Chapter Ten
603 Words
A Line Crossed, A Door Opened
Life in the big house in Accra was beginning to settle—
At least on the surface.
Afia had slowly learned the routine.
Wake early.
Work quietly.
Avoid trouble.
Stay invisible.
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But not everything could be controlled.
Especially not Evans Matey.
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Since his return from Achimota School after his suspension, the atmosphere in the house had changed.
It felt heavier.
Unpredictable.
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One afternoon, Afia was alone in the kitchen, washing plates.
The house was unusually quiet.
The maids had stepped out.
Eva was in her room.
Mrs Matey had gone out.
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Afia worked quickly, humming softly to herself.
Then—
Footsteps.
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She froze.
Slow… deliberate footsteps.
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“Working hard as always,” a voice said from behind.
Her heart dropped.
She knew that voice.
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Evans.
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Afia didn’t turn immediately.
“Yes…” she replied quietly.
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He stepped closer.
Too close.
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“You don’t talk much, do you?” he said, leaning slightly beside her.
Afia moved a little away.
“I… I have work to do,” she said.
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Evans chuckled.
“You’re different from the girls I know,” he said. “Quiet… scared…”
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Afia’s hands began to shake.
“I’m not scared,” she said softly.
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He leaned closer.
“Really?” he whispered.
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That was the moment.
Something inside Afia reacted.
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She dropped the plate and stepped back quickly.
“I said I have work to do!” she said, her voice stronger this time.
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Evans paused.
Surprised.
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Then he laughed.
“Relax,” he said, raising his hands slightly. “I was just playing.”
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But Afia knew better.
That wasn’t play.
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Just then, a voice came from the doorway.
“Evans!”
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It was Eva Matey.
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Her face was serious.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
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Evans straightened.
“Nothing,” he replied casually. “Just talking.”
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Eva didn’t look convinced.
“Stay away from her,” she said firmly.
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There was a brief silence.
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Evans smirked.
“You’re overreacting.”
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But he walked away.
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Afia stood still, her heart racing.
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Eva rushed to her side.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
Afia nodded slowly.
“Yes…”
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But inside—
She was shaken.
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That moment changed something.
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Afia realized that this house…
Was not entirely safe.
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But just when fear began to grow—
Something unexpected happened.
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That evening, Mr Matey called her.
“Afia,” he said warmly, “I have good news for you.”
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Afia stood quietly.
“Yes, sir?”
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“I have enrolled you in a school here in Accra,” he said.
Afia blinked.
“School…?”
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“Yes,” he smiled. “You will start next week.”
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Afia couldn’t believe it.
Her heart began to race—
But this time…
With hope.
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“Thank you, sir…” she whispered, her eyes filling with tears.
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“You deserve it,” he said.
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That night, Afia sat on her bed, holding the thought tightly.
School.
Books.
A future.
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But her mind drifted back to the kitchen.
To Evans.
To that moment.
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Hope and fear…
Now lived side by side in her heart.
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And as she lay down to sleep, she knew one thing—
This new life was giving her a chance.
But it was also testing her strength in ways she never expected.
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✨
- Writer
