hadn't ended on good terms. There had been misunderstandings, jealousy, and whispers passed through the dorm halls like wildfire. But it stung that those rumors still followed her.

She met Happy's eyes. Calm but firm.

"None of that is true. I had a tough time in first year, being a mom, balancing school, and dealing with people who didn't understand. That girl… we were never really close. But I've always carried myself with respect. If you're looking for peace and a safe space, that's what I want too."

Happy looked at her for a moment, then smiled again—this time even wider.

That week, they moved in together.

Taped up the leaky window with clear plastic.

Even made a roommate schedule for dish duty and quiet hours for Kingsley.

Andra finally felt like she could breathe again.

Not because life had gotten easier.

But because she wasn't walking through it alone.