Chapter 3: Rising Again

By TeeNami Writes

The morning sun poured softly through the window, lighting up the room where Grace sat feeding her daughter. It had been six months since Peace was born, and every sound the baby made seemed to paint new colors into their once dull home. Grace had changed. Her laughter had returned, her eyes brighter than before, but there was also something deeper a quiet strength that hadn’t been there before. The kind that only comes after pain. Mr. James watched her sometimes from the corridor, pretending to be busy. He’d stand with his hands behind his back, eyes proud but distant. He didn’t say much words weren’t his strength but Grace could see love in his silence.

One Saturday morning, while Danielle was at school and Peace napped peacefully, Grace approached her father in the living room. Daddy, she said softly, I want to go back to school. He looked up from his newspaper, his brow lifting slightly. School? Yes. I want to finish what I started. I can’t just sit at home doing nothing. I want Peace to grow up and be proud of me. Mr. James stared at her for a while, then nodded slowly. It won’t be easy, he said. You’ll need to balance studies and motherhood. I know, Grace replied, determination glowing in her eyes. But I’ll do it. For myself. For her. He folded the newspaper carefully. Then I’ll support you, he said, a faint smile touching his lips. Your mother would’ve been proud. Danielle had always been the cheerful one full of jokes and bright ideas but lately, she’d been distant. One evening, while Grace folded baby clothes, she noticed her sister sitting by the window, staring into space. What’s wrong? Grace asked.

Danielle sighed. People in school keep talking, Grace. About you. About Peace. They say our family is cursed, that no one can stay happy.

Grace froze for a moment, then slowly smiled. Let them talk. Words don’t define us. Danielle looked at her, puzzled. You’re not angry? No, Grace said, tucking a small dress into a drawer. Anger gives them power. We already have what they don’t our baby peace. Literally. Danielle couldn’t help but laugh. It was the first time she’d laughed in days. That night, she wrote in her journal: If my sister can still smile after everything, then maybe strength really runs in our blood. Two months later, when Grace resumed classes, life got harder. She’d attend lectures in the morning, rush home in the afternoon, feed Peace, and study late into the night. There were days she wanted to give up when Peace wouldn’t stop crying, or when she couldn’t keep up with assignments. But every time she felt weak, her father was there. Quietly. Always watching. Sometimes he’d wake up at midnight, find her sleeping on her books, and place a blanket over her shoulders. Other times, he’d carry Peace when she was crying, whispering softly, little one stop crying let your mummy read, our princess is the best. Even Danielle began helping more washing, cooking, singing lullabies. The family had learned to move together like a small orchestra, each one filling the silence with care.

One evening, as they sat eating dinner, a postman arrived. He handed a brown envelope to Mr. James.

Grace froze when she saw the handwriting it was familiar. Her heart raced as her father opened it slowly and began to read. It was from Mike the man who had left her behind. The letter was long, filled with apologies and stories of regret. He wrote about how he was too young, too scared, and how every night he wondered if Grace and the baby were safe. He said he wanted to come back, to take responsibility, to see his daughter. Mr. James read the letter quietly, then passed it to Grace It’s your choice, he said simply.

Grace read it with trembling hands. When she finished, she looked up, tears rolling down her cheeks but this time, they were not of pain. She folded the letter neatly and placed it beside her plate. Daddy, she said, voice steady. I forgave him long ago. But I’ve moved on. Peace and I already have everything we need. Her father smiled a real smile this time, one that reached his eyes. That’s my daughter. Danielle clapped her hands dramatically. She said our baby peace give you joy. Everyone burst into laughter. Even baby Peace giggled in her chair, waving her tiny hands like she understood.

That night, as the house grew quiet, Mr. James sat on the veranda, looking at the stars. He thought about his late wife, his daughters, and the baby who had brought life back into their home. He whispered softly into the night air, Thank you for giving me strength.

Inside, Grace looked at Peace sleeping soundly and smiled. For the first time in years, she didn’t feel broken she felt whole.

To be continued Thanks for reading ,Don't forget to follow for more