Broken vows Mended hearts

walks to Mr. Peter's church were no respite from the Cruelty of School life, they were just another reminder of their poverty and powerlessness. Anna's fingers wer

s , those whose hollow cheeks and trembling hands stirred a sharp ache in her heart. She didnt have much to give,

rifice, and obedience. But this particular Sunday was different, As the girls lined up outside the school gates after their return, a polished black car pulled into the compound. Its wheels rolled with the arrogance of wealth and out stepped Mr Peter, filled with a group of finely dressed relatives. Their faces were ruddy with w

institution. That is not what this school was founded upon. These girls must learn discipline, above anything else. Life offers no comfort, and neither should w

he crowd, a small girl with bright, curly red h

rippled through the line of students . Many clutched at their braids and curls as if trying to protect a part of their dignity. Anna's chest tightened. Her

stomach

u. Girl. Where

ing anxiety over his arrival, she had

lef

at. "The mark of a liar

s girl is not only careless-she is deceitful. I was warned abou

filled her ears. She stumbled back slightly, but

unishment stool,"

of the yard. Anna climbed up with trembling legs, the cold wind slicing across her

achers alike, "this girl is to be observed but not engaged. L

tourage murmuring behind him, lea

d into her like a physical force, tightening her throat and burning behind her eyes. Her knees trem

e blur of faces,

he yard, arms folded under her apron.

sn't

solid

ady and sure, was like a flame in the darkne

na remained on the stool until the sun dipped low. She was

The other girls avoided her, just as they had been

iling, unsure if she

yes, a quiet rustle came

placed a piece of stale

Olivia's reaction

d completely, Olivia whis

that, she

t food. It was resistance. It was a whisper of fri

morrow would bring, but

ay-a scream that pierced the silence

bbing uncontrollably, her nightdress torn and her fee

right, heart

o

ward the door, even as teachers ye

a didn'

d to f