UNCLE WITH A BIG HEART

It had been weeks since Peace lost her beloved grandpa. Though the pain lingered in her young heart, she found the strength to move on, slowly learning to understand that some goodbyes are a part of life.

When school resumed, she settled back into her routine. Each day, she would go to school and return home to have extra lessons with her ever patient and kind hearted mum, Anny.

Their time together wasn't just about learning it was filled with laughter, encouragement, and quiet love.

Her uncle, who had always been her biggest cheerleader, called her his "brightest niece." He would wrap her in a warm hug and say, "Peace, my baby, when you grow up, I will send you to medical school. You'll become the world's best doctor

I believe in you."

After her grandfather's departure, her uncle recognized that peace might lead to feelings of boredom for her. To help ease the pain of his absence, he decided to spend more time with her, hoping to bring her some comfort and joy during this difficult period.

Peace was truly a ray of sunshine in the family house,joyful, kind, and full of dreams. Everyone adored her. Even the neighbors would often smile and greet her with warmth, drawn by her gentle spirit.

But it was her uncle who held a special place in her heart. He was more than just an uncle,

He was her acting father, her protector, her guide. So much so that she even carried his name as her surname, a small but meaningful reminder of the deep bond they shared.

Just as her uncle loved her deeply, Peace adored him with all her heart. He was not just family he was her safe place, her hero, the only man who had ever treated her like a daughter. To her, he was everything a father was supposed to be.

There was a time, in her innocent childhood boldness, when she would declare without hesitation, "I don't even want a dad,

I already have an Uncle."

That's how fiercely she loved him. That's how completely he filled the space her father never did.

But those were the words of a little girl wrapped in warmth, spoken from a heart that had only known love in one direction.

Peace cherished the time she spent reading and attending extra classes with her mother, but she equally valued the moments shared with her uncle. He was not only supportive; he was also her creative partner. Whenever she brought home art assignments from school, such as drawings or painting projects, her uncle would sit with her patiently, guiding her hand and teaching her new techniques. While he often helped her complete her school art projects, he always ensured that she learned along the way. With every brushstroke and pencil sketch, he nurtured her imagination and encouraged her creativity. It was during those quiet, colorful moments that Peace realized he wasn't just her uncle, he was her mentor, her biggest cheerleader, and one of her very best friends.

Anny walked in, her steps slow but determined.

"Brother Dan," she called softly to her elder brother.

He turned to her, concerned already in his eyes.

"Peace and I will be moving to Sister Rose's house," she said, her voice steady. "I need to find a job something stable so I can take care of Peace and her education."

"I have already spoken to Mama about it," she added quickly.

Dan sighed, nodding in quiet understanding.

"Oh, I will miss my little niece," he said with a sad smile. "But it's okay.

she can always come over on weekends."

They shared a warm, silent hug, both understanding that change was necessary, even if it hurt.