what does peace feel like?

Keep your voice down

chapter 6

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I tightened my grip around the cake box.

Before I could say anything, Mum dropped her shopping bags on the table.

I looked at her.

“Mum…”

“What?”

I hesitated.

“I won an award today.”

She barely looked up.

“What award?”

“Prefect Award.”

Her eyes finally met mine.

For half a second, I thought she might be proud.

I smiled.

“I was called out in front of everyone. They gave me—”

“You didn't become the president.”

My smile disappeared.

I blinked.

“I know, but—”

“Then keep your voice down.”

I stared at her.

“But Mum, I—”

“Luna.”

That was enough.

My mouth closed.

She picked up one of the shopping bags and walked past me.

I stood there with my award still inside my bag.

The certificate suddenly felt heavier.

I looked toward my stepfather.

He hadn't said a word.

He just stood there, watching me.

I lowered my eyes.

Of course.

Why had I expected anything different?

I turned toward the stairs.

“Where are you going now?” Mum asked.

“My room.”

“Go.”

I climbed the stairs quietly.

But halfway up, I stopped.

I could still hear the laughter from earlier in my head.

The hugs.

The cake.

Afolabi's voice saying, We made it.

I reached into my bag and touched the edge of my certificate.

I had won something today.

Something I had worked for.

Something I should have been proud of.

So why did it feel like I had done something wrong?

I continued upstairs.

And behind me, downstairs...

Mum and my stepfather started talking in low voices.

I couldn't hear what they were saying.

But I didn't need to.

I already knew one thing.

Whatever happiness I'd brought home with me...

It wasn't welcome here.