Trials Of Thelma: Unbroken

Not Again!

"Thelma, where's the money?" Mom demanded, her voice sharp and angry.

Confused, I looked at her. "What money, Mom?"

"Don't play dumb with me!" she shouted. "The money I left in my wardrobe is gone. Where is it?"

I felt a knot form in my stomach, dread filling my heart. I hadn't taken any money. "Mom, I didn't take your money. I don't even know where you keep your money."

She didn't believe me. Her eyes narrowed, and she stepped closer. "You're lying!" she screamed, and before I could say anything else, her hand came down hard across my face.

The slap stung, and I stumbled back, my cheek burning. "Mom, please, I didn't take it," I cried, tears filling my eyes.

But she was beyond reason when she got angry to the point of hitting me. She grabbed a cane from the corner of the room and started flogging me with it. Each strike was sharp and painful, leaving marks on my skin. I cried out, trying to shield myself with my arms, but she kept hitting me.

"You ungrateful child!" she yelled, her voice full of rage. "After everything I do for you, this is how you repay me?"

"Mom, please stop," I begged, but she didn't listen. She kept hitting me, over and over, until I was sure I couldn't take it anymore.

Then she grabbed me by the hair and slammed my head against the wall. The impact left me dizzy, and I felt a sharp pain in my skull. She did it again and again, until I thought I might pass out.

Finally, she let go of me and stepped back, breathing heavily. "This will teach you not to steal again" she yelled.

I collapsed to the floor, all parts of my body throbbing with pain. I could barely move, and tears streamed down my face. I couldn't understand why she hated me so much. Was it because I am the first child? Why does she love my brothers more than me? I felt like a slave in my own home, always serving others and getting nothing but cruelty in return. Why can't she see that I am doing my best?

As I lay in bed, nursing my wounds, I wished more than ever for the day I would leave for university. I wanted to escape my mother's wrath, to find a place where I could be free from her harsh words and brutal beatings. I knew that day would come, but it couldn't come soon enough.

****************************

A few days later, my friend Blessing came to visit. We have not been going to classes anymore since we were done with exams. She was my classmate and one of the few people I could talk to about anything.

"Thelma, what happened to you?" Blessing asked as soon as she saw me. Her eyes were wide with concern.

I sighed, trying to smile through the pain. "It’s nothing. Just the usual, she accused me of stealing from her."

"Wow... You are not one to steal from anyone" she said. "My mum also flogged me the other day because I broke a plate while washing," she added.

"Anyway, are you ready for graduation?" she asked, changing the subject. "Can you believe we’re almost done with high school?"

"I can’t wait," I said. "I had to practically beg my parents to pay the graduation fee."

We spent the next few minutes discussing hairstyles and clothes. I wanted to go with braids while Blessing was thinking of straightening her hair. It was a nice distraction from my troubles.

****** Graduation Day*******

The day of graduation had finally arrived. I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down my beautiful coral gown. My hair was styled beautifully with my braids adorned with small, colorful beads that clinked softly as I moved.. My mom insisted on helping me get ready, which was a rare moment between us.

“You look beautiful, Thelma,” she said softly, her eyes reflecting a mix of pride and sadness.

“Thanks, Mom,” I replied, surprised by her gentle tone.

The school hall was a sea of parents, students, and teachers, all gathered to celebrate this milestone. Balloons and streamers adorned the walls, and a large banner reading "Congratulations Graduates!" hung above the stage. There was the murmur of excited conversation everywhere you turned.

I quickly found my seat among my classmates. I spotted Blessing waving at me from across the room. She was beaming, her hair was styled simply, pulled back into a sleek ponytail. I waved back, feeling a rush of gratitude for her friendship and also sad that we would be going to different colleges.

The ceremony began with the principal’s speech, a long-winded but heartfelt address about our journey through high school and the bright futures that awaited us. I glanced at my parents in the audience. My dad, Dominic, sat with a proud smile, while my mom’s usually stern face had softened into an expression of genuine pride.

Then came the moment I had been both dreading and eagerly anticipating—" The Award Presentations." My name was called multiple times, and each time I walked up to the stage, I felt a mixture of disbelief and joy. I received awards for academic excellence, leadership, and community service.

When I stepped onto the stage to receive my final award, the principal smiled warmly at me. “Thelma has been an exemplary student, and we are proud to announce that she has already secured admission to a prestigious college. Her dedication and hard work have truly paid off.”

The applause was deafening. I looked out into the crowd and saw my parents standing, clapping with beaming smiles. My dad had tears in his eyes, and my mom looked happier than I had ever seen her.

After the ceremony, there was a small party in the school hall. Tables were laden with snacks and drinks, and students and parents mingled, sharing congratulations and taking photos. My dad approached me, holding a small, wrapped box.

“This is for you, my dear,” he said, handing it to me. “I’m so proud of everything you’ve achieved. You didn't disappoint us.”

When I got to open the box at home, it turned out to be a brand-new phone. It was the latest model, something I had never expected to own. I was so happy, and I hugged my dad tightly. “Thank you, Dad. I now have my own phone.”

My mom, not to be outdone, had prepared my favorite meal for dinner. As we sat around the table that evening, the atmosphere was filled with joy and laughter. My brothers, always eager to tease me, were on their best behavior. For once, we felt like a normal, happy family.

In that moment, surrounded by my loved ones, I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness and accomplishment. I allowed myself to bask in the warmth of this rare moment.

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“Thelma wake up, I need to talk to you,” she began, her voice softer than usual.

I sat up, rubbing my eyes. “What is it, Mom?”