The next morning, Rachel seems more determined. She's decided to stay with her godmother, and I can see the resolve in her eyes, as we help her pack her bags, Sophia and I chat with her about everything from her favorite books to her plans for the future. Rachel smiles, and for a moment, I see a glimmer of the person she used to be before all this happened.
As Rachel prepared to leave, I and Sophia walked her to the door, our faces somber. Rachel turned to us, her eyes brimming with tears. "Thank you for everything," she said, her voice cracking. I and Sophia hugged her tightly, holding her close as we whispered words of encouragement. "We'll miss you so much," Sophia said, her voice shaking. I added, "But we'll be here for you whenever you need us. Don't hesitate to reach out." Rachel nodded, her eyes streaming with tears as she hugged us back. "I'll never forget what you've done for me," she whispered. As we pulled back, i handed her a small package. "Take this with you," i said. "It's a little something to remind you that you're not alone." Rachel smiled weakly, tucking the package into her bag. With one last look at us, she turned and walked out the door, leaving i and Sophia to watch her go with heavy hearts.
I turn to Sophia, and we share a look of sadness and concern. We know that Rachel has a long road ahead of her, but we're proud of her for taking this step towards healing.
Watching Rachel leave, I am transported to that faithful night, I'm ten years old again,I remember the day like it was yesterday. My parents and I were playing hide and seek, they hid me in the wardrobe, telling me to stay quiet and to wait for them to find me. I counted to one hundred, expecting them to burst in and scoop me up in a big hug, but the minutes ticked by, and there was only silence. I waited and waited, my heart beating faster with every passing moment. Finally, I couldn't bear the suspense anymore. I slowly opened the wardrobe door, expecting to see my parents grinning at me, ready to say "Gotcha!", Instead, I saw two strangers staring back at me. They looked confused and unsure of what to do with me. They put me back in the wardrobe and left without a word. I waited for what felt like forever, my mind racing with questions. Why weren't my parents coming for me? Why were those strangers looking at me like I was a puzzle they couldn't solve? When I finally emerged from the wardrobe, I was met with a sight that would haunt me forever. My parents lay on the floor in a pool of their own blood, their bodies lifeless and still. I shook them, screaming their names, but they didn't respond, their voices silenced forever.The world around me came crashing down, and I was left alone, scared, and confused. That game of hide and seek turned out to be the last time I'd ever see my parents. I kept crying trying to get my mum or dad to respond but I failed, I ran to get our housekeeper and cook, I made my way to the kitchen only to find them in the same state as my parents, I went outside to find or gardener and security but they all layed unmoving and unresponsive, I needed to wake mama and papa, then I remembered my favorite uncle Benedict, I used to home phone to call him, barely able to make a coherent sentence, I kept screaming while crying, mama and papa are not waking up, Uncle Ben, they are not waking up, please come wake them come, they are not waking up, they are not talking to me. I screamed until my voice was hoarse, Uncle Ben, please come, please come wake mom and dad. I was convinced he would rush to my side,wake them up and make everything okay. I imagined the warm smiles and comforting hugs of my parents, however when the door burst open it was not just Uncle Ben, there was also Aunt Mary, Elizabeth, her husband Uncle John and the police. The officers spoke softly, asking me questions, taking notes. I felt a mix of relief and confusion. Why were the police here? And why wasn't Uncle Ben or anyone else trying to wake mum and dad, when I asked, the two officers with their expressions a mix of sadness and concern. I felt a knot in my stomach as the tall officer began to speak, his voice was gentle but the words cut deep. We are so sorry to have to tell you this, but….your parents were shot. They didn't survive it. I felt like I had been hit by a ton of bricks, my world crumbling around me, the words hung in the air refusing to sink in. My relatives closed in around me, murmuring words of comfort, Aunty Mary wrapped her hands around me, while Uncle Ben placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. The police officers nodded sympathetically, their eyes filled with compassion,then they shorter officer asked the question that hung in the air like a challenge. "Now that your parents are gone, we'll need to figure out who's going to take custody of you."
My relatives exchanged uneasy glances, their faces a mask of reluctance. Nobody spoke up, nobody volunteered. It was like I was a burden, a problem to be solved.
The officer sighed, his expression sympathetic. "It looks like we'll have to consider foster care or a group home for you."
I felt a lump form in my throat as the reality of my situation sank in. I was alone, and my own family didn't want me. The thought of being taken away from everything I knew was terrifying. As soon as they finished speaking and turned to leave, the atmosphere shifted, my relatives faces changed, their eyes hardening. The warmth and concern vanished, replaced by cold, accusing gazes. I felt a chill run down my spine as they began to speak their words filled with venom.
I turned to Uncle Benedict, hoping he'd offer some comfort or explanation, but instead, he avoided my gaze, his eyes drifting away as he looked out the window. The cold stares from the other family members intensified, and I felt like I was drowning in their disdain.
"Look at the predicament she's brought upon our family," one of them muttered, their voice low but venomous.
I felt a pang of hurt and confusion. Why were they reacting this way? I thought they'd be there for me, offer support and love. Instead, they seemed to blame me for something I didn't even understand. Uncle Benedict's silence was deafening, and I wondered if I'd ever find solace in my own family again.
You are on your own now, Aunt Mary said, her voice devoid of warmth.
Their words stung. Where was the love? The support? What happened to Uncle Ben? I thought they'd be my safe haven, but instead they blamed me, more tears began to flow as I realized I was alone in this. The image of my parents lifeless flashed in my mind. I stumbled backwards, my legs weak as I tried to shake off the memories, but they're relentless. My friend's voice cut through the haze. Hey, are you okay? She asked, concern etched on her face. I forced a smile, trying to hide my turmoil inside. I'm okay, i said, hoping she believed me. She looked at me skeptically, but nodded and suggested we head back inside.
If there was a peculiar trait about Sophia amongst others, I would say it was her ability to read people, the way she looked at me said she knew I was not okay however she would not pressure the issue out of me, and when I am ready she will be there for me, in truth I am lucky, not only did I find a friend, I also got a roommate and sister, a confidant, someone to rely on, but for now, the past hours has been a lot for us and we both need to get rest, I will definitely tell her my story but some other time.
I took her hand, following her, trying to leave my demons behind.