CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
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I'm having dinner with mother and the kids surely they've noticed something different about me today . She puts the kids to bed as soon they finish eating . Mother sits down besides me putting her gentle hand on my arm.
Her : what's wrong? You've been distant and preoccupied all evening. And what happened to your face? You have a bruise on your cheek.
lm unsure of how to share the traumatic events of the day. But mother's kind eyes and gentle tone put me at ease.
Me :Mom it's Kuda he showed up apologizing but he ended caused a scene when l told him lve made my mind about divorcing him . l managed to escape and got to tell the police what happened and they took him in . When l arrived at the station with the lawyer they told us he escaped .
Her :Oh, mwana wangu ( my child ) I'm so sorry. You must be terrified. Why didn't you tell me sooner?
l break down in tears, finally allowing myself to release the emotions lve been holding inside.
Me : I was scared... I didn't know what to do. But I'm trying to be strong for the kids.
she mother pulls me into a warm embrace.
Her : You don't have to be strong alone . I'm here for you. We'll get through this together.
My mother's words strike a chord deep within me.
Her : Don't let fear drive you .If Kuda is going to come for you, at least face him with dignity. You've done your best to fix your marriage, to escape when it was unbearable, and to protect your children. You've done everything you can.
I nod, she's right. I can't let him win. I can't let him take away my dignity, my self-respect.
Me : I won't, I won't let him win. I'll face him if I have to, but I won't run in fear.
mother's eyes shine with pride.
Her : That's my strong girl. You've always been a fighter . Don't let kuda take that away from you.
I take a deep breath . I'll face whatever comes next with courage and dignity. I'll protect myself and my children, no matter what.
I wake up feeling refreshed. Today is a new day, and I'm ready to take control of my life. I'm going job hunting, and I'm excited to start this new chapter.
I get dressed in my formal skirt and blouse, making sure I look professional and confident. I add a blazer to complete the look, feeling empowered and strong.
As I glance in the mirror, I notice the bruise on my cheek is still visible, but it's fading. I trace my fingers over it, relieved that kuda's marks are slowly disappearing. I whisper to myself "I am something without you, Kudakwashe" I smile, feeling a sense of liberation.
I grab my handbag and head to the kitchen, where I find breakfast waiting for me. My mother and the kids have already left for the day, but they've left me a sweet note and a full plate. I feel grateful for their love and support.
I take a bite of my breakfast, savoring the taste and feeling a sense of hope. Today is a new day, and I'm ready to face it head-on. I'm ready to find a job, to build a new life, and to leave kuda and his abuse behind me.
I finish my breakfast, feeling energized. I wonder where I could start looking for a job as a nanny, and then I remember my nanny's certificate. I decide to take a taxi and start knocking on doors, hoping to find a family who needs a nanny.
I stop at a beautiful house and buzz the doorbell. A woman in a cleaner's uniform appears, looking tired and overworked. We greet each other, and I ask if she knows of any nanny positions available. She looks at me with a sympathetic smile and says
"I'm afraid I do the cleaning and child minding for this family. But good luck with your search!"
I thank her and move on to the next house. Before I press the buzzer, I say a silent prayer,
"Please let this be the one. Please let me find a loving family who needs me."
I take a deep breath, steady my nerves, and press the buzzer. The door opens, and a young woman appears at the door, looking stressed.
A child wails in the background, and my heart goes out to them. I sense a connection, a feeling that this is where I'm meant to be.
"Who are you and what are you looking for?"
the young woman asks glancing at her watch.
"Make it quick, I'm late for work."
I'm taken aback by her haste, wondering how she plans to leave the child behind. But I compose myself and explain that I'm looking for a nanny job.
her expression changes from annoyance to surprise.
"For real?" she asks, eyeing me skeptically.
I nod, and she doesn't hesitate. She opens the gate and thrusts the crying child into my arms.
"Get to work already! His cries are making me crazy!"
I'm shocked, but I quickly regain my composure. I soothe the child, trying to calm his cries as the young woman rushes out, leaving me in charge.
I look down at the little one, feeling a sense of purpose wash over me. This is it. This is where I'm meant to be. I'll make sure to take good care of you, little one.
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