A NEW HOME

Peace was no longer a child.

She was growing into a teenager, her heart clung to the people and places that shaped her."

One evening, her mother, Anny, sat her down and gently said, "Peace, we'll be moving to the City soon."

The words hung heavy in the air.

Peace blinked slowly, uncertain of what to say. She loved her home,

It's familiar corners, her friends, her beloved uncle, and most of all, her grandma's warm presence. The idea of leaving filled her with quiet dread.

Anny tried to sweeten the news.

"You'll get to play with your cousins," she said with a smile.

You will be loved there maybe even more than here."

But Peace wasn't convinced. Her smile didn't reach her eyes.

The truth was, Anny needed to move. Life in their small town could no longer provide what she dreamed of for her daughter's future.

The City held better opportunities, more stable work, and more money for Peace's dreams of becoming a doctor. But none of that mattered to Peace at that moment. She just knew she did not want to go.

Still, she obeyed. Because her mother asked her to.

Because she always did.

Then came the day.

Peace returned from school, her backpack heavier than usual,not because of books, but because of the sadness weighing on her chest.

Anny greeted her at the door, her voice gentle:

"Go take your bath and get dressed. We are going to your aunt's place."

Peace frowned. Her heart sank.

She did not want to leave not today, not ever.

She didn't want to say goodbye to her grandma's wrinkled hands, her soft voice that always called her "my angel."

She did not want to let go of her uncle, whose laughter always filled their home.

And her friends,the laughter, the shared secrets, the comfort of belonging.

And deeper still was her quiet fear: Would I still be loved in this new place? Would anyone understand me there?

But she did not protest. She bathed. She dressed.

Her mother made a few calls, then spoke with Arit,Peace's grandma

and finally with her brother, Peace's uncle.

As they stood at the doorway, Peace looked around one last time. The walls felt like they were whispering goodbye.

She hugged her grandma tightly, her small arms trembling.

Then she turned to her uncle, tears streaming down her cheeks.

He bent down to her level, brushing her tears gently with his thumb.

"Don't cry, my Peace," he said softly.

I will come and see you every weekend, okay? You're not alone."

She nodded, choking back a sob, and wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace.

Then, without another word, they left.

Her mother's hand in hers, the road ahead waiting.

And behind her, a home full of love… slowly fading into memory.

After the dramatic events before their departure, Peace and her mother finally arrived in the big city.

They reached their destination

A modest but welcoming house.

Knock knock.

Anny knocked gently on the door.

A young, beautiful woman stepped out with a bright smile. It was Anny's sister,

Peace's aunt.

"Anny!" she exclaimed joyfully. "Oh my goodness, it's you! And this must be Peace!"

"Come inside, please!" she said, pulling them both into a warm embrace as she led them in.

Once they were settled inside, Anny said, "Peace, this is your big aunty,

Aunty Rose."

Peace smiled shyly, greeted her politely, and hugged her.

Just then, Aunty Rose's children entered the room.

Rose introduced them, and soon everyone was smiling and exchanging pleasantries. After a few more moments of laughter and conversation, the children returned to their activities.

They were given their room.

Anny turned to her daughter and said gently,

"Peace, my child, you have to understand we came here so you could have a better life.

Please, don't do anything that might get you into trouble with anyone."

She looked at Peace with concern, hoping her daughter would adjust well.

Peace nodded in agreement but hesitated before asking,

"Mum, what if the other children don't like me?"

Anny smiled reassuringly.

"They will," she said.

The next morning, Anny brought up the topic of school.

"Sister Rose," she began, "which school do you think would be good for Peace?"

Rose thought for a moment and replied, "Why not enroll her in the same school as my children? It's a good school, and she won't feel alone."

Anny hesitated.

I would love that, but I'm not sure I can afford the fees. I was thinking of a good private school that's a bit more affordable,

Something decent but not too expensive."

Rose nodded understandingly. "I understand. Don't worry. I will take you both on a tour of a few schools tomorrow. We'll find the right one for her."