g for

ed in her sister's house was through scrawled notes and jumbled ideas, which filled the pages. Although each item was a minor release,

piness, even if Ada, her devoted sister, seemed like the logical choice. Ada believed that Kunle was impenetr

ty stood in sharp contrast to Amaka's reserved manner. Maybe she could confide in her, but she was still afraid of

es' commotion, they took a seat beneath a big mango tree. Tayo touched Amaka's arm after

"Tayo, I must share with you something

axed. "Amaka, you may t

and the terror that overcame her whenever they were by themselves, she spoke softly and

in an emotional voice. "Why didn't you inform m

Amaka confessed, "I was afraid." "

raced Amaka tightly. And I'm so sorry that you

time in weeks. It was enough to give he

trustworthy teacher or counselor at school and urged her to keep a journal of everything Kunle di

d to make that move. Still, she felt less exposed with Tayo at her side. She had the stre

d as they made their way home one afternoon. Yo

ntrating on little accomplishments, like avoiding Kunle's path, doing well in school, and enjoying her fr

ars," in her journal one evening while she was sitting in her room

om done. She came to recognize that asking for assistance made her brave, not we

thoughts-her only outlet for the silent pain she endured in her sister's home. Each entry was a small release, but it was

couldn't bear the thought of shattering her sister's happiness. Kunle's charm and reputation made him

gy a stark contrast to Amaka's quiet demeanor. Perhaps she could confide in her, but the fear of being ju

tree, away from the chatter of their classmates. Tayo noticed the tension in Amaka's expr

"Tayo, I need to tell you something

concern. "You can tell me

trembling as she recounted Kunle's advances and the fear that gripped her every time they

ce filled with emotion. "Why didn't you tell me s

ars streaming down her face. "I di

a into a tight hug. "And I'm so sorry you've ha

glimmer of relief. Someone believed her,

ing Kunle did and even suggested speaking to a trusted teacher or counselor at school. "You n

take that step yet. Still, having Tayo by her side made her feel less vulnerable. The kno

ayo said, "You deserve to feel safe, Amaka. Yo

small victories-staying out of Kunle's way, excelling in her studies, and finding joy in her friend

l and wrote a simple sentence: "I am stronger than my fears.

unwavering support. She realized that seeking help didn't make her weak-it made her