er 2:

to's

ouse was as cold and dist

unfamiliar ceiling, the city noises

y beachfront cottage she had left

y that felt forced, It was as though the space itself was waiting to be filled, but

er father had lingered, trying to make conversation over dinner. He had asked

didn't trust whatever interest he was suddenly showing.As she to

r whispered encouragements about this "new chapter." But even

g and "Remember who you are"? The words felt heavier now, like

oke early, the pale light of da

rity in the night, but the

nite with her family; she c

tting at the kitchen ta

smile."Morning," he greeted, gesturing to a cup al

Lerato mumbled, sitting down and wrapping her hands a

mained silent, as though waiting for her

like you and Mom care much about my life at home."Her father's face tightened for a m

ward on the table."Lerato, it's...complicated,

all been a lot. We thought it would be best for you to be closer to us. To help with family..

nswer, her mother came into the room, her presence commanding as always. Dressed impe

or at least control every aspect of it."Oh, don't be dram

Lerato stared at her, biting back the retort she wanted to hurl. She k

n they were ready, but Lerato had

rced pleasantries. Her parents acted as though everything was norma

uld sense the tension, the way they avoided certain topics, the way he

to clear her mind from the strangeness of it all. She found herself walking thr

, lights flickered from towering buildings, and people moved with pur

ts of the city like a poor imitation of the sea. Lerato sat down on a bench,

ld understand.Just as she was about to leave, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, expecting another text fr

, her pulse quickening. She glanced around, as if someone might b

ly arrived, and Lerato knew she was a

asking herself "why did I even agree to be here? " what