THROUGH HER LENS

ew long, angular patterns of morning light across pristine oak floors. The scent of eucalyptus drifted

ws and bookshelves that whispered affluence, - Ethan sat at the edge of his king-sized bed, His feet res

avy blazer folded neatly on the armrest of a nearby accent chair. His tie lay across his lap, untouched.

start of something new - a new universit

rial University. He got accepted. He remembered the weight of that acceptance letter, how it carried centur

turned

he passive-aggressive silence and razor-sharp smile type. She was the kind of mother who could freeze the air in a room with her si

ed elitism. He didn't want a curated life. He wanted something closer to real. It was a

roke the silence. He

ge from

❤

up and a heart emoji. Her

ponding. Typical. Always curate

btle gold of his watch-a gift from Chloe for his 21st. He ste

end of his heritage - British poise from Chloe, depth and warmth from his Nigerian father. He look

not to his classes, not to textbooks or schedules. But to people. Just curious – what kind of people would be at Cambradge? What would this new school b

ich, familiar sound of Sasha humming a gospel tune. Warm, steady. Comforting. She always humme

of 3 children but always on time. She had lived in London for over three decades and spoke with a precise blend of East Afric

ul PR consultant, always flying between cities. Constant meetings, back-to-back flights, charity boards. Always with perfect hair and a perfect alibi for

he liked his eggs. The one who gave him space to breathe without ever letting him dr

. He had come to London on a diplomatic trip, met Chloe, and left behind more than political handshakes. The man had visited

ed. Chloe never complained - the money kept her comfortable. Independent. But it never softened the distanc

clear - crystal clear - from the time he could understan

t containment. So no, family wasn't something Ethan boasted

his tie and slippe

airs came S

r breakfast, or

faintly.

EN -

oes, and plantains-Sasha's subtle way of adding African touch to his English breakfast. Sasha moved around the kitchen in her usual rhythm, wearing an Ankara

lied, pressing a kiss to h

to his seat. "Today is not

ed, but not slow either. There was always an unspoken ease between h

she asked, po

om

rvo

lit

You? You're more prepare

e lectures I'm worried

"Just be yourself, and don't forget y

backpack and headed for the fron

he said, sensi

ime," she replied. "S

d. "You s

ou lov

BMW 5 Series Sedan, jet black, polished like obsidian. A silk ribbon was loo

n it. But he did: "Congrat

e,

nd, the envelope flutteri

him, blinking at the

She must've had it deliv

ng to dr

latly. "I alrea

htly older but still spotless, sat off t

ed it into his jacket poc

just smiled faintly and sai

wil

- ON T

r and sound, like a painting still dr

n the background. He liked mornings like this. Q

ere familiar. The sky was that washed-out London

han

t afraid of

of his life navi

ed for was

f Cambradge - would allow him