WHEN THE RAIN STOPS FALLING.

EPISODE 6:GLIMMER OF SUNRISE

The relentless haze of struggle slowly began to part, revealing a fragile beam of hope on the horizon. Life still held its burdens, but now there were moments that shone like small, defiant embers amid the darkness—moments that told me a better future was possible.

One crisp autumn morning, as the golden light crept across our modest kitchen, I received an unexpected visitor. A flyer delivered by a kind neighbor announced a community business fair—the kind of event where aspiring entrepreneurs showcased their ideas and collaborated on projects. It wasn’t just about commerce; it was a beacon for those like me, eager to rewrite their stories. I clutched that flyer tightly, feeling as though it carried a promise of new beginnings.

Over the following weeks, I plunged into preparations. Late nights became filled with brainstorming sessions, endless sketches, and the planning of a small venture that could eventually support Oyinye and me. I revisited old dreams—ones I had long buried under layers of grief and survival—and dared to believe they were still attainable. My heart ached with excitement at the thought of nurturing something that was wholly mine, born of both struggle and newfound courage.

At work, the pace continued to be demanding, but a change had come over me. I was no longer the woman swallowed by grief; now, every achievement felt like a stepping stone. My supervisor’s encouraging words and a newfound respect from colleagues boosted my confidence. They noticed the transformation—a subtle yet powerful shift in my presence, from a survivor to an innovator on the cusp of something extraordinary.

In quiet moments after Oyinye’s lullabies lulled her to sleep, I would sit by my window and dream aloud. I pictured the business, a blend of creativity and practicality, where challenges met innovative solutions. The overwhelming pressure of the past was still there, but it was gradually giving way to determination and a spark of pride in my own resilience.

That glimmer of hope, fragile as it was, became the cornerstone of my journey—a reminder that even in the coldest winters of despair, a single spark can set the world ablaze with possibility.