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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 Nineteen: "Footsteps from the Past"

The morning sun poured lazily through the curtain cracks as Andra buttoned her shirt, still groggy from the sleepless night Kingsley had gifted her. He'd had a cold, and every hour, he needed water, a cuddle, or a reassuring "Mommy's here."

She packed her bag slowly—steel ruler, a notebook with half its pages missing, worn-out measuring tape, and her programming flashcards that still made her feel like crying.

Happy stood near the mirror adjusting her scarf. "You look like someone who dreamt of failing and then woke up and failed for real."

Andra chuckled. "Programming quiz today."

Happy cringed. "Oof. May the compilers have mercy on your soul."

They stepped out into the morning chill, dodging puddles left by last night's rain. Andra's phone buzzed. It was an M-Pesa message.

Parker: Ksh 300 received from PARKER BLACKS.

She stopped mid-step. It had been months since she'd heard from him—no check-ins, no calls, and certainly no money.

Andra stared at the screen, unsure whether to laugh, cry, or ignore it completely.

Later that evening, she met Parker near the university gate, keeping her distance. He looked thinner, more tired. His camera bag slung over his shoulder, dust clinging to his sneakers.

"I heard about your trip to Mombasa," he said.

Andra folded her arms. "It's not a trip. It's a field study. And no, I don't have enough money for it yet."

"No," she cut in sharply. "Don't say you'll help. We've been through that script before."

Parker shifted uncomfortably. "I know I messed up. I wasn't ready. I thought I could be both—father and dream-chaser. But—"

"I never stopped loving Kingsley."

"But you didn't stay. Love isn't enough, Parker."

She turned to walk away, then paused.

"You know what? You can be part of his life. Just… don't make promises you can't keep. And if you can't afford money, give him honesty."

Footsteps from the past