The city looked different now.
Not because the buildings had changed.
But because Maya had.
---
She stood at the gate of the old compound—what once was the Adedeji Children's Foundation headquarters.
The building had been sealed by the government. Empty. Quiet.
Zara stood beside her. "They've approved the request."
Maya nodded. "Let's go in."
---
The inside was just as she remembered it—almost too much.
The echo of tiny footsteps. The scent of old paper and cold tile.
The staircase Femi once slid down with socks on.
The hallway where she first learned how to braid her hair.
The room where she was told he was gone.
Jordan appeared behind her, his hand lightly resting on her shoulder. "You sure?"
"I need this," Maya said. "To end it where it began."
---
They stepped into her old bedroom.
She opened the drawer she once carved her name into.
Inside was a tiny piece of paper—folded, yellowed by time.
It was a note.
Femi's handwriting.
"If you ever get out,
Don't forget to breathe for both of us.
I love you, Maya.
You were always the stronger one."
Maya sank to her knees.
For the first time in years, she let the tears come—
Not from pain…
But from release.
---
They walked through the rest of the building, collecting the few items that still held memory.
Photos.
A cracked keychain.
A worn-out storybook Maya used to read to the younger kids.
She held it close to her chest.
"This place was built on lies," she whispered, "but we'll rebuild it on truth."
---
Later that week, a press release went out:
"The Adedeji Children's Foundation has been dissolved.
In its place, a new center for healing, education, and protection will rise.
Founded and led by survivor Maya Adedeji, the new 'Femi House' will offer resources, counseling, and safe housing for victims of institutional abuse."
Donations poured in.
Volunteers signed up.
Zara became head of strategy.
Jordan helped build the logistics from scratch.
And Maya?
She sat on the board—not above anyone, but among them.
---
One evening, she sat under the stars on the new compound's rooftop.
Jordan joined her, placing a steaming mug in her hands.
"What's next?" he asked.
Maya looked at the sky.
Peaceful.
Open.
Endless.
"I think… I'll start living."