CAN I REWRITE MY STAR?

Hazel, still tearful from a difficult morning, found the gentle downpour calming.

been expelle

s she called home. But today, the usually vibrant atmosphere was shrouded in grief. A s

: tragedy had struck her own doorstep. Hazel's heart skipped a beat as she rushed towards the commotion. She burst into the room, her eyes scanning the

nk, her thoughts frozen in shock. She tried to process the unbearable scene, but

ng into uncontrollable sobs. Hazel's eyes locked onto her mother's still f

om began to spin, darkness closing in. Hazel's knees buckle

___

lifeless, her sister Hazel unconscious, a spoon still clenched between her teeth. Outside, Mr. Akande, Pa Olu's eldest son and the compound's new landlord, addres

ars with Hazel's mother in the market as the

om is gone" she whispered,

oyin seller, snapped at Mama Nkechi, "Nooo! How is it

Bisi, not today. Show some respect." Iya Bis

one knows her family members, not even her children. God, why did this ha

deserve this! God,

nnah. She rushed to her mother's side, her voice

her face as she clutched her mother's lifeless body.

*

he somber preparati

ready for burial. The harsh reality of their poverty had

for the deceased. Hannah and Hazel stood numb, their minds reeling from t

azel's fragile composure shattered. A hea

a stark reminder of their loss, yawned open. As the sand poured into the grave, memories of their

from Hannah's grasp. Her eyes fixed on the disappearing figure, her hear

er's words: "One day when it's just you

the time. Now, the weight of those words crushed her. Hannah's grip

alone beside their mother's grave. They wrapped their

etween them was unbreakable. Their father had abandoned them seventeen years ago, when Hannah was just three and Hazel was still in the womb. Mrs. Williams had faced unimaginable

t. Mama Nkechi walks in with her daught

ght. Bring your sister inside." Mama Nkechi's g

one out here. She needs our company." Haz

ere was quite, making Hazel sniffing sounds

Don't try to convince us, please." Mama Nkechi sat beside them, her expre

ve to move on and become better people, ones your mom would

ay. You can't stay out here all night, you'll catch a cold."

el and I will go to our room now. Thank you so much."

tepped into their room, Hazel felt an unsettling emptiness. She drifted to th

ime to accept this. But I hope you've found rest and perfect peace. Thank you for everything you did for Hannah and me. We'

el. We'll make Mom proud," Hannah whispered, her voice cracking. The sisters stood the

**

nce of normalcy. She swept the compound with purpose, singing softly to herself. Hazel emerged fr

h asked, her tone firm. Haze

et vegetables for sale." Hannah

zel replied, feig

nah said, her voice

esitation confirmed Hannah's fears.

er voice barely above a whisper.

en?" Hazel's fake sm

one thinks I did it." Han

doesn't matter. No school will accept me now. And

I just now hearing about this? Shoul

k, Hannah. They all hate me." Hazel turned and walked out