63

SIPHOSENKOSI LUTHANGO

Driving up the long familiar driveway to my parents' house, I feel a strange mix of nerves and warmth settle in my chest. The engine goes quiet when I switch it off, but inside me everything is still loud the thoughts, the memories, the reality of how much my life has changed in such a short time. From bright lights, loud concerts, cameras, and millions of strangers watching my every move… to this. To family. To responsibility. To a new life growing because of me.

I pull in a breath, straighten my jacket, and walk toward the house. The door is open, as always. My mother hates closed doors. She says they "block blessings." Today, it feels like the blessing is already inside.